Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls: 12 Amazing Bites

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Sweet potato dinner rolls have a way of making any meal feel special. I remember the first time I tried making homemade sweet potato rolls; the kitchen filled with a warm, comforting aroma that instantly made me feel cozy. The resulting rolls were incredibly soft, with a subtle sweetness and a beautiful golden hue that just begged to be buttered. They’re so much more than just a side dish; they’re a little taste of comfort that elevates everything from a weeknight stew to a festive holiday feast. Ready to bring this warmth to your table? Let’s bake some delicious sweet potato dinner rolls!

Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

These aren’t just any dinner rolls; they’re a little bit of magic for your table. Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:

Incredibly soft sweet potato dinner rolls
A beautiful, natural golden color
Subtly sweet and earthy flavor
They’re surprisingly easy sweet potato dinner rolls to make
Perfectly fluffy texture
A comforting aroma fills your home
Great for holidays or any weeknight meal
They pair wonderfully with almost anything

Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Ingredients

Gathering the right sweet potato dinner rolls ingredients is the first step to baking these delightful rolls. You’ll need:

1 cup mashed and cooked sweet potato – this is the star, giving them their color and moisture. Make sure it’s smooth!
4 cups all-purpose flour – forming the structure of our dough.
1 cup warm milk – activates the yeast and adds richness.
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter – for tenderness and a lovely flavor.
1/3 cup sugar – feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
1 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast – the magic leavening agent.
2 large eggs – for binding and extra richness.

Having all these on hand makes the process so much smoother, and the sweet potato is truly what makes these rolls so special. For more baking inspiration, check out our recipes section.

How to Make Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

Let’s get your kitchen smelling amazing with these delicious sweet potato dinner rolls! It’s a straightforward process, and the results are absolutely worth it.

Step 1: Start by cooking one cup of sweet potato until it’s very tender. You can bake it, boil it, or even microwave it. Once cooked, mash it until it’s completely smooth – no lumps allowed! This mashed sweet potato is key to our tender dough.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the 1 cup warm milk with the 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast and 1/3 cup sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for it to get foamy and bubbly, which means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on our sweet potato yeast rolls. Learn more about how yeast works to ensure success.
Step 3: Grab a large mixing bowl. Add your smooth mashed sweet potato, the melted 1/4 cup unsalted butter, the 2 large eggs, and the 1 teaspoon salt. Pour in that bubbly yeast mixture. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
Step 4: Now it’s time for the flour! Gradually add the 4 cups all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Mix it with a spoon or a dough hook attachment until a sticky dough starts to form. Don’t worry if it’s a bit sticky; that’s normal for these rolls.
Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth, elastic dough. You’ll feel it transform under your hands as you work.
Step 6: Lightly grease a large bowl. Place the kneaded dough inside, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 7: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 to 15 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a nice, round roll.
Step 8: Arrange the shaped rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them. Cover them again and let them have a second rise for about 30 minutes. This is where they get extra fluffy!
Step 9: While the rolls are doing their second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 10: Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. These sweet potato bread rolls are perfect for any meal!

Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

Want to guarantee perfectly fluffy sweet potato dinner rolls every time? I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that really make a difference:

Always use very smooth mashed sweet potato. Any lumps can affect the texture and make the dough harder to work with.
Resist the urge to add too much extra flour, even if the dough seems sticky. A slightly wetter dough often leads to a more tender and moist roll.
For an extra golden crust and amazing flavor, brush the tops with melted butter immediately after they come out of the oven.
Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. If it doesn’t foam up in the warm milk and sugar mixture, your rolls won’t rise properly. For more on baking science, explore the science behind yeast.

What’s the secret to perfect Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls?

The secret to the best sweet potato dinner rolls lies in the sweet potato itself, combined with not overworking the dough. The mashed sweet potato adds moisture and a subtle sweetness, while gentle handling ensures a light, airy crumb.

Can I make Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, punch it down, and then shape the rolls. Place them in the baking pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. For more tips on meal prep, visit our about page.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls?

