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Potato Dinner Rolls

Just out of the oven

Just out of the oven

Who wouldn’t want a soft, warm flavorful dinner roll with their Thanksgiving meal.I started making this recipe several years ago and it has become a staple on the Thanksgiving table. It’s a really simple recipe and is pretty much foolproof. Adding potatoes to a bread recipe is like magic, it results in a lovely soft texture. I make these the day of, the rise times are pretty long which works well for me since I am doing so many other things, first rise is 90 minutes and the second is about 2 hours. ย The recipe makes approximately 16 large rolls and they freeze well so bake them, wrap well and freeze. This recipe is from King Arthur Flour under the title Amish Dinner Rolls.

Ingredients:

2 Large eggs lightly beaten and at room temperature

1/3 cups sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons Butter at room temperature

1 cup unseasoned mashed potatoes

2 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast

3/4 cups potato water (from the potato you boil ) cooled to room temperature

4 1/4 cups all purpose flour

In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the dough hook combine all of the ingredients. Mix until the dough starts to leave the sides of the bowl, approximately 6 minutes. The dough should be smooth and shiny, its a very soft dough and you might be tempted to add more flour, don’t do it that is the way it is supposed to be. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turn the dough so that its coated with the oil. Cover the bowl in plastic wrap, then cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise until its doubled in bulk in a warm place for 90 minutes.

Ready for first rise

Ready for first rise

After almost 2 hours doubled in bulk

After almost 2 hours doubled in bulk

Once the dough has risen, remove from the bowl and on a lightly floured surface divide the dough into 16 pieces (if you want larger rolls like a sandwich roll you can make larger balls), each piece should be about the size of a handball. Gently roll the dough in your cupped hands until it forms a nice round ball.

Place the dough balls onto a parchment lined baking sheet leaving about 2 inches between each (You will have to use 2 sheet pans) Cover with well oiled plastic wrap and place a kitchen towel over them and let them rise again for 2 hours, the dough has risen sufficiently when you gently press with your finger and the indent stays. Alternatively you can refrigerate the dough balls overnight and continue the rise in the morning.

Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees.

After the rolls have risen for 2 hours place in your pre-heated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. They will be golden brown and when you tap them with your finger there will be a hollow sound. Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter,

69 Comments Post a comment
  1. Love that just-out-of-the-oven photo. I can just taste the warm goodness of these…

    November 26, 2013
  2. That looks so inviting! I tried making some bread last week….the yeast was obviously long past it’s due date, and they never rose. After two days of hoping they would turn into sourdough, I had to toss the dough out, finally. Have to approach your recipe with iron resolve ๐Ÿ™‚

    November 26, 2013
    • That would really be the only reason these rolls would not turn out, bad or expired yeast. These rolls are easy and delicious hope you give the a try!n Thanks so much.

      November 26, 2013
  3. You have been so busy! These look so light and fluffy and delicious – what a lovely idea putting mashed potato into the mix… ๐Ÿ™‚

    November 26, 2013
    • Thanks so much, the rolls are delish, I’m sure you could give them a makeover with your wonderful non wheat flours.

      November 26, 2013
  4. What a great recipe, this is a keeper! Even though I’m insecure about bread & dough making I had good luck with your pizza dough recipe and would love to try this as well first chance. The rolls in the top photo look so nice and soft and truly inviting. YUM!

    November 26, 2013
    • The rolls really are delicious, you must try they are so easy to make. Thanks so much Azita.

      November 26, 2013
  5. Potato rolls are a weakness of mine around the Holidays, I just can’t eat one… yours look great! Wishing I could steal a few. ๐Ÿ™‚

    November 26, 2013
    • Mine too, I am glad the recipe makes 16 because there is built in portion control. Thanks Pamela and Happy Thanksgiving.

      November 26, 2013
  6. Wow, that’s looks so yummy, especially after I’ve been through my illness all week, I felt hungry now, maybe I will try this recipe later! ๐Ÿ™‚

    November 26, 2013
    • They are yummy, I hope you are feeling much better and if you decide to give them a try that you like. Thanks so much.

      November 26, 2013
  7. LOVE this!! I can’t wait to try them… my mom is notorious for burning the rolls every year, something that we never let her live down!! …I think I’m going to amaze everyone with these rolls on Thursday!! โค She'll be so jealous!! Lol…

    November 26, 2013
    • They will love them. If I didn’t make them every year I’m afraid my family would stage a coup. They are soft and flavorful, and simple to make. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving.

      November 26, 2013
  8. Oh my those look amazing and soft Suzanne. I love rolls and it’s been sooooo long since I had one! Adding the mashed potatoes is an awesome idea! I can just smell then right now! ๐Ÿ™‚

    November 26, 2013
    • Oh yes, they really are delicious. The Amish really know their way around bread.

      November 26, 2013
  9. I would love one of your rolls Suzanne! Beautiful, golden and hot out of the oven please!

    November 26, 2013
  10. Gorgeous, Suzanne! Potatoes add so much moisture, texture and flavor to breads. Your rolls are quite tempting! I wish I could pluck one out of your photo. Happy Thanksgiving to you!

    November 26, 2013
  11. Suzanne, I love these!!! I love potato rolls and yours look delicious!
    Looks like your Thanksgiving dinner is going to be FABULOUS! ๐Ÿ™‚

    November 26, 2013
    • The rolls are great, thank you. Yes I do hope dinner will be fabulous and everything turns out well, I’ve had my share of disasters on Thanksgiving.

      November 26, 2013
  12. What pretty, pillowy rolls!

    November 26, 2013
    • That they are just as soft and pillowy as can be. Thanks so much.

