These soft and slightly sweet dinner rolls are a perfect complement to any meal, bringing warmth and comfort with every bite. The addition of sweet potato gives the rolls a beautiful golden hue and a tender, fluffy texture. The natural sweetness of the sweet potato pairs wonderfully with butter and a touch of honey or jam, making these rolls versatile enough for both savory and sweet pairings. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday dinner or a simple family meal, these Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium sweet potato)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sweet Potato: Pierce the sweet potato several times with a fork and microwave until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, peel and mash it until smooth. Set aside 1 cup for the dough.
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potato, melted butter, egg, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir until combined. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- Let it Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12-16 equal portions. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a greased baking sheet or in a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Final Rise: Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown on top. If desired, brush the tops with additional melted butter immediately after removing from the oven.
- Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy them with butter, honey, or as a side to your favorite meal!
