Sweet Potato Rolls Recipe

This easy Sweet Potato Rolls recipe is made with all-purpose flour, mashed sweet potatoes, yeast, butter, and honey. The result is a soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet dinner roll, creating a perfect accompaniment to a holiday meal or a cozy weeknight dinner. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and makes enough for a large family, about 12-16 rolls.

Sweet Potato Rolls Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups warm whole milk
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato, cooled
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 4-4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Melted butter for brushing (optional)

How To Make Sweet Potato Rolls

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, honey, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and active.
2. Mix the dough: Once the yeast is foamy, add the mashed sweet potato, egg, and salt to the bowl. Stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should be soft and slightly sticky but should not stick to your hands.
4. First rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12-16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll.
6. Second rise: Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise for a second time, for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have nearly doubled in size.
7. Bake the rolls: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. For an extra touch of flavor and shine, brush the tops with melted butter immediately after removing them from the oven. Serve warm.

Recipe Tips

• Mashed Sweet Potato: Make sure your mashed sweet potato is fully cooled before you add it to the dough. If it’s too warm, it could kill the yeast and prevent the rolls from rising.
• Flour Amount: The exact amount of flour you need can vary based on the humidity and how much moisture is in your sweet potatoes. Start with 4 cups and only add more if the dough is too sticky to handle.
• Warm Place for Rising: A good place for your dough to rise is in an oven with the light on. The warmth from the light creates the perfect environment for the yeast to work its magic.
• Kneading: Don’t skip the kneading step. This is what develops the gluten, giving the rolls their light, airy texture. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook to make this process easier.

What To Serve Sweet Potato Rolls

These fluffy sweet potato rolls are a classic side dish for any hearty meal. They are an essential part of a holiday spread, pairing perfectly with roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib. For a weeknight dinner, they are wonderful served with a cozy stew or a large salad. You can also slice them open and use them to make mini sandwiches with leftover pulled pork or chicken salad.

How To Store Sweet Potato Rolls Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover sweet potato rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to store them longer, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freeze: To freeze, wrap the cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and then reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes to freshen them up.

Sweet Potato Rolls Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 195 kcal
• Total Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 17mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 34g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 5g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer? Yes, you can absolutely make these rolls by hand. The kneading process will take a bit more effort but is easily done on a floured surface. You can use a wooden spoon to mix the initial ingredients before turning the dough out to knead.
• What kind of sweet potatoes should I use? Any type of sweet potato will work, but the best are the ones that are naturally sweet and moist. Canned sweet potato puree can also be used, but make sure it is pure sweet potato and not a pie filling.
• My rolls didn’t rise. What went wrong? The most likely reason for this is that your yeast was not active. This can happen if the milk was too hot or if the yeast was old. Always check the expiration date on your yeast and ensure the milk is no warmer than 110°F (43°C).

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• Sweet Spicy Smokey Roasted Almonds Recipe
• Sweet Soul ‘Taters Recipe
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