These potato dinner rolls use mashed potatoes in a milk-and-butter yeast dough. Give the dough both rises and brush the shaped rolls with beaten egg before baking. The egg is a wash, not an ingredient mixed into the dough.
Recipe Details
- Yeast activation: 5–10 minutes
- Knead: 5–7 minutes
- First rise: 1–2 hours, until doubled
- Second rise: 30–45 minutes, until risen
- Oven: 375°F (190°C); bake until golden and cooked through
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and not hot
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup plain mashed potatoes, cooled
- ½ cup warm milk
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, beaten, for brushing
How to Make Potato Dinner Rolls
Activate the yeast and add potatoes
Whisk the warm milk, melted butter, sugar and yeast together. Rest for 5–10 minutes until foamy, then stir in the cooled mashed potatoes.
Mix and knead
Gradually add the flour and salt to form a dough. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Let the dough rise and shape
Place in a greased bowl, cover and leave for 1–2 hours until doubled. Punch down gently, divide into equal pieces and roll into balls. Arrange with room to rise in a greased baking pan.
Rise again and bake
Cover for 30–45 minutes until risen. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and brush the tops with the beaten egg. Bake until golden and cooked through in the centers; the roll size determines the time.
Cool slightly and serve
Remove carefully and let cool slightly before serving warm.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Measure 1 cup mashed potato directly, since potato sizes vary.
- Use cooled plain mash to avoid overheating the yeast or changing the seasoning.
- Shape equal pieces for even cooking.
- Keep the egg for brushing the tops.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Cool completely before wrapping. Freeze cooled rolls for longer storage and thaw before reheating gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the egg beaten into the dough?
No. The single egg is used as a wash on the shaped rolls.
How long do the shaped rolls rise?
About 30–45 minutes, until risen. Room temperature affects the exact time.