Creamy Mashed Potato Rolls Recipe

If you are looking to bake soft, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious bread rolls, this Creamy Mashed Potato Rolls Recipe is truly a game changer. The addition of creamy mashed potatoes to the dough creates a tender, moist texture that sets these rolls apart from your everyday bread. They bake up golden and fluffy with a buttery finish that makes them perfect for everything from dinner sides to sandwich bases. Whether for a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, these rolls will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Mashed Potato Rolls Recipe comes together with a handful of simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the richness of butter to the softness added by mashed potatoes, creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.

• Mashed potatoes: Using about 1 cup from a Russet potato gives the dough a moist and soft texture that lasts.
• Large eggs: Two eggs at room temperature enrich the dough, helping with structure and tenderness.
• Butter: Melted butter adds richness and a subtle, creamy flavor both in the dough and as a finishing touch.
• Whole milk: Lukewarm milk hydrates the yeast and helps produce a tender crumb.
• All-purpose flour: The base ingredient that provides structure and strength to the rolls.
• Instant yeast: Essential for leavening, giving the rolls their light and airy rise.
• Granulated sugar: Helps activate the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness to balance flavors.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients, bringing everything together beautifully.
• Additional melted butter: For brushing after baking to give the rolls a glossy, soft finish.

How to Make Creamy Mashed Potato Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients

Start by whisking together your mashed potatoes, eggs, melted butter, and lukewarm milk in a medium bowl until everything is smooth and evenly combined. This wet mixture is where the creamy goodness begins to shine and sets the stage for a beautifully tender dough.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, add the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. This mixture gives your rolls structure, while the yeast will help them rise perfectly fluffy.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

With the mixer running on low speed, slowly pour in the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Knead the dough on medium speed for about 10 minutes until it forms a soft, slightly sticky ball that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a little more flour, but be very cautious—too much flour will make the rolls dense instead of soft and airy.

Step 4: First Rise

Turn the dough out and knead it gently 2 to 3 times by hand to develop elasticity. Shape into a ball and place into a greased bowl, turning once to coat the entire surface with oil. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, then let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about an hour and a half. This first rise builds flavor and lightness.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking pan, then gently deflate the dough on a floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions—you can weigh it to be precise or eyeball evenly sized pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them seam side down in the pan in three rows of four. This step is key for uniform baking.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the pan loosely with a clean towel and let the rolls rise again at room temperature until doubled in size, which should take about 45 to 60 minutes. This final rise ensures a light, fluffy texture and gives the rolls their classic pull-apart softness.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the pan on the lower rack. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the tops turn beautifully golden brown. The smell will be irresistible and signal that your Creamy Mashed Potato Rolls Recipe is nearly ready to enjoy.

Step 8: Brush with Butter

Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush their warm surfaces with melted butter. This makes the crust soft and shiny while adding an extra buttery flavor that perfectly complements the fluffy interior.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the rolls to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes before transferring them out to cool completely. This resting time helps them finish cooking inside and makes them easier to handle without falling apart.

How to Serve Creamy Mashed Potato Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

These rolls are delightful on their own, but you can add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the buttered tops for a little extra flavor pop. Fresh herbs like chopped rosemary or thyme brushed lightly with butter after baking also make for a savory, aromatic touch.

Side Dishes

Perfect for accompanying hearty soups, creamy stews, roasted meats, or even a simple salad, these rolls soak up sauces beautifully. They’re the ideal vessel to scoop up gravy or butter, making every meal feel special.

Creative Ways to Present

Try pulling apart these rolls in a basket lined with a cozy linen napkin at a family gathering or dinner party for a warm, inviting presentation. You can also slice them open and fill with your favorite sandwich fillings for a soft, homemade lunch treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Creamy Mashed Potato Rolls Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their softness while preventing them from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze these rolls to enjoy later by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. When you want to eat them, thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in the oven.

Reheating

The best way to reheat these rolls is to warm them briefly in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, optionally brushing with a little butter again to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture. Avoid microwaving for long periods as it can dry them out.

FAQs

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly as long as they are plain (no garlic or heavy seasoning). Just make sure they’re smooth to ensure an even dough texture in your Creamy Mashed Potato Rolls Recipe.

What type of potatoes is best for these rolls?

Russet potatoes are ideal because they have a fluffy, dry texture once mashed, which helps create the perfect softness in the dough. However, Yukon Gold can also work if you prefer a slightly creamier mash.

Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can mix and knead by hand! Use a sturdy spoon to combine ingredients initially, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 to 15 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

Why are mashed potatoes used in bread dough?

Mashed potatoes add moisture, tenderness, and softness to the bread crumb, making these rolls richer and more moist than traditional bread. They also help the rolls stay fresh longer.

Can I substitute whole milk with a different type of milk?

Whole milk adds richness, but you can substitute with 2% milk or even a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Just make sure to keep the milk lukewarm to properly activate the yeast.

Final Thoughts

If you want to wow your family and friends with bread that’s soft, buttery, and just a little bit special, this Creamy Mashed Potato Rolls Recipe is your new go-to. It’s straightforward, rewarding, and delivers that warm, comforting homemade feeling with every bite. Trust me, once you try these rolls, you’ll never want to go back to ordinary dinner rolls again!

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