      November 26, 2013
  13. If these turn out as soft in their centres as my potato bread they’re going to be one of several stars of your Thanksgiving. Is it too late to book a flight?!

    November 26, 2013
    • Yes they are so soft, oh I wish you could. I would love nothing more than to have you as a guest. Thanks so much.

      November 26, 2013
  14. I feel like I could fall into these potato rolls, they are so fluffy like my pillows, but way more delicious ๐Ÿ˜€

    Cheers
    CCU

    November 26, 2013
  15. These look lovely, I have never tasted potato dinner rolls so I wish I could reach into the internet and grab one of your lovely golden fresh-from-the-oven rolls. I hope that most of the prep is now done and that you can enjoy a rest before the big day. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    November 26, 2013
    • Thank you, the rolls are wonderful. If I could I would bring you one. I am still prepping, Tomorrow I bake pies, make the dressing and mashed potatoes. That will allow me time on Thursday to clean my house the day everyone is coming. It’s alright, Friday I can rest.

      November 26, 2013
  16. Liz #

    Rolls are my favorite part of Thanksgiving ๐Ÿ™‚ (or is it the pie? or maybe the turkey? never mind….) But I do love a good soft roll spread with butter. Drooling… Two days and counting! Thanks for sharing your amazing recipes, Suzanne.

    November 26, 2013
    • Everything is my favorite unfortunately, it’s a mish mash of different foods but they all go together. Thank you Liz and have a wonderful holiday!

      November 26, 2013
  17. Oh my! I have always had a weakness for potato rolls! These look delish!!
    Kenley

    November 26, 2013
    • Oh I have a real soft spot for potato rolls, these are delicious Thanks Kenley.

      November 26, 2013
  18. These look fabulous Suzanne! Such a gorgeous photo of the soft, golden rolls straight out of the oven – thanks for sharing!

    November 26, 2013
  19. I know I would overeat…these rolls would push me over the edge for sure! They are beautifully browned and I can almost smell them. I can tell you have mastered Thanksgiving dinner!

    November 26, 2013
    • I am just glad there are 7 other people here otherwise I would pig out on the rolls. Thanks so much.

      November 27, 2013
  20. I’m not sure if I ever had potato rolls. But after seen the photo and reading your narrative, I’m sold. I just conquered my fear of making risotto, I’m going to challenge bread making next (fingers crossed). ๐Ÿ˜€

    November 26, 2013
    • Fae, I can’t imagine anything you couldn’t do. You are such an amazing cook I know if you make these rolls they will be outstanding. Thank you so much.

      November 27, 2013
  21. I always appreciate tried and true recipes! The rolls look perfect and you have mastered their making over the years!

    November 27, 2013
    • Thanks Katarina, this recipe has been made many times over and it’s wonderful.

      November 27, 2013
  22. Oh yum, these sound so deliciously soft and delicious! I’ve never actually made a potato roll before but this post is making me want to! Thanks for the fantastic recipe. I echo the comments about that just-out-of-the-oven picture… divine xx

    November 27, 2013
    • They really are wonderful, so soft and pillowy. Very different from the crusty artisan breads but perfect as a dinner roll, Thanks so much Laura.

      November 27, 2013
  23. My, these look pretty as a picture perfect!!! You star baker! I’ve never actually baked bread with potato in, but I’ve heard it’s wonderful for texture. Shall be bookmarking your recipe, though I fear mine will look nothing like yours! Actually I made bread rolls with the kids a few days ago, and we shaped them into various creatures which was fun for us all!. Happy Thanksgiving for tomorrow.

    November 27, 2013
    • It’s a very simple recipe, it took several takes before I got them the way I wanted them to look but they are still delicious no matter how they look. Cooking with the kids is so much fun and bread especially, it’s so tactile. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

      November 27, 2013
    • BTW, I love your new site but am not getting notifications, I have to make sure I am signed up, thanks again.

      November 27, 2013
  24. Hi Suzanne– I’m a bread lover and these look the best! I don’t think I could manage them on Thanksgiving –with all the people staying over and food to pull together. But with a simple pot of soup next week. Perfect! thanks.

    November 27, 2013
    • Yes it can be hectic on the big day, if you make them let me know how you like. Happy Thanksgiving.

      November 27, 2013
  25. Though simple, rolls are one of my favorite parts of the Thanksgiving meal. My mom has a roll recipe she has been making for as long as I remember and we get them on Thanksgiving and Christmas!! Maybe I will post about them for Christmas time ๐Ÿ™‚

    November 27, 2013
    • Oh you should I know I would love to see your Mom’s recipe. I love warm rolls with butter, yum, so delicious.

      November 27, 2013
      • Me too! Oh boy, you have me all excited for tomorrow! ๐Ÿ˜€

        November 27, 2013
  26. beautiful Suzanne – I’d like to eat one of these right now.

    November 27, 2013
  27. Stefano really wanted me to make these but I couldn’t make it this year. I promise him I’ll make it up to him next holiday! ๐Ÿ™‚

    November 29, 2013
    • I do hope you try them, they are delicious. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving day.

      November 29, 2013
  28. Those look great! Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving!

    November 30, 2013
    • Thank you so much, I love Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays!

      November 30, 2013
  29. I love potato dinner rolls! They’re one of my favorite kind of roll. Pinning these right now to make!!

    December 1, 2013
    • They are wonderful, very pillowy like your gorgeous biscuits
      Thank you!

      December 1, 2013
  30. thanks for the link to this i have saved it and will def give it a go x

    November 22, 2014
  31. i need to try this today!!

    November 24, 2014
  32. They are fantastic rolls. I think if I didn’t make them every Thanksgiving people would rebel and leave. The recipe is that good. Thanks so much.

    November 24, 2014

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