Simple Recipe Potato Rolls You Will Absolutely Love!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly cooked, cooled to room temperature)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter , melted (plus more for brushing)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
• 1 large egg , beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3–3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

For Brushing:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast . Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes , until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates the yeast is active.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes , melted butter , sugar , and beaten egg . Mix until smooth.
2. Add the yeast mixture to the potato mixture and stir to combine.
3. Gradually add the salt and flour , one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the flour—stop when the dough is no longer sticky but still soft.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

1. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes , until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if needed to prevent sticking.
2. Form the dough into a ball.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

1. Lightly grease a large bowl with butter or oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides.
2. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1–1.5 hours , or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

1. Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (or more for smaller rolls). Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan or on a baking sheet, spacing them evenly.

Step 6: Let the Rolls Rise Again

1. Cover the shaped rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes , or until puffy and nearly doubled in size.

Step 7: Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Bake the rolls for 15–18 minutes , or until golden brown on top.
3. Remove from the oven and brush the tops generously with melted butter for a soft, buttery finish.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. They’re perfect warm, straight from the oven, but they also store well for a few days.

Tips and Variations

• Mashed Potatoes: Use plain mashed potatoes without added butter, milk, or seasoning for best results. Leftovers work great!
• Make Ahead: Prepare the dough up to the first rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Shape and bake the next day.
• Herb Rolls: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the dough for savory rolls.
• Sweet Rolls: Increase the sugar to 1/3 cup and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for sweeter rolls.
• Freezing: These rolls freeze beautifully. Store them in an airtight bag or container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Why You’ll Love These Rolls

• Soft and Fluffy Texture: The mashed potatoes keep the rolls incredibly tender and moist.
• Versatile: Pair them with soups, salads, sandwiches, or enjoy them plain with butter.
• Homemade Goodness: These rolls taste far superior to store-bought and are surprisingly easy to make.