A common pitfall is adding too much flour, which makes the rolls dense. Also, make sure your sweet potato is mashed very smoothly for the best texture. Finally, don’t skip the second rise; it’s crucial for achieving those fluffy rolls!

Best Ways to Serve Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

These delightful rolls are incredibly versatile and can truly enhance any meal. Their slightly sweet, earthy flavor makes them a fantastic accompaniment to a wide range of dishes.

For a classic comfort meal, serve them alongside hearty stews, chili, or pot roast. The rolls are perfect for sopping up those delicious savory sauces.
They are an absolute must-have for holiday gatherings. Imagine these on your Thanksgiving sweet potato rolls spread alongside turkey and all the fixings, or as part of your festive Holiday dinner rolls sweet potato selection.
Elevate your breakfast or brunch by serving them with scrambled eggs, bacon, or even as a base for mini breakfast sandwiches. A little butter and jam is also divine!

These rolls add a touch of warmth and color that makes any dining occasion feel more special. Learn more about our terms of use for more information.

Nutrition Facts for Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional goodness packed into each of these delicious rolls:

Calories: 180 kcal
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 150mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For questions about our data, please contact us.

How to Store and Reheat Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

Once your delicious sweet potato dinner rolls are baked to golden perfection, you’ll want to keep them fresh. Proper storage is key to enjoying them at their best. After they’ve cooled completely on a wire rack, place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This will help maintain their lovely soft texture.

Stored this way, these rolls should stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep your amazing sweet potato dinner rolls recipe on hand for longer, you can absolutely freeze them! Once cooled, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. For more details on food storage, consult resources like the FDA’s food safety guidelines.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat. For frozen rolls, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before gently warming them. You can reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through, or even pop them in the microwave for a quick 15-20 seconds. A quick brush of melted butter after reheating adds an extra touch of deliciousness!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

What are sweet potato dinner rolls?

Sweet potato dinner rolls are a type of yeast roll that incorporates mashed sweet potato into the dough. This addition gives them a beautiful golden-orange color, a tender crumb, and a subtle, natural sweetness. They’re a wonderful alternative to traditional dinner rolls, offering a bit more depth of flavor and a soft, slightly moist texture.

Why use sweet potato in dinner rolls?

Using sweet potato in your dough is a game-changer for texture and flavor! It acts as a natural tenderizer and adds moisture, which helps create wonderfully soft sweet potato dinner rolls. Plus, the sweet potato imparts a lovely color and a delicate, earthy sweetness that complements savory dishes beautifully, making them a favorite for holiday meals.

Can I use canned sweet potato puree instead of fresh?

Yes, you absolutely can! If you’re short on time, unsweetened canned sweet potato puree works perfectly as a substitute for fresh mashed sweet potato. Just make sure it’s pure puree and not pie filling, as that will have added sugars and spices. You’ll use the same amount, about 1 cup, for the recipe.

How do I get my sweet potato rolls to be extra fluffy?

To achieve those wonderfully fluffy sweet potato dinner rolls, ensure your yeast is active and that you allow the dough to rise sufficiently in a warm place. Don’t overwork the dough after the first rise, and give them ample time for the second rise before baking. This second proofing is crucial for that light, airy texture you’re looking for! Visit our home page for more baking tips.

Variations of Dinner Rolls You Can Make

Once you’ve mastered the classic sweet potato dinner rolls, you might want to experiment with different twists! These variations offer something for everyone, whether you have dietary needs or just want to try a new flavor profile.

Gluten-free sweet potato dinner rolls: For those avoiding gluten, you can substitute a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly, as gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently. The result is a wonderfully tender, gluten-free roll with that signature sweet potato goodness.
Vegan sweet potato dinner rolls: Making these rolls vegan is simple! Just swap the dairy milk for unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk, and replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil. The eggs can be replaced with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or a commercial egg replacer.
Savory Sweet Potato Rolls: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme, or a pinch of garlic powder to the dough for a savory twist. These are fantastic with soups and savory main dishes.

Exploring these variations means you can enjoy the deliciousness of sweet potato rolls no matter your dietary preferences or cravings! For more information about our site, please see our privacy policy.