If you’re on the hunt for a dinner roll that’s soft, slightly sweet, and downright irresistible, then this Sweet Potato and Honey Dinner Rolls Recipe is going to be your new go-to. I absolutely love how these rolls balance the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the delicate floral notes of honey, making them perfect for everything from holiday dinners to a cozy weeknight meal. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be so excited to have a batch ready for every occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Sweet and Tender: The sweet potato adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that’s better than plain rolls.
- Perfect for Beginners: The dough is forgiving and easy to work with—even if you’re new to bread making.
- Wonderful Aroma: The combination of honey and sweet potato fills your kitchen with the most comforting smell.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: My family goes crazy for these, and they’re great fresh or reheated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Sweet Potato and Honey Dinner Rolls Recipe plays a special role—from the sweet potato for moisture and flavor to honey for a natural, gentle sweetness. I always find that using fresh sweet potatoes and good-quality honey makes a noticeable difference in the final result.
- Sweet potato: I peel and measure mine after cooking to ensure exactly 12 ounces, which keeps the texture perfect.
- Active dry yeast: Two packages gives a great rise without overpowering flavor; make sure it’s fresh and bubbly for the best dough.
- Honey: Use your favorite honey; I love a wildflower variety for deeper complexity.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps keep the rolls soft.
- Warm water: Should be about 110°F to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Buttermilk: Brings tenderness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Butter: Melted and cooled, it enriches the dough and gives that lovely buttery finish.
- Sea salt: Just a touch to enhance all the natural flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Six cups provide structure, but add a little extra if the dough feels too sticky to handle.
- Egg: Lightly beaten for brushing on top, giving the rolls a beautiful golden shine.
Variations
I always encourage you to make recipes like these your own. Over time, you’ll find your favorite tweaks that turn these sweet potato and honey dinner rolls into an expression of your kitchen style. Don’t be afraid to experiment a bit!
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg: I’ve added a dash of warm spices before and it takes these rolls to a cozy, fall-inspired treat—perfect for holiday dinners.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey: Sometimes I swap honey for maple syrup to give a different natural sweetness that still pairs beautifully with the potato.
- Gluten-free version: For a GF twist, you can try a blend of gluten-free flours; just remember the dough might be stickier and a bit denser.
- Shape differently: If you want smaller rolls or braids, go for it! I once braided half the dough for a stunning centerpiece.
How to Make Sweet Potato and Honey Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Mash the Sweet Potato
Start by peeling your sweet potato(s) and chopping them into chunks. Place them in a pot and cover with cold water, then bring it to a boil. I usually boil for about 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. This step is crucial because fully cooked potatoes lend the softness you want in your rolls. After draining, mash them well—there should be no lumps for the smoothest dough.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
While the potatoes cool, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water along with 2 tablespoons of honey and olive oil. I like to mix this gently and then let it sit for about 15 minutes until it gets foamy. That foamy layer is your sign the yeast is alive and kicking—skip this and your rolls may not rise properly.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Knead
Once your yeast mixture is bubbly, add in the mashed sweet potatoes, remaining honey, melted butter, buttermilk, and salt. Then gradually add your all-purpose flour while mixing on low speed; you’ll see a sticky dough start to form. Using a dough hook on your mixer, knead for 2-3 minutes—this helps develop the gluten and gives you that wonderful chewiness in the rolls.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Brush a large bowl with melted butter and place your dough inside. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm spot for about 2 hours. This slow rise allows the dough to double and develop flavor. I usually pop mine near the oven or a sunny window.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
After rising, turn your dough onto a floured surface and knead it briefly until silky smooth. Divide it in half, then roll each half into a long rope. Cut pieces around 2 ounces each and roll them into neat little balls. Place the dough balls in buttered 9×13-inch pans—you should fit about 15 rolls per pan. If you’re in a rush, you can cover and freeze the shaped dough for up to two months at this stage.
Step 6: Final Rise and Bake
Cover your pans and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes before baking—that second rise is key to fluffy rolls. Brush the tops with beaten egg to get a beautiful golden finish, then bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. I often bake two pans simultaneously, placing one on the bottom rack and one on top, then switching their positions halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Let the rolls cool just a bit before serving—warm, buttery, and slightly sweet with honey, these rolls disappear fast in my house!
Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato and Honey Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Potato Consistency: Make sure your mashed sweet potato is smooth and cool to avoid affecting the yeast’s rise.
- Proof Your Yeast: I learned the hard way that skipping the foaming test leads to flat bread—don’t skip it!
- Don’t Over-flour: The dough should be sticky but manageable; too much flour makes dry rolls.
- Even Baking: Rotate your pans halfway through baking to get that perfect golden brown all over.
How to Serve Sweet Potato and Honey Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
When serving these rolls, I love brushing them with a little extra melted butter and a gentle drizzle of honey right before eating. Sometimes I top them with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an irresistible sweet-salty combo. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be great if you want a savory twist at the table.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair beautifully with hearty sides—think roasted turkey, fall stews, or even a big bowl of chili. My family especially loves pairing them with mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic comfort meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or special dinners, I like to arrange the rolls in a wreath shape on a nice platter, brushing each with garlic-herb butter for a festive flair. Another fun idea is to split them to make mini sliders with savory fillings—perfect for parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They remain soft if you wrap them well, but after a couple of days, they’re best warmed up before serving.
Freezing
I love that this recipe freezes beautifully. After shaping the rolls, wrap the pans tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, let them rise again for about 45 minutes, then bake as usual. It’s like having fresh rolls on demand!
Reheating
To reheat, I pop leftover rolls in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes wrapped in foil to keep them moist. You can also microwave briefly, but I prefer the oven for that fresh-baked texture and flavor.
FAQs
-
Can I use canned sweet potato puree instead of cooking fresh sweet potatoes?
You can substitute canned sweet potato puree in a pinch, but fresh-cooked sweet potatoes usually yield better texture and natural sweetness. If you use canned, make sure it’s plain, without added spices or sweeteners.
-
How long do these Sweet Potato and Honey Dinner Rolls keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about 3 days. After that, it’s best to freeze them or consume them warmed to retain softness.
-
Can I make these rolls vegan?
If you want a vegan version, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use a non-dairy milk instead of buttermilk (try plant-based milk with a little lemon juice), and replace the egg wash with a flax or aquafaba wash for that golden crust.
-
What’s the best way to ensure my rolls rise well?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and proofed (foamy), the liquid temperature is around 110°F, and you give the dough enough time to rise in a warm, draft-free spot—patience here brings fluffy, airy rolls.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato and Honey Dinner Rolls Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s both comforting and impressive without any fuss. I remember making these for the first time on a chilly night and being amazed at how soft and flavorful they were—the smell alone made the whole house feel cozy. If you try this recipe, you’re not just baking rolls; you’re creating a warm moment for those around your table. So grab a sweet potato, and let’s get rolling!
