Fluffy Potato Dinner Rolls – Soft, Buttery, and Irresistible

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There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly baked dinner rolls, especially when they are soft, fluffy, and infused with the rich flavor of mashed potatoes. These homemade potato rolls are the perfect addition to any meal, whether it’s a holiday feast, a casual family dinner, or a comforting weekend brunch.

Mashed potatoes give these rolls an exceptionally tender texture, keeping them moist and airy while adding a subtle sweetness. Golden and buttery on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside, these dinner rolls will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ultra Soft & Fluffy: Mashed potatoes make these rolls extra light and tender.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Sunday dinners, or even a cozy breakfast.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, no fancy equipment needed.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared in advance for stress-free baking.
  • Versatile & Customizable: Add herbs, cheese, or garlic butter for extra flavor.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 cup mashed potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes, cooked and mashed)
  • 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F, to activate the yeast)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Egg Wash:

  • 1 large egg, beaten

Optional Toppings:

  • Melted butter for brushing
  • Sea salt or flaky salt
  • Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and yeast.
  2. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, until the yeast activates and becomes foamy.

Step 2: Add the Mashed Potatoes

  1. Stir in the mashed potatoes, ensuring they are well incorporated into the yeast mixture.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

  1. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  2. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour, but avoid adding too much to keep the rolls soft.

Step 5: First Rise

  1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

  1. Punch down the dough to release air.
  2. Divide it into 12-16 equal-sized portions and shape each portion into a smooth ball.
  3. Arrange the dough balls in a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll.

Step 7: Second Rise

  1. Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.

Step 8: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the rolls finish rising.

Step 9: Brush with Egg Wash

  1. Lightly brush the tops of the rolls with beaten egg wash for a shiny, golden finish.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

  1. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on top.
  2. Remove from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter for extra softness.

Serving Suggestions

These fluffy potato dinner rolls are delicious on their own, but they pair beautifully with:

  • Soups & Stews: Perfect for dipping into creamy soups or hearty stews.
  • Holiday Meals: Serve alongside turkey, ham, or roast beef.
  • Breakfast: Split them open and spread with butter, honey, or jam.
  • Sliders: Use them as soft buns for mini sandwiches.

Variations & Customizations

Garlic & Herb Rolls

  • Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon fresh chopped herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or parsley) to the dough.

Cheesy Potato Rolls

  • Mix in ½ cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a rich, cheesy flavor.

Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

  • Replace the mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, more colorful roll.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Storing Leftovers:

  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Instructions:

  • Freeze baked rolls by placing them in an airtight bag or container.
  • When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.

Make-Ahead Dough:

  • Prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and refrigerate them overnight.
  • The next day, allow them to come to room temperature and rise for 1 hour before baking.

Final Thoughts

These Fluffy Potato Dinner Rolls are the perfect balance of soft, buttery, and flavorful, making them an instant family favorite. Whether you’re serving them fresh out of the oven with melted butter or using them for sliders, they are guaranteed to impress.

Try this recipe for your next family dinner, holiday gathering, or weekend brunch and enjoy the irresistible taste of homemade, bakery-style potato rolls.

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