Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here from Grill Drip, and I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes: Sweet Potato Rolls! These aren’t your average dinner rolls; they’re soft, pillowy clouds of deliciousness with a hint of sweetness that elevates any meal. Get ready to turn ordinary dinners into something truly special.
My journey with these Sweet Potato Rolls started with a quest. I wanted to create a dinner roll that was both comforting and packed with flavor. I was tired of boring, bland bread! These Sweet Potato Rolls were born from that desire.
One late night, after a little too much experimenting (as usual!), I stumbled upon the perfect combination. I thought, “Why not add sweet potato?” And let me tell you, the results were mind-blowing. The sweet potato adds a subtle sweetness and moisture that makes these sweet potato bread rolls irresistible. I knew I had struck gold!
I’m all about comfort food with a twist. These Sweet Potato Rolls are no exception. They’re easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for any special occasion. So, grab your aprons, and let’s get baking! Prepare for a flavor adventure that will leave you craving more.
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Sweet Potato Rolls ingredient list is all about creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savory. You can grab everything during your normal shopping trip.
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium sweet potato)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
This Sweet Potato Rolls gets its amazing taste from the natural sweetness of the sweet potato and a touch of butter. I love adding a pinch of cinnamon for that extra warmth!
No worries if you don’t have fresh sweet potato. I’ve used canned sweet potato puree in a pinch, just be sure to drain any extra liquid. For a bold flavor boost, try using brown butter instead of regular melted butter. This will give your sweet potato dinner rolls a nutty and rich flavor.
Here’s my secret that takes it from good to incredible: a little bit of honey in the dough. It enhances the sweetness and makes the rolls extra soft.
For storage, these homemade sweet potato rolls are best enjoyed fresh. But you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them extra fresh, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge, then just reheat before serving.
Let’s Make Some!
This is my favorite part of making Sweet Potato Rolls – watch the magic happen! These steps are written like we’re cooking together in my kitchen. I promise, it’s easier than you think!
- First, let’s proof the yeast. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to work its magic. This step is critical, so don’t skip it!
- Next, add the melted butter, mashed sweet potato, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well until everything is nicely combined. Your sweet potato bread rolls are coming to life!
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet. You might not need all the flour, so add it gradually. I find that using 3 3/4 cups of flour makes the soft sweet potato rolls perfectly soft and light.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. This is where the magic starts happening! Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. In my kitchen, this usually takes about an hour. Don’t rush this step! A good rise is key to those soft, fluffy sweet potato rolls.
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round roll. Your sweet potato dinner rolls are really starting to take shape!
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy. While your yeast rolls sweet potato are doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Your sweet potato rolls should smell absolutely incredible right now!
- Remove the rolls from the oven and brush with melted butter. Let them cool slightly before serving. This step adds a beautiful sheen and extra flavor to your sweet potato rolls.
This is my favorite part of making sweet potato rolls and they are ready to enjoy. They should be a beautiful golden brown, soft, and irresistibly delicious! Don’t worry if your Sweet Potato Rolls looks slightly imperfect, they are homemade with love!
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Sweet Potato Rolls hits the table with a generous slather of honey butter. But seriously, these rolls are so versatile!
I love serving these sweet potato rolls warm with a drizzle of honey or a pat of butter. They’re perfect alongside a hearty soup like my Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup. They also make amazing sliders! Just slice them in half and fill them with your favorite sandwich fillings.
This Sweet Potato Rolls is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! They’re also a fantastic addition to holiday meals or potlucks. For a bold flavor pairing, try serving them with pulled pork or BBQ chicken. The sweetness of the rolls complements the smoky flavors perfectly.
For presentation, I like to arrange the homemade sweet potato rolls in a basket lined with a cloth napkin. Sprinkle them with a little sea salt for a rustic touch.
And what about leftovers? If you happen to have any (which is rare!), these soft sweet potato rolls make amazing bread pudding. Just cube them up, soak them in a custard mixture, and bake until golden brown. It’s a delicious way to use up any extras.
For a fusion twist, try adding a sprinkle of Everything Bagel seasoning on top before baking. It adds a savory element that balances the sweetness perfectly. These yeast rolls sweet potato can also be brushed with maple syrup instead of butter after baking. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for a sweet glaze on the sweet potato rolls.
FAQs:
I’ve been experimenting with Sweet Potato Rolls for a long time, so I’ve learned a thing or two along the way. Here are some common questions I get:
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Sweet Potato Rolls?
Absolutely! This recipe is very straightforward. Just follow the steps carefully, and you’ll be enjoying warm, delicious Sweet Potato Rolls in no time. Even if you’ve never baked bread before, I believe in you!
What if I mess up my Sweet Potato Rolls?
(Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!) Seriously, even if they don’t look perfect, they’ll still be delicious. Baking is all about experimenting and learning. If they’re a little flat, they’ll still be tasty. If they’re a little dense, they’ll still be comforting. And if they are truly a mess, just crumble them into breadcrumbs and use them for something else!
How can I prep this Sweet Potato Rolls for busy weeknights?
You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just punch it down in the morning and let it rise again before shaping and baking. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl Recipe.
Can I use a stand mixer to make these sweet potato dinner rolls?
Yes! Use the dough hook attachment and mix on low speed until the dough comes together. Then, knead for 5-7 minutes on medium speed until smooth and elastic. This recipe from Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls – Handle the Heat also uses the mixer.
Can I freeze these homemade sweet potato rolls?
Yes! Once baked and cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a warm oven.
What kind of sweet potato should I use?
Any kind of sweet potato will work! I prefer using garnet or jewel sweet potatoes because they have a richer flavor and a vibrant color, but you can find more information at Moist And Fluffy Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe (+VIDEO).
Why are my yeast rolls sweet potato dense?
This could be due to several factors. Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. Also, don’t add too much flour. The dough should be slightly sticky. Over-kneading can also cause dense rolls, so be careful not to overwork the dough.
CONCLUSION:
These Sweet Potato Rolls bring me so much joy because they’re a simple pleasure that elevates any meal. The taste testing results have been overwhelmingly positive – my family requests them every holiday!
My Sweet Potato Rolls Flavor Secrets:
- A touch of honey in the dough for extra softness.
- Browning the butter for a nutty, rich flavor.
- Brushing with melted butter after baking for a beautiful sheen.
I’ve experimented with so many variations of these sweet potato rolls. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Potato Rolls: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking. Perfect for a sweet treat. You can find cinnamon roasted sweet potatoes recipe here.
- Everything Bagel Sweet Potato Rolls: Add a sprinkle of Everything Bagel seasoning on top before baking. Great for a savory twist.
- Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Rolls: Brush with maple syrup instead of butter after baking. Delicious with breakfast or brunch. I found Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls – Sally’s Baking helpful for a similar variation. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for these sweet potato rolls.
Trust your taste buds and get creative! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings. This Sweet Potato Rolls recipe is just a starting point. Let me know what you come up with!
I’m so excited for you to try these Sweet Potato Rolls and create some delicious magic in your own kitchen. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and enjoying the process. Happy baking, fellow food lovers!
Sweet Potato Rolls
These soft and fluffy sweet potato rolls are naturally sweet and incredibly tender. They’re the perfect addition to any holiday meal or weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato, cooked and cooled
- 1/2 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
- Add sweet potato, sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may not need all of the flour.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball and place in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter immediately after removing from the oven.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the rolls with a simple powdered sugar glaze after they’ve cooled slightly.