Soft and Fluffy Potato Bread Rolls Recipe

 If you're a fan of soft, pillowy bread, potato bread rolls are about to steal your heart. These rolls are incredibly tender, enriched with the natural creaminess of potatoes, and are perfect for any occasion—be it a family dinner, a holiday feast, or just an accompaniment to your favorite soup or salad. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make at home and will rival anything fresh out of a bakery.

Below, you'll find a detailed recipe that walks you through every step, helping you achieve perfect rolls every time. Your kitchen is about to smell heavenly, so let's get started!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for about 12 potato bread rolls:

• 1 cup mashed potatoes (from about 1 medium potato; peel and mash well)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C, to activate yeast)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons olive oil (for greasing the bowl)

Optional:

• Softened butter or honey for slathering on the rolls
• Sesame or poppy seeds for garnish

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake perfect potato bread rolls:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. If needed, boil your potato until fork-tender, mash it thoroughly, and allow it to cool completely. You want it smooth with no lumps.
2. Combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to go.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potato, melted butter, and beaten egg. Mix until smooth. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, or until it becomes soft, smooth, and elastic.
5. Lightly grease a mixing bowl with olive oil, place your dough inside, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Shape the Rolls

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release excess air.
2. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased baking dish, leaving some space in between for them to expand.
3. Cover loosely with a towel and allow the rolls to rise again for about 30–45 minutes, or until they are puffed up.

Step 3: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Once the rolls have risen, brush the tops with melted butter for a golden finish. If desired, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds for a decorative touch.
3. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the rolls from the oven and brush them with a little extra butter for added richness (optional but so good). Serve warm with your favorite accompaniments.

Tips for Success

• Use mashed potatoes wisely: Avoid overly wet mashed potatoes. If they're too watery, the dough might become sticky.
• Don’t skip the second rise: The second rise ensures your rolls come out light and airy.
• Check for doneness: A thermometer inserted into the center of a roll should read 190°F (88°C) when done.

Serving Suggestions

Potato bread rolls pair beautifully with everything from hearty soups to holiday roasts. Slather them with butter, jam, or honey for a breakfast treat, or use them as a base for mini sandwiches. They’re also perfect for soaking up gravy or stew!

Once you bake these comforting potato bread rolls, you'll find it hard to share—they’re just too good to resist. Enjoy baking and even more, enjoy every buttery bite!