Soft, Fluffy, & Easy: No-Knead Potato Dinner Rolls for Thanksgiving and Beyond
Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, incredibly soft, and wonderfully fluffy dinner roll that practically melts in your mouth. These easy no-knead Potato Dinner Rolls are not just a dream; they’re precisely what your Thanksgiving menu, or any family dinner, deserves. Forget the stress of kneading; this recipe delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort, making them a true holiday savior.
This recipe was developed in partnership with Red Star Yeast, bringing you trusted baking expertise.
The Thanksgiving Plate Dilemma: Making Room for Must-Haves
Every year, the beloved Thanksgiving feast presents the same delightful, yet challenging, predicament. We gather with loved ones, the table groans under the weight of an incredible spread, and our plates fill up far too fast. What truly makes the cut? My eyes, much like yours, are always bigger than my stomach, yearning for an entire plateful of each delectable dish. Especially those rich mashed potatoes swimming in savory gravy. Yet, I’ll be lucky to get through a plate and a half in total, so careful choices must be made.
What truly dominates your Thanksgiving plate? Is it the succulent turkey, the comforting stuffing, or perhaps the vibrant cranberry sauce?
For me, while I always strive to sample a little bit of everything, there’s one item I absolutely cannot skip: the dinner rolls. I know many people might pass over the bread basket in favor of other elaborate sides, but for me, rolls are an absolute must. Thanksgiving simply isn’t complete without them. They are the perfect vehicle for soaking up gravy, a delightful complement to every bite, and a comforting staple that brings the meal together.
Why Potato Rolls Are a Game-Changer for Softness and Flavor
Over the years, I’ve experimented with and baked some truly fantastic roll options for Thanksgiving. From classic American white rolls and elegant crescent rolls to the buttery Parker House rolls, and even quick and easy croissant rolls, my holiday table has seen them all. But I’ve discovered a new frontrunner, a real winner that elevates the humble dinner roll to an art form: these extraordinary Potato Dinner Rolls. They are not just good; they are exceptionally good, securing their spot at the top of my holiday baking list.
The secret to their unparalleled texture lies in a generous cup of fluffy mashed potatoes, mixed directly into the dough. This, combined with a luxurious amount of butter and eggs, transforms simple ingredients into something truly magical. The potatoes don’t add a distinct potato flavor, but rather act as a natural tenderizer and moisture enhancer. The starch in the potatoes creates a remarkably soft, almost pillowy crumb that stays moist and fresh for days. Each roll is light, incredibly soft, rich with buttery notes, and perfectly balanced, making them the ideal accompaniment to virtually any meal, not just your Thanksgiving spread.
Versatile and Irresistible: Serving Your Potato Rolls
Once baked to golden perfection, these potato rolls offer endless possibilities. Slather them generously with extra butter while they’re still warm, allowing the butter to seep into every soft crevice. Dip them into the rich, savory gravy from your holiday roast for an ultimate comfort food experience. Or, for a delightful twist, serve them the next morning with your favorite jam or honey for a truly indulgent breakfast. Their versatility means you can’t go wrong, whether they’re accompanying a hearty stew, a light salad, or simply enjoyed on their own.
Expert Baking Tips for Flawless No-Knead Rolls
baking tip: Can I refrigerate my bread dough to bake later?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to get a head-start on your holiday baking or simply want to spread out the work, allowing your bread or roll dough to rise in the fridge overnight can be a tremendous help. This chilling process significantly slows down the yeast activity, but it doesn’t halt it entirely. It also has the added benefit of developing a richer flavor in your dough. You have two main options for refrigerating dough:
- To refrigerate during the first rise: After you’ve mixed your dough and it’s smooth and slightly sticky (but before the first rise), place it in a generously greased bowl, ensuring there’s plenty of room for expansion. Cover the bowl tightly with greased plastic wrap and place it in the fridge overnight, or for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to proceed with your recipe, remove the dough from the fridge and let it gradually come to room temperature for 30-60 minutes. Once it’s softened slightly, gently punch down the dough and continue with the recipe as written for shaping and the second rise.
- To refrigerate during the second rise: After you’ve shaped your dough as desired (into individual rolls for this recipe) and placed it in your baking pan, cover it well with plastic wrap. Store the pan in the fridge overnight or for up to 24 hours. When it’s baking time, remove the pan from the fridge and allow the rolls to come to room temperature while your oven preheats, typically for up to 1 hour, or until they look noticeably puffy. Then, bake them according to the recipe instructions. This method is especially convenient for fresh-baked rolls on a busy morning!
baking tip: Ensuring Your Yeast is Active
For any yeast-based recipe, active yeast is crucial. To quickly check if your active-dry yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, you can proof it. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of warm water (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C), a pinch of sugar, and the specified amount of yeast from your recipe (or about 1 teaspoon). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. If the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly, your yeast is active and good to go! If nothing happens, your yeast is likely expired or inactive, and it’s best to get a fresh batch before proceeding with your baking.
Potato Rolls
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Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams)
- ½ cup reserved potato water or water (118 ml)
- 1 cup whole milk (237 ml)
- 1 cup mashed potatoes (213 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 ½ teaspoon active-dry yeast (2 packages, 14 grams)
- 5 – 6 ½ cups bread flour (600-780 grams)
- Butter , for brushing
Instructions
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In a small saucepan, combine the butter, potato water, and milk over medium low heat. Heat until butter is melted and mixture is steaming. Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes, or until mixture reaches 110-115°F.
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In a large bowl, combine the potato water mixture with the mashed potatoes. Add the sugar, salt and eggs and mix with a wooden spoon until combined. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and stir until incorporated. Add the flour 1 cup at a time, stirring with the wooden spoon, until the dough is smooth and only slightly sticky.
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With floured fingers, gather the dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover with greased plastic wrap and let rise in a warm in place until doubled, about 1 hour.
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Punch down dough, then pat it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Flour your fingers as necessary. Cut the dough into 2-3 inch squares. Shape each piece into a ball by pinching all four sides underneath to seal. Place buns almost touching in a greased pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
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Brush rolls with melted butter. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden. Remove from oven and brush with butter. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
Notes
A Must-Have for Every Holiday Table
These no-knead potato dinner rolls are more than just a recipe; they are a tradition in the making. Their ease of preparation combined with their irresistible texture and flavor makes them an ideal choice for busy holiday hosts or anyone looking to impress with homemade bread without the fuss. Imagine the delightful aroma filling your kitchen as these golden beauties bake, promising a comforting addition to your meal.
Whether you’re planning an elaborate Thanksgiving feast, a cozy Sunday dinner, or simply craving a taste of homemade comfort, these potato rolls are sure to become a cherished favorite. Their soft, airy crumb and subtle richness make them universally appealing and incredibly versatile. So go ahead, simplify your baking, and treat yourself and your loved ones to the best dinner rolls you’ve ever made. Happy baking!
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Red Star Yeast. All opinions expressed are my own, as always. Thank you for supporting partnerships with brands I genuinely believe in, which makes it possible for me to continue bringing you new original content and delicious recipes.