Sweet Potato Rolls

The smell of freshly baked bread has a way of making any house feel like home, but when that bread is Sweet Potato Rolls, the experience becomes even more special. With their golden-brown crust and irresistibly soft interior, these rolls are a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving them as a side for a comforting dinner or enjoying them warm with a smear of butter, they bring a touch of sweetness and warmth to the table.

I still remember the first time I made Sweet Potato Rolls for my family’s holiday dinner. My grandmother, who had been baking bread for decades, took one bite and nodded approvingly. “These taste like love,” she said with a smile. That was all the encouragement I needed to make them a staple in my kitchen. Over the years, I’ve tweaked and perfected the recipe, ensuring a balance of rich flavor, fluffy texture, and just the right amount of sweetness. Now, I’m excited to share this recipe with you so you can create your own warm, buttery memories.

Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Rolls

• Soft and Fluffy Texture – The addition of mashed sweet potatoes gives the rolls a pillowy softness.
• Subtle Sweetness – A slight sweetness enhances the flavor, making them a perfect pairing for savory dishes.
• Easy to Make – With straightforward steps, even beginners can master this recipe.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prepare them in advance and store them for later use.
• Versatile and Customizable – Pair them with cinnamon butter, honey butter, or serve them plain.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sweet Potato Rolls

First: Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your ingredients and tools.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 medium sweet potato (about 250–290g), peeled and chopped
• 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F
• 2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1/3 cup (113g) honey, divided
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 5 tablespoons (71g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 and 3/4 teaspoons salt
• 5 and 1/2 cups (715g) bread flour (spooned and leveled)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter and flaky sea salt for topping (optional)

Tools Needed:

• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer (optional)
• Baking dish (9×13 inches)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry brush

Second: Making the Dough

1. Prepare the Sweet Potato: Boil the peeled and chopped sweet potato for about 10–12 minutes until soft. Drain and mash until smooth.
2. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
3. Mix the Dough: Add the remaining honey, eggs, butter, mashed sweet potato, salt, and 1 cup of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
4. Knead the Dough: Gradually add the remaining flour and knead for about 5 minutes until a soft dough forms.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

For a delicious main course to pair with your rolls, check out this Easy Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe, which makes a comforting and satisfying meal.

Third: Shaping and Baking

1. Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into 20 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.
2. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes.
3. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.
4. Finishing Touch: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Looking for another hearty dish? Try this Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe for a slow-cooked, comforting dinner that pairs perfectly with these rolls.

Tips for Making the Best Sweet Potato Rolls

• Use Bread Flour: It creates a chewier, more structured roll.
• Don’t Over-Knead: Overworking the dough can make the rolls tough.
• Check Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but manageable.
• Bake on a Lower Rack: Prevents the tops from browning too quickly.
• Let the Rolls Cool: The flavors develop even more after cooling slightly.

For an easy and flavorful side dish, consider this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet, which complements the sweetness of these rolls beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Sweet Potato Rolls

• Using Too Much Flour: Adding excessive flour can make the rolls dense.
• Skipping the Yeast Proofing Step: Ensures the yeast is active and will make the dough rise properly.
• Not Allowing Enough Rise Time: A rushed rise leads to dense rolls.
• Overbaking: Watch the oven closely to prevent dryness.

FAQs About Sweet Potato Rolls

Q: How do I make sweet potato rolls healthier?
A: Substitute whole wheat flour for half of the bread flour and use a natural sweetener like maple syrup.

Q: Can I freeze sweet potato rolls?
A: Yes! Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Conclusion

These Sweet Potato Rolls are the perfect blend of soft, fluffy texture and slightly sweet flavor. Whether for a holiday feast or a casual dinner, they’re guaranteed to impress. Try them out and let us know how they turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow bread lovers!

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