There’s something magical about a warm, soft roll fresh out of the oven, and these fluffy potato rolls take that comfort to a whole new level. Made with mashed potatoes, they are incredibly soft, light, and tender, offering just the right balance of flavor. Whether you’re enjoying them for dinner, packing them into lunchboxes, or using them as slider buns for a party, these potato rolls are sure to impress.
If you’re looking for an easy, comforting, and delicious recipe that the whole family will love, look no further. These rolls are not only a crowd-pleaser, but they are also super versatile and can be enjoyed with a variety of meals. Best of all, they’re freezer-friendly and can be made ahead for those busy days when you need a quick snack or side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These potato rolls are light, fluffy, and practically melt in your mouth. They are not just any bread rolls; they have that irresistible potato softness, thanks to the mashed potatoes. Here’s why these rolls deserve a spot in your baking rotation:
- Ultra-soft and tender: The mashed potatoes make these rolls pillowy soft with just the right amount of fluffiness.
- Ideal for any occasion: Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a holiday meal, or as mini sandwich buns, these rolls are perfect for every meal.
- Long-lasting freshness: These rolls stay fresh and soft for days, making them an excellent make-ahead option.
- Kid-friendly: They are gentle on the palate and perfect for little ones—whether as a side or as part of a fun sandwich.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
The secret to these rolls lies in the mashed potatoes. They add moisture and tenderness that make these rolls unique. Plus, this recipe is incredibly flexible—you can experiment with different flavors like garlic, herbs, or even cheese! It’s one of those recipes that you can easily adjust to your preferences, and they’ll still come out delicious.
What sets these potato rolls apart from others is how incredibly fluffy they turn out. When you break them open, the soft, pillowy texture practically invites you to take another bite. You can use them as dinner rolls, slider buns for burgers, or even for making sandwiches the next day—so many possibilities!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make these delicious, fluffy potato rolls:
- 1 cup mashed potatoes (plain, with no added butter or milk)
- 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F/45°C)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or one packet)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour (you may need slightly more or less, depending on the humidity)
For brushing the rolls after baking:
- Melted butter (for that gorgeous golden finish)
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Making these fluffy potato rolls is easier than you might think. You don’t need a stand mixer to pull this off—just your hands and a little time.
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This ensures that the yeast is activated and will help your rolls rise beautifully.
- Mix the ingredients: Once the yeast is activated, add the mashed potatoes, softened butter, eggs, and salt to the bowl. Stir everything together until well combined. This is where the magic happens—the mashed potatoes add richness and moisture.
- Add flour gradually: Begin adding the flour, one cup at a time, stirring it in as you go. Continue until you have a soft dough that starts pulling away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the dough: Lightly flour your surface and knead the dough for 6-8 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth, elastic, and just slightly tacky to the touch.
- Let it rise: Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough gently to release the air. Divide it into 24 equal portions (or fewer if you prefer larger rolls). Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30-60 minutes until they’re puffy and ready for the oven.
- Bake to golden perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the rolls for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top.
- Brush with butter: Once they’re out of the oven, brush them with melted butter to enhance that golden color and add a rich flavor.
- Serve and enjoy: These potato rolls are best served warm, but they’re delicious at room temperature too. Enjoy them as a side, in sandwiches, or just with a pat of butter.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t rush the rise times: The dough needs to rise twice—this is what gives the rolls their soft, airy texture. Be patient!
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to ensure the dough comes together smoothly.
- Proper kneading: Kneading is key to developing the dough’s structure. Don’t skip this step, or you’ll end up with denser rolls.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
One of the best things about these fluffy potato rolls is how adaptable they are. Here are a few easy substitutions and variations:
- Whole wheat version: For a healthier twist, substitute up to 50% of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Garlic and herb rolls: Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs to the dough for a savory touch.
- Cheese-stuffed rolls: Add a cube of cheddar or mozzarella inside each dough ball before baking for a cheesy surprise.
- Sweet potato rolls: You can swap out regular mashed potatoes for sweet potatoes for a unique flavor and color.
- Vegan option: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg substitute to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Serving Suggestions
These potato rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served with just about anything! Here are a few ideas:
- As a side to soup or stew: These rolls are perfect for dipping into creamy soups, stews, or chili.
- Sandwich buns: Their softness makes them ideal for sliders or mini sandwiches.
- Holiday meals: Serve them at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other special occasion—they’re always a hit!
- With butter and jam: For breakfast or brunch, these rolls are delicious with a dollop of butter and a spoonful of your favorite jam.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
- Drinks: These rolls pair well with a variety of drinks like sparkling water, iced tea, or even a light white wine if you’re having them with dinner.
- Sides: Serve alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
These rolls are incredibly easy to store and reheat, making them perfect for meal prep!
- Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to stay extra soft, you can wrap them in a clean towel before storing.
- Reheating: To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or wrap them in foil and heat them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. They’ll taste just as fresh as when they were first baked!
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
These rolls are ideal for making ahead:
- Make ahead: You can refrigerate the dough after the first rise and shape the rolls the next day. Allow them to rise again before baking.
- Freezing: Freeze the rolls after baking, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overflouring the dough: This can lead to dense rolls. Only add enough flour to make a soft, slightly sticky dough.
- Under-kneading: Make sure to knead the dough long enough (about 6-8 minutes) to develop the gluten and achieve that perfect fluffiness.
- Not giving the dough enough time to rise: Don’t rush the rise times. The dough needs to double in size to get the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make potato rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough after the first rise and shape the rolls the next day. Just let them rise before baking. - Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Fresh mashed potatoes are best, but in a pinch, instant mashed potatoes can work too. Just make sure they’re unseasoned. - Why are my rolls dense?
Dense rolls usually result from adding too much flour or under-kneading the dough. Make sure your dough is soft and elastic before shaping.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or greased baking dish
- Clean kitchen towel
- Stand mixer (optional, but not necessary)
- Oven
These fluffy potato rolls are truly the best of both worlds—comforting, delicious, and easy to make. Once you try them, you’ll want to bake them again and again. Perfect for any meal, they’re bound to become your new favorite roll recipe!
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!
Fluffy Potato Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed potatoes (plain, no added butter or milk)
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add mashed potatoes, softened butter, sugar, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 24 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover the rolls and let them rise for 30–60 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the rolls for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush warm rolls with melted butter before serving.
