Fluffy Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe – Soft, Buttery & Irresistible
Looking for the perfect dinner roll that’s light, fluffy, and ultra-soft? These Fluffy Potato Dinner Rolls are the answer! Made with real mashed potatoes, these rolls have a tender crumb and buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. They’re perfect for holiday meals, Sunday dinners, or any time you crave fresh, homemade bread.
Why These Potato Dinner Rolls Are the Best
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Extra soft texture thanks to mashed potatoes
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Perfect for beginners – simple and foolproof
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Great for family dinners, holidays, or sandwiches
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Can be made ahead and reheated
Ingredients for Fluffy Potato Rolls
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious, homemade rolls:
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 tablespoons sugar
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1 cup mashed potatoes (from about 2 medium potatoes)
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½ cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
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2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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Tip: You can use leftover mashed potatoes as long as they’re not heavily seasoned.
How to Make Fluffy Potato Dinner Rolls – Step by Step
Follow these simple steps for soft, bakery-style dinner rolls from scratch:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and active dry yeast.
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Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.
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This step ensures the yeast is active. If it doesn’t foam, start over with new yeast.
Step 2: Add the Mashed Potatoes
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Stir in the mashed potatoes until fully blended into the yeast mixture.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients
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Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring continuously until a dough forms.
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The dough should be slightly sticky but workable.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
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Turn the dough onto a floured surface.
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Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Proper kneading develops the gluten for a perfect, fluffy texture.
First Rise – Let the Dough Rise
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Transfer the kneaded dough to a greased bowl.
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Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
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Let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape and Second Rise
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
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Punch down the risen dough to release air.
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Divide the dough into 12–15 equal portions.
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Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
Step 6: Second Rise
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Cover the rolls again with a towel or plastic wrap.
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Let them rise for 30–45 minutes, until they double in size and are puffy.
Step 7: Bake the Rolls
Preheat the Oven
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Add Egg Wash
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Brush the tops of the rolls with beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden crust.
Bake
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Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. These potato dinner rolls are best enjoyed warm with butter, but they’re also fantastic for sliders, sandwiches, or dipping into gravy or soup.
Tips for Success
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Use freshly mashed potatoes (plain, without extra butter or cream) for best results.
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If using leftover potatoes, ensure they aren’t over-seasoned.
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Don’t skip the egg wash – it gives that classic bakery-style shine!
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Make-ahead: Rolls can be baked, cooled, and frozen for up to 2 months.
Storage and Reheating
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Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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To reheat: Wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes, or microwave for 20–30 seconds per roll.
Final Thoughts
These Fluffy Potato Dinner Rolls are pillowy-soft, rich in flavor, and perfect for any occasion. The addition of mashed potatoes keeps the rolls incredibly moist and tender, making them a family favorite every time.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday feast or simply elevating a weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress!