If you adore fluffy, tender bread with a unique twist, this Mashed Potato Rolls Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These rolls are incredibly soft thanks to the addition of creamy mashed potatoes that add moisture and a subtle richness that classic rolls simply can’t match. Whether you’re serving them alongside a comforting stew or packing them for a special holiday meal, these rolls have a perfect balance of buttery flavor and pillowy texture that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never want to go back to ordinary rolls again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something so wonderfully fluffy and delicious. Each component plays a key role, from the instant yeast giving the rolls their lift, to the mashed potatoes ensuring that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Instant yeast: Activates quickly to create a light and airy dough without any fuss.
- Warm water: Perfect temperature to wake up the yeast without killing it.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle touch of sweetness to complement the buttery flavor.
- Large eggs: Add richness and help bind the dough together.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Softened butter: Adds that luscious, creamy mouthfeel that makes every bite indulgent.
- Mashed potatoes: The star ingredient that ensures these rolls stay moist and tender long after baking.
- Flour: Forms the structure for the rolls and keeps them light when mixed just right.
How to Make Mashed Potato Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Bloom the Yeast
Start by adding warm water, sugar, and instant yeast to a large bowl. Give it a gentle stir to mix and then let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll see the yeast foam up—that’s a sign it’s perfectly active and ready to work its magic in your dough.
Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Once the yeast is bubbly, it’s time to add the eggs, salt, softened butter, and mashed potatoes. Stir these ingredients gently until everything is combined into a creamy, smooth mix. The mashed potatoes not only add flavor but make your dough wonderfully moist.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Next, incorporate the flour into the mixture. Use an electric mixer with a dough hook or a sturdy wooden spoon to bring the dough together. The dough will be wet and a bit sticky, which is exactly how it should be for that perfect tender crumb.
Step 4: First Rise
Cover the bowl lightly with a clean towel or plastic wrap and set it aside in a warm spot. Let the dough rise for about 90 minutes or until it doubles in size. This slow, patient rise is key to developing great flavor and texture.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop out the dough and roll each portion into smooth balls. Place two rolls in each well of a greased muffin tin for a cute, pull-apart effect once baked.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the rolls lightly again and let them rise for another 90 minutes. They will puff up beautifully, nearly doubling in size once more.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for about 20 minutes until they turn a light golden color and are cooked through. Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly so they’re warm but not too hot to enjoy.
How to Serve Mashed Potato Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
These rolls are delicious on their own, but for a little something extra, try brushing the tops with melted butter right after baking and sprinkling with flaky sea salt or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to elevate the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Mashed Potato Rolls are a dream partner to hearty meals like beef stew, roast chicken, or creamy soups. Their pillowy texture is the perfect vehicle for dipping or mopping up your plate’s delicious sauces.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve these rolls warm in a decorative basket lined with a cozy cloth napkin. You can also slice them open and fill with ham and cheese for an impromptu slider sandwich that will wow your guests at brunch or dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They stay soft thanks to the mashed potatoes but are best enjoyed fresh for that tender, fluffy experience.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully. Once cooled completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months, ready to be thawed whenever you need a quick bread fix.
Reheating
To refresh frozen or leftover rolls, warm them in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes wrapped in foil to lock in moisture. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave with a damp paper towel works great for a soft, warm bite.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of leftover mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Cook and mash potatoes ahead of time, then cool them completely before adding to the dough. Using leftover mashed potatoes is convenient and adds some extra flavor that’s perfectly seasoned.
What type of flour works best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour is ideal because it provides just the right amount of gluten for a soft, tender crumb. You can experiment with bread flour if you want a slightly chewier texture, but keep an eye on hydration.
Do I need any special equipment to make these rolls?
No special tools are required! While a stand mixer with a dough hook can make kneading easier, you can mix and shape the dough by hand with just a wooden spoon and your hands.
How do I know when the dough has doubled in size?
Doubling means the dough will look visibly puffed up and nearly twice its original volume. It should feel airy and soft when you gently press a finger into it.
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
This recipe relies on gluten for structure, so it’s not easily adapted to gluten-free flours without significant modifications. However, experimenting with a blend designed for yeast breads might work if you’re up for a challenge.
Final Thoughts
Making these Mashed Potato Rolls Recipe brings a little magic to your homemade bread game with their soft texture and rich flavor. They are perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a delicious, comforting roll that stands out. Give this recipe a try and prepare to fall in love with the fluffiest, most buttery rolls you’ll ever bake.
Print
Mashed Potato Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 rolls
- Category: Bread, Dinner Rolls
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fluffy mashed potato rolls that combine tender mashed potatoes with a slightly sweet yeasted dough. These rolls are perfect for dinner side dishes or sandwiches, featuring a light texture and golden crust after baking.
Ingredients
Yeast Mixture
- 2 1/2 tsp instant yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/3 cup sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp salt
- 6 Tbsp softened butter
- 1 cup mashed potatoes (leftover, cooled)
Dry Ingredients
- 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water (not hot), sugar, and instant yeast. Stir gently to combine.
- Bloom yeast: Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast blooms and becomes frothy.
- Add wet ingredients: Add eggs, salt, softened butter, and mashed potatoes to the yeast mixture. Stir gently to combine.
- Add flour: Incorporate 4 1/4 cups of flour using an electric mixer with a dough hook attachment or a wooden spoon. Mix until dough just comes together. Expect a wet dough.
- First rise: Cover the bowl lightly with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm spot. Let the dough rise for 1 ½ hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape rolls: Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out dough and roll into balls.
- Place in pan: Grease a muffin tin. Place two dough balls into each muffin cup. Repeat until all dough is used.
- Second rise: Cover the filled muffin tin lightly and let rise again in a warm place for 1 ½ hours or until doubled.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20 minutes or until lightly golden and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Allow rolls to cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Use leftover mashed potatoes for best texture; ensure they are cooled before adding.
- Do not use hot water as it can kill the yeast; warm water is ideal for activation.
- The dough is wet and sticky, so handle with lightly floured hands or use a scoop for shaping.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for chewier rolls.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
