Sharing is caring!

Sweet Potato Rolls are impossibly soft and perfectly scrumptious. They’re such a gorgeous color and they are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table.

 

 

I’m always trying to sneak extra veggies in where I can (and not have the kids notice!) and these delicious rolls fit the bill.

Every time I make a batch of these soft and fluffy rolls, the kids gobble them down and ask for more! That’s a win in my book!

I love these sweet potato dinner rolls because they taste divine. For those worried about the sweet potato flavor, don’t! It’s so subtle and light.

I also love that this sweet potato rolls recipe gets some veggies in! Just like Sweet Potato Cupcakes, no one will be the wiser!

Also the texture of the sweet potato roll is perfect! Light and fluffy with perfectly golden crisp tops. 

 

 

What is a Sweet Potato Roll?

Who knew you could put potatoes in rolls? Me! I did! I’ve been doing it for so long that I forget not everyone does it!

It started with Leftover Mashed Potato Rolls, but I thought if you can do it with regular potatoes, why not sweet potatoes?

Sweet potato rolls are just like regular rolls but they’ve got an extra dose of nutrition by incorporating sweet potatoes into the rolls.

They’re also sweeter rolls than regular rolls with the addition of the sweet potatoes.

You can use fresh sweet potatoes or it is the perfect way to use up leftover sweet potatoes. They both work well!

 

 

What Ingredients are in Sweet Potato Rolls?

Warm rolls are just a few steps away! Here’s the simple ingredients you’ll need to grab now.

• Yeast: Use active dry yeast in this recipe so you’ll need to proof the yeast.
• Sugar:  Adds sweetness to the loaves and also helps the yeast to bubble.
• Sweet Potato Puree: Mashed sweet potatoes. Though you can also use canned sweet potato puree.
• Milk: The milk needs to be warm but not hot. Just like with warm water it’ll help the yeast activate.
• Butter: I always use salted butter in my baking. Soften butter before adding to the recipe.
• Salt: A bit of salt will help bring out the other flavors in the rolls.
• Eggs: Eggs are a binder that hold the rolls together and add softness.
• Flour: All-purpose flour will give the rolls texture and structure.

Pro Tip:

• Bread flour should work as a replacement but whole wheat flour would change the texture too much.
• Instant yeast should work too. Use it the same way as the other yeast.

 

 

How to Make Sweet Potato Rolls

Here’s how to make homemade rolls for your Thanksgiving Menu. For more detailed instructions see below.

1. Proof Yeast: The first step is to combine yeast, sugar, and warm milk to help the yeast bubble and activate.
2. Mix: Add in the rest of the ingredients to the yeast mixture, a little at a time until mixed in.
3. First Rise: Let the dough rise in a warm draft free spot until doubled in size.
4. Shape: Roll into a ball of dough. It should make about 16 to 20 dough balls.
5. Rise: Cover with plastic wrap and let rise. You’re looking for the rolls to double in size again on the second rise.
6. Bake: When the tops are golden brown, they’re ready to devour!

Pro Tips:

• The amount of flour varies. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl. Don’t add additional flour unless you really need it.
• Too much flour is worse than too little flour. Do 1/2 cup of flour at a time.
• Brush melted butter on top of the rolls! It’s divine!
• A warm place will help the dough to rise better and faster.
• Use parchment paper for an easier cleanup.
• Let the dough rise in a greased bowl to prevent the slightly sticky dough from sticking.
• If using a stand mixer use a dough hook attachment.

 

 

Are Sweet Potato Rolls Gluten Free?

No, sorry sweet potato rolls are not gluten free. 

These sweet potato rolls call for all-purpose flour which definitely contains gluten.

I know they make gluten free flours which are supposed to be a 1-1 ratio for baking but I haven’t tried them in this recipe.

If you do try them, please let us know how they turn out in the comments!

 

 

Can I Make Sweet Potato Rolls Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can definitely make sweet potato rolls ahead of time!

Anything that can be made ahead of time for Thanksgiving dinner or just any time, I’m definitely going to make ahead of time.

Keep your sweet potato rolls covered until serving time to keep them from drying out.

They can be made up to 24 hours before you want to serve them for the best results.

 

 

How to Store Leftover Sweet Potato Rolls

Store any leftover sweet potato rolls in the fridge or on the counter.

Always keep them in an airtight container to keep them from drying out.

And wait until they’ve come to room temperature before transferring them to your container.

How to Thaw Frozen Sweet Potato Rolls

You’ll need to thaw either the sweet potato rolls dough or the rolls themselves before consuming.

For the dough pull them out and transfer to a casserole dish and let them rise for a few hours before baking.

To thaw the sweet potato rolls simply pull them out and leave them on the counter for a few hours until soft.

 

 

Can I Freeze Sweet Potato Rolls?

Yes! You can freeze both the sweet potato roll dough and the finished sweet potato rolls as well.

To freeze the dough, wait until after you’ve shaped them each into a dough ball and then flash freeze for 1 hour before transferring them to a freezer safe bag.

If freezing the whole sweet potato roll, separate the rolls and wrap each roll in plastic wrap and the bag before freezing.

Pro Tips:

• Write the name and date on the bag so you know what it is and when you put it in.
• Also write the directions on how to bake the uncooked dough so you don’t have to look for it later!

 

 

How Long Do Sweet Potato Rolls Last?

You can store sweet potato rolls on the counter, in the fridge, or in the freezer. Here’s how long they’ll last.

1. Counter: Store covered for up to 3 days on the counter.
2. Fridge: Rolls will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
3. Freezer: Frozen rolls will stay good for up to 3 months.

 

 

More Bread Side Dishes You’ll Love…

• Banana Bread without Baking Soda
• Green Tomato Bread
• Sandwich Rolls Recipe
• Irish Soda Bread
• Oatmeal Molasses Bread
• Homemade Crescent Rolls
• Ham and Cheese Biscuits
• Banana Yeast Bread
• Mashed Potato Bread
• Pumpkin Bread Rolls
• Mashed Potato Rolls Recipe
• 2 Ingredient Biscuits
• Homemade Oatmeal Bread
• Old Fashioned Biscuits

Sweet Potato Rolls are a delicious and sweet treat to add to your holiday table. Enjoy them all fall and winter! They’re sure to become a family favorite!

 

Originally Posted: November 25, 2014

Photos & Text Updated: October 6, 2022

Sharing is caring!