Name: Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 cup low fat buttermilk (about 110 to 115 degrees F); 3 to 4 cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup sweet potato puree (homemade or canned); ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 ¼ teaspoons salt; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for browning and brushing)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 15 reviews

If you’re looking for a way to transform your dinner table with something both comforting and a little bit special, this Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Soft, fluffy, and subtly sweet thanks to the luscious sweet potato puree, these rolls boast a beautiful golden color and tender crumb that feels like a warm hug from the oven. They are perfect for holiday feasts, family dinners, or really any time you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients that come together into an irresistible loaf, this recipe turns everyday bread into something extraordinary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A shiny silver mixing bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding several ingredients before mixing. Inside the bowl, there is a pile of white flour on the left side, a raw yellow egg with its yolk intact on the bottom right, some thick orange pumpkin puree near the top center, and a pale liquid that looks like milk or cream filling the spaces between. The ingredients are unmixed and clearly visible, with soft shadows highlighting the different textures and colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients sets you up for success with these Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding moisture, flavor, or that perfect tender texture that makes these rolls unforgettable.

Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): Essential for that perfect rise and airy softness.
Low fat buttermilk (1 cup, 110-115°F): Adds tangy notes and tenderizes the dough beautifully.
All-purpose flour (3 to 4 cups): The backbone of your dough, providing structure and chew.
Sweet potato puree (½ cup): The star ingredient that gives these rolls their signature sweetness, moisture, and lovely color.
Unsalted butter (¼ cup melted + 2 tablespoons for browning): Richness and that irresistible nutty aroma when browned.
Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Helps fuel the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness.
Salt (1 ¼ teaspoons): Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
Egg (1): Enriches the dough, giving it a tender crumb and golden finish.

How to Make Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Start by warming the buttermilk until it reaches about 110 degrees Fahrenheit — just warm enough to feel cozy, not hot. Pour it into your mixing bowl and sprinkle the active dry yeast over top. Give it a gentle stir, then let it sit for 10 minutes until it’s foamy and alive with activity. This blooming step ensures your rolls will rise beautifully and have that perfect airy texture we all love.

Step 2: Combine the Dough Ingredients

Now, add 3 cups of the flour along with your sweet potato puree, melted butter, sugar, salt, and egg into the yeast mixture. Using the paddle attachment, mix everything until you have a shaggy, wet dough. This initial mixing helps everything start to come together.

Step 3: Knead the Dough to Perfection

Swap out your paddle for the dough hook on your mixer and start kneading the dough on medium speed. Gradually sprinkle in the remaining flour until your dough becomes smooth, soft, and elastic — it should bounce back and pass the windowpane test when pulled gently. This kneading builds gluten, creating that pillowy texture we crave in dinner rolls.

Step 4: Bulk Proof the Dough

Once kneaded, transfer your dough to a lightly oiled large bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and place it somewhere warm. Let it rise for about an hour, or until it’s doubled in size. This proofing time allows all those wonderful flavors to develop and your dough to get wonderfully light and airy.

Step 5: Shape Your Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces—if you like precision, around 84 grams each works perfectly. Shape each piece into a smooth round boule using your thumb as a guide. Place them evenly spaced in your pan, seam-side down, and cover again for a final 20-minute rise until the rolls become light and fluffy.

Step 6: Brown the Butter

While your rolls are finishing their last rise, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring as it foams and transforms into a beautiful golden brown with a nutty aroma. This brown butter will add an irresistible richness once brushed atop the rolls before baking.

Step 7: Bake and Glaze

Brush the tops of your rolls generously with the nutty browned butter, then slide them into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and cooked through. If you have extra browned butter left, give the rolls one last buttery brush right after they come out for that glossy, flavorful finish. Let them cool just slightly — although we all know warm rolls are the tastiest!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe

A white baking dish filled with twelve golden brown dinner rolls arranged in three rows of four. The rolls have a shiny, slightly crispy top and a soft, smooth texture, closely placed together so they gently touch each other. The dish is on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth partially visible to the side, and a small bowl of bright orange spread with a white spoon in the background. The overall look is warm, fresh, and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate these rolls even further, sprinkle them with a pinch of flaky sea salt or some fresh herbs like chopped rosemary or thyme right after baking. These little accents add an extra layer of flavor and freshness that’s simply irresistible.

Side Dishes

These sweet potato dinner rolls pair beautifully with hearty meals like roast chicken, savory stews, or a creamy butternut squash soup. Their subtle sweetness balances rich or spiced main dishes, making them a versatile addition to any table.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these rolls in a warm, cloth-lined basket to keep them cozy for your guests. You might also slice them horizontally to make mini sandwiches or sliders with turkey, cranberry sauce, and melted cheese for a fun twist. The lovely orange hue of the rolls always adds a festive pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve enjoyed your fresh batch, store any leftovers in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 2 days, though they rarely last that long!

Freezing

If you want to keep these rolls longer, freeze them once completely cooled. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, ready whenever you need a quick, comforting bite.

Reheating

To bring your frozen or day-old rolls back to life, warm them in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, a few seconds in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel can refresh that soft texture and make them taste almost freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potato puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned sweet potato puree works wonderfully and is a convenient option if you don’t have homemade puree on hand. Just make sure it’s plain with no added sugar or spices.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No problem! You can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it curdles slightly, then use as directed.

How do I know if the dough is kneaded enough?

The best test is the windowpane test: gently stretch a small piece of dough between your fingers until it’s thin enough to see light through without tearing. This shows that the gluten is well developed.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

With a few tweaks like substituting plant-based milk for buttermilk and using vegan butter or oil, you can make a vegan version. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor might be a little different but still delicious.

Why do I need to brown the butter?

Browned butter adds a deep, nutty flavor and beautiful aroma that elevates these sweet potato rolls from ordinary to extraordinary. It also helps create that gorgeous golden crust when baked.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls Recipe a try because it has become one of my all-time favorite ways to bring warmth and comfort to any meal. With its incredible softness, subtle sweetness, and rich buttery finish, these rolls will quickly become a beloved staple on your table. Whether for holidays, family dinners, or casual get-togethers, they shine in every setting and promise to earn you compliments and smiles all around!