Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, offering a warm and comforting experience that is both satisfying and nutritious. These rolls are perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or simply as a treat to accompany your favorite soups and salads. With their soft, pillowy texture and subtly sweet flavor, these rolls are not only a feast for the palate but also a warm embrace for the soul. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step process that makes baking these delicious rolls easy and enjoyable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their meal with a homemade touch. The ingredients are minimal, and the preparation is straightforward, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels. Sweet potatoes add a vibrant color and natural sweetness, and their health benefits make these rolls a guilt-free indulgence. The rolls are fluffy and tender, making them great for sopping up gravy or served as a snack fresh out of the oven. Plus, baking at home fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone gathering around to enjoy the warm, golden rolls.

Ingredients

Creating these Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls is simple with just a handful of wholesome ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:

1 tsp. granulated sugar – A touch of sweetness to activate the yeast.
1 0.25-oz. packet active dry yeast – The star ingredient that gives these rolls their delightful rise.
5 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting – For a light, airy texture that holds up perfectly.
2 tsp. kosher salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.
1 cup canned sweet potato purée or mashed sweet potatoes – Provides moisture, sweetness, and a gorgeous color.
4 Tbsp. honey, divided – Adds a touch of natural sweetness that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
5 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened, divided – Contributes to the rolls’ rich flavor and tenderness.
Cooking spray – For easy clean-up and preventing sticking.
Flaky sea salt – A finishing touch that adds crunch and an extra burst of flavor.

The combination of these ingredients results in rolls that are soft, slightly sweet, and utterly irresistible.

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow these detailed steps to create your Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls:

Activate the Yeast:
In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, combine 1 tsp. sugar and 1 cup lukewarm water. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit until foamy, approximately 5 minutes. Stir to combine once it’s activated.
Mix the Dough:
In the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, beat together the flour and kosher salt on medium-low speed until thoroughly combined. Add the yeast mixture, sweet potato purée, and 2 Tbsp. honey. Beat on medium-high speed until everything is fully combined. As the mixer runs, gradually add 3 Tbsp. softened butter, 1 Tbsp. at a time, until fully incorporated. Continue mixing until a smooth dough forms, about 5 minutes.
First Rise:
Grease a large bowl with cooking spray, then transfer the dough into the bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
Shape the Rolls:
On a lightly floured surface, turn out the dough. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball.
Second Rise:
Grease a 13 x 9 baking pan with cooking spray and arrange the dough balls in the pan, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Cover and let them rise for another 45 minutes.
Prepare for Baking:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small heatproof bowl, microwave the remaining 2 Tbsp. honey and 2 Tbsp. butter in 20-second increments, stirring between each, until melted (about 1 minute total). Brush the tops of the dough with half of the melted mixture and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Bake the Rolls:
Bake the rolls until they’re golden brown, approximately 25 minutes.
Final Touch:
Brush the hot rolls with the remaining butter mixture and serve them warm. Enjoy the aroma and taste of your freshly baked Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls!

Tips & Tricks

Don’t Skip the Rise: Allowing the dough to rise properly is essential for achieving the perfect fluffy texture. Be patient!
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the butter, are at room temperature for easier mixing.
Make Ahead: You can prep the dough the night before; after the first rise, refrigerate it overnight and let it come to room temperature before shaping and second rising.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls are incredibly versatile!

Pair with Soups and Stews: Serve them alongside creamy soups or hearty stews for a cozy meal.
Perfect for Holidays: They make an excellent side dish for Thanksgiving or family gatherings.
Light Breakfast: Enjoy them as a part of a light breakfast spread with butter and jam.

Nutritional Information

Each Sweet Potato Dinner Roll contains roughly 145 calories, with a balance of carbohydrates, minimal fats, and protein. They offer several nutrients due to the sweet potatoes, including Vitamin A and dietary fiber — making them a wholesome choice for your table.

Storing Tips & Variations

Storage: Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing: These rolls freeze well. To freeze, place cooled rolls in a zippered freezer bag. Reheat them in the oven after thawing.
Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or toss in some shredded cheese for an additional savory note.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like homemade Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls to bring warmth and joy to your dining table. The ease of preparation combined with the delightful results makes this recipe a must-try. We encourage you to give these rolls a shot and create a lovely experience for your family and friends. Don’t forget to share your baking journey with us!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned purée?
Yes, absolutely! Just boil or bake fresh sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them to use in the recipe.

2. What can I substitute for honey?
You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a sweetener if you prefer.

3. Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.

4. How long do these rolls last?
They’re best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

5. Can I make dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepped the night before and refrigerated after the first rise. Just let it come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.