Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe

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If you’re craving something that tastes both cozy and a little special, this Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe will absolutely steal the show at your table. These rolls are incredibly soft and fluffy, with the natural sweetness and vibrant color of sweet potato puree woven right into the dough. Enriched with tangy buttermilk and the rich, nutty aroma of browned butter, they’re the perfect sidekick to almost any meal, offering a warm homemade charm that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that work beautifully together to create a tender crumb and delightful flavor. Each component plays a key role, from nourishing the yeast to enriching the dough and topping it off with a luscious finish.

• Active dry yeast: This helps your rolls rise perfectly light and fluffy with that signature bounce.
• Low fat buttermilk: Warmed just right, it adds a pleasant tang and tenderizes the dough.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving structure and chew with gluten development.
• Sweet potato puree: Either homemade or canned, it naturally sweetens and adds vibrant color.
• Unsalted butter (melted and for browning): Melted butter enriches the dough, while browned butter brushed on top adds irresistible nuttiness.
• Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance flavors and assist yeast activation.
• Salt: Essential for flavor enhancement and dough control.
• Egg: Adds richness, moisture, and helps tenderize.

How to Make Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by heating the buttermilk to about 110°F—just warm enough to encourage the yeast to bloom without killing it. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top, stir gently, and let it sit for 10 minutes until it’s beautifully foamy. This step guarantees a lively dough that will rise properly and produce light rolls.

Step 2: Combine the Dough Ingredients

Once your yeast mixture is bubbly, add 3 cups of flour, the sweet potato puree, melted butter, sugar, salt, and the egg. Mix everything with your stand mixer’s paddle attachment on low speed just until a shaggy dough forms. It should have no large flour pockets but isn’t smooth yet—that comes next.

Step 3: Knead for Elasticity

Switch to the dough hook and mix at medium speed, adding extra flour gradually to create a smooth, soft, and slightly elastic dough that’s not sticky. Kneading develops the gluten which is critical for that dreamy texture. The dough passes the windowpane test when stretched thin without tearing, signaling it’s ready for the next step.

Step 4: First Proof – Let It Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and place it somewhere warm. Allow it to rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This resting time lets the flavors deepen and the dough become airy – a must for soft rolls.

Step 5: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

While waiting, preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 13-by-9-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray. Having your pan ready means smooth sailing when the dough is shaped.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 even pieces. Roll each piece into a tight, smooth boule by cupping your hand and spinning the dough until seams disappear on top. Perfect shaping ensures your rolls bake evenly and look bakery-worthy.

Step 7: Second Proof

Arrange the formed rolls seam-side down in your prepared pan, evenly spaced so they have room to puff. Cover again with plastic wrap and let them rise for 20 minutes until noticeably puffed and light to the touch. This second proof adds extra softness and that perfect fluffy bite.

Step 8: Brown the Butter and Bake

As the rolls proof, melt the remaining butter over medium heat, stirring constantly until it foams and turns a golden brown with a warm nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning. Brush this fragrant brown butter generously over the rolls, then pop them in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until golden on top and cooked through. For a finishing touch, brush with leftover browned butter right after baking—pure indulgence!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

A final brush of browned butter is beautiful on its own, but you can also sprinkle flaky sea salt or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a little extra flair. A light dusting of powdered sugar brings out the sweetness for a brunch table hit.

Side Dishes

These rolls are a fantastic companion to hearty stews, creamy soups, and roasted meats. Their subtly sweet and buttery profile complements savory main courses beautifully, helping to soak up sauces and bring everyone to the table with eager appetites.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these rolls in a rustic bread basket lined with a warm linen napkin or arrange them in a circular wreath shape on the platter for holiday gatherings. You can even split and toast them lightly, then fill with your favorite sandwich fixings for an elevated spin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to three days. This preserves their softness while keeping them perfectly fresh for snacking or meals to come.

Freezing

These Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe leftovers freeze wonderfully. Wrap them individually or in a tightly sealed container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat rolls by wrapping them in foil and warming in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave them briefly covered with a damp paper towel for a quick soft bite. A fresh brush of browned butter after reheating brings back that just-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potato puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned sweet potato puree works just as well as homemade and can save time without compromising flavor or texture. Just make sure it’s pure sweet potato, not sweetened or spiced.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk handy, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle before using.

Why is the dough sticky or too dry?

Every kitchen environment differs, so it’s normal to adjust flour amounts slightly. Add flour gradually during kneading—stop when the dough is smooth, soft, and just slightly tacky but not sticky enough to stick to your hands excessively.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

With some tweaks, yes! Swap buttermilk for a plant-based milk with vinegar, replace butter with vegan margarine, and try a flax egg or other egg substitute. Keep in mind texture and flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious!

How long do the rolls take to rise?

The first rise usually takes about one hour until doubled in size, and the second proof is shorter at around 20 minutes. Both are important for that light, fluffy texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe enough if you want to add a touch of warmth and sweetness to your table. They’re delightful to make, even better to eat, and sure to become a favorite for cozy nights or special occasions. Go ahead, bake a batch, and watch how quickly they disappear—you’re going to love sharing these!

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