Amazing Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls: 12 Divine Bites

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Sweet potato dinner rolls have a way of making any meal feel extra special, don’t they? I remember the first time I tried making them myself, aiming for those incredibly soft and fluffy rolls I’d only seen in bakeries. My kitchen filled with the warm, comforting aroma of yeast and sweet potato, and I just knew I was onto something amazing. These aren’t just any rolls; they’re a little bit of sunshine in every bite, thanks to the natural sweetness and vibrant color of the mashed sweet potato. They’re perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or even as part of a festive holiday spread. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these delightful homemade sweet potato dinner rolls – let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

These aren’t just any dinner rolls; they’re a delightful addition to any table. You’ll adore them because:

They’re incredibly soft sweet potato dinner rolls, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Making them is a breeze with this easy sweet potato rolls recipe; even beginners can achieve perfect results.
The natural sweetness from the sweet potato means less added sugar, making them a healthier choice.
Their beautiful golden hue adds a festive touch, perfect for holidays or special occasions.
They boast a wonderfully fluffy texture that’s simply irresistible.
The subtle, comforting aroma they fill your kitchen with is pure joy.
They pair perfectly with both savory and sweet dishes.

Ingredients for Homemade Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward baking these delightful rolls. You’ll need about 1 cup mashed and cooked sweet potato; this is what gives our sweet potato yeast rolls their signature color and moisture. Make sure it’s smooth!

1 cup mashed and cooked sweet potato – ensure it’s smooth and cooled
4 cups all-purpose flour – plus more for dusting
1 cup warm milk – around 105-115°F (40-46°C)
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter – for richness and flavor
1/3 cup sugar – feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness
1 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavor
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast – the magic behind the rise
2 large eggs – at room temperature for better incorporation

The sweet potato is key to their tender texture, and the combination of yeast, sugar, and warm milk ensures a beautiful rise. For more baking inspiration, check out our recipes.

How to Make Easy Sweet Potato Rolls Recipe

Let’s get these delicious rolls in the oven! Follow these steps for the most wonderful batch of fluffy sweet potato rolls.

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato. First, you need about 1 cup of mashed and cooked sweet potato. I like to bake mine until it’s super soft, then mash it with a fork until there are no lumps. Let it cool completely before adding it to your dough. This is crucial for the perfect texture!
Step 2: Activate the Yeast. In a small bowl or your measuring cup, combine the 1 cup warm milk with the 1/3 cup sugar and the packet of active dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll see it get foamy and bubbly on top – that’s the yeast waking up and ready to work its magic! Learn more about how yeast works.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed sweet potato, the melted 1/4 cup unsalted butter, the 2 large eggs, and the activated yeast mixture. Add the 1 teaspoon salt. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. It will look like a lovely, thick, orange batter.
Step 4: Mix the Dough. Gradually add the 4 cups all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Start mixing with a spoon or spatula until it becomes too stiff to stir. The dough will be quite sticky at this stage, and that’s exactly what we want for nice, moist rolls.
Step 5: Knead the Dough. Turn the sticky dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Now comes the fun part – kneading! Gently knead the dough for about 8 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic texture. It will still be a little tacky, but much easier to handle.
Step 6: First Rise. Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl. 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. This slow rise allows the flavors to develop beautifully.
Step 7: Shape the Rolls. Once doubled, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 12-15 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth, round roll. I like to tuck the edges under to create a nice, taut surface.
Step 8: Second Rise. Arrange the shaped rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them. Cover them loosely again and let them rise for another 30 minutes. They will puff up nicely.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are a beautiful golden brown on top. The aroma will be absolutely heavenly! For an extra touch of deliciousness, you can brush the hot rolls with a little melted butter right after they come out of the oven. This adds an extra layer of flavor and shine to your beautiful sweet potato dinner rolls with butter.

Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

Want to elevate your baking even further? Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up that guarantee fantastic results every time you make these:

Make sure your mashed sweet potato is completely smooth. Any lumps can affect the dough’s texture and how evenly the rolls bake.
Don’t be tempted to add too much extra flour when kneading; the dough should be slightly sticky. This is key to achieving those wonderfully soft and fluffy sweet potato rolls.
For an even richer flavor and a beautiful shine, brush the tops with melted butter immediately after they come out of the oven.

What’s the secret to perfect sweet potato dinner rolls?

The secret to truly perfect best sweet potato dinner rolls lies in the moisture content of the sweet potato and not overworking the dough. Using a smooth, well-mashed sweet potato and resisting the urge to add too much flour ensures a tender, slightly sweet crumb. For more baking tips, visit my about page.

Can I make homemade sweet potato dinner rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the dough, let it complete its first rise, shape the rolls, and then refrigerate them on the baking sheet, covered, overnight. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and they’ll be ready to go. This is a great way to save time on busy days, and you can find more time-saving tips on our contact page.

How do I avoid common mistakes with easy sweet potato rolls recipe?

The most common pitfalls are adding too much flour, which makes the rolls dense, and using a lumpy sweet potato mash. Always ensure your sweet potato is smooth and let the dough be a bit sticky. Also, make sure your yeast is active by checking for foaminess. For more information on baking, you can explore our homepage.

Best Ways to Serve Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

These versatile rolls are a fantastic addition to any meal. They shine as a comforting sweet potato side dish rolls for weeknight dinners, especially alongside roasted chicken or a hearty stew. For holiday gatherings, they are simply perfect; imagine them gracing your Thanksgiving table as delectable potato dinner rolls for holidays, complementing turkey and all the fixings. I also love serving them warm with a generous smear of butter – it brings out their natural sweetness and makes them irresistible. They’re also great with holiday ham or a savory vegetable bake. Learn more about our privacy policy.

How to Store and Reheat Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

Once your beautiful holiday dinner rolls sweet potato creations have cooled completely, it’s time to think about storing them. I usually let mine sit on a wire rack for at least an hour. For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep these delightful rolls for longer, freezing is your best bet! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and they’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can simply place the frozen rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For thawed rolls, a quick 5-7 minutes in the oven or a few seconds in the microwave will bring back their wonderful warmth and softness. For more details, please review our terms of use.