Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe

If you have been craving a bread that feels like a warm hug and carries the vibrant richness of autumn, then this Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. These rolls are soft, tender, and subtly sweet, thanks to the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes which add beautiful color and moisture to every bite. Perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, or whenever you want fresh-baked bliss, these rolls are surprisingly easy to make and truly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients brings these rolls to life, creating a balance of flavor, texture, and that inviting golden color. Each element has a role in making these rolls fluffy and delicious.

• 3 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes: The star ingredient that infuses moisture, natural sweetness, and a tender crumb.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps keep the rolls soft and flavorful.
• ¾ cup milk: Brings creaminess and helps activate the yeast for perfect rise.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds structure.
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• ⅓ cup warm water: Essential for yeast activation to make the dough rise beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Fuels the yeast for that fluffy texture and adds subtle sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that makes the dough rise light and airy.
• 4 to 4½ cups bread flour: Provides structure and chewiness, adjusted to get the perfect dough consistency.
• Melted butter (optional): For brushing the tops when warm, adding shine and extra flavor.

How to Make Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Start by boiling 6 cups of water until it begins to bubble up and add the diced sweet potatoes. Let them cook for about 10 minutes or until they are tender and ready to mash. This step helps break down the potatoes for a silky smooth texture in your dough.

Step 2: Mash with Butter

Drain the sweet potatoes and begin mashing them right away. Toss in the softened butter and continue mashing until fully combined. This buttery addition enriches the potatoes, setting the base for tender rolls.

Step 3: Mix in Milk, Egg, and Salt

Pour in the milk and keep mashing until the mixture is nearly smooth. Stir in the egg and kosher salt, then set this flavorful sweet potato mixture aside to cool for about 10 minutes. Cooling is key to keep the yeast happy in the next steps.

Step 4: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Cover with a clean towel and give the yeast about 10 minutes to wake up and get foamy. This bubbly stage means your rolls will have the perfect rise.

Step 5: Combine Sweet Potato Mixture and Yeast

Mix the cooled sweet potato mash into the activated yeast until smooth and uniform. This creates a beautiful dough base that’s as aromatic as it is colorful.

Step 6: Add Flour Gradually and Knead

Start working in the bread flour one cup at a time, stirring until the dough becomes too stiff to mix. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes, adding flour sparingly to avoid tough rolls. Kneading develops gluten, giving these rolls their perfect chewiness.

Step 7: Prepare Dough for First Rise

Clean any leftover dough from the bowl and grease it well. Shape the kneaded dough into a ball, tuck the edges under to create surface tension, and place it into the greased bowl. Cover with a towel, setting it in a warm place to rise until it doubles in size, about one hour.

Step 8: Shape and Second Rise

Once risen, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and divide the dough into 16 equal balls, roughly 3 ounces each. Place them neatly in the pan, cover, and allow to rise again for 30 minutes. This second rise ensures those amazing fluffy rolls we love.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F about 10 minutes before baking. Pop your risen rolls in and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the tops turn light golden and spring back when gently pressed. This final step is where the magic really happens!

Step 10: Finish with Butter and Serve

Let the rolls cool for 15 minutes, then brush the tops with melted butter for that irresistible glossy look and melt-in-your-mouth richness. Your Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe is now ready to wow everyone!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

While these rolls are delightful on their own, a light brush of melted butter straight from the oven elevates them beautifully. For a touch of herbaceous flair, sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary or thyme on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls pair wonderfully with hearty soups, stews, or roasted meats. Imagine dipping these soft, subtly sweet rolls into a creamy butternut squash soup or alongside a roast chicken dinner — comfort food dreams come true.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these rolls in a rustic bread basket lined with a cozy kitchen towel to keep them warm. For gatherings, arrange them on a wooden board with small bowls of herb butter or honey butter nearby for guests to enjoy with ease.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any rolls left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and moist, so you can enjoy that fresh-baked feel even later.

Freezing

Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months, ready to thaw and reheat whenever you crave them.

Reheating

To bring the rolls back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave individually for 15 seconds, then brush with melted butter for that freshly baked charm.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes can work in a pinch, but fresh boiled and mashed sweet potatoes tend to give better texture and flavor to these rolls.

What if my dough is too sticky?

Add flour carefully, little by little during kneading. Too much flour will make the rolls tough, so it’s best to keep the dough slightly tacky but manageable.

How do I know when my yeast is active?

After mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast, give it about 10 minutes. It should become frothy and bubbly on the surface if the yeast is alive and kicking.

Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Since these rolls rely on bread flour for structure, gluten-free flour blends will require modifications and likely additional binding agents, so it’s not a straightforward swap.

Why does the dough need two rises?

The first rise develops flavor and gluten, while the second rise after shaping ensures the rolls are fluffy, tender, and light once baked.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the recipe and all the tips, I encourage you to dive in and bake this Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe at your next meal. They add that warm, homemade touch that turns any dinner into a celebration. Once you try these tender, flavorful rolls, I promise they’ll become a staple on your table, perfect for sharing with loved ones and creating memories one bite at a time.

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