Sweet Potato Rolls

Sweet Potato Rolls Recipe - A Flavorful Addition to Your Table | USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 16 rolls

Introduction

Sweet potato rolls are a delicious and fluffy bread roll that is perfect for any meal. These rolls are made with warm, mashed sweet potatoes, giving them a slightly sweet and unique flavor. They are great for serving alongside soups, stews, or as a side dish for holiday meals.

History

Sweet potato rolls have been a popular dish in Southern cuisine for many years. Sweet potatoes are a staple ingredient in Southern cooking, and using them in bread recipes adds a touch of sweetness and moisture to the bread. These rolls are often served at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, but they can be enjoyed year-round.

Ingredients

2 packages of active dry yeast
1.5 cups of warm water
1.5 tsp of salt
0.67 cup of shortening
2 eggs, well beaten
1 cup of warm, mashed sweet potatoes
7 cups of flour
Soft butter for spreading on rolled out dough

How to prepare

Dissolve yeast in warm water.
Add salt, shortening, eggs, and sweet potatoes.
Gradually add flour to the mixture, 1 cup at a time, and thoroughly beat after each addition. The last cup may need to be mixed by hand.
Knead the dough on a bread board for about 5 minutes until it becomes elastic.
Cover the dough and refrigerate it for 2 hours or more.
Divide the dough into halves.
Roll each half to a thickness of 0.25 inches.
Spread butter over the rolled dough.
Cut the dough into 16 wedges and roll each wedge from the larger end.
Place the rolled wedges on an oiled sheet (pan) with the pointed ends down.
Allow the dough to rise for 1 hour.
Repeat the same process with the other half of the dough.
Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350°F (177°C).
Brush the baked rolls with butter.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced flavor.
Mix in chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and sweetness.

Notes

May be made into clover leaf or parker house shape instead of crescents.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to knead the dough until it becomes elastic to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Allowing the dough to rise for the specified time is crucial for the rolls to bake up properly.

- Brushing the baked rolls with butter adds a nice shine and extra flavor to the finished product.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sweet potato rolls warm with butter or honey for a delicious side dish. They also pair well with soups, stews, or as a snack on their own.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading the dough until elastic is important for creating a light and fluffy roll.

- Allowing the dough to rise for the specified time ensures the rolls bake up properly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.

- Coconut oil can be used in place of shortening for a dairy-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking the rolls.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the baked rolls on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sea salt for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Sweet potato rolls pair well with roasted meats, such as turkey or ham, as well as creamy soups or salads.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the rolls in foil and warm in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of sweet potato rolls contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of sweet potato rolls contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of sweet potato rolls contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of sweet potato rolls contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, which are all important for overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (gluten) and eggs.

Summary

Sweet potato rolls are a delicious and nutritious bread option that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice for any meal.

Summary

Sweet potato rolls are a delicious and versatile bread option that is perfect for any meal. With a slightly sweet flavor and fluffy texture, these rolls are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them warm with butter or as a side dish for your favorite dishes.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Sweet Potato Rolls. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning the ins and outs of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, able to whip up delicious meals and baked goods with ease. One day, as I sat at her kitchen table watching her knead dough for bread, she pulled out a tattered old recipe card from her collection.

"This here is a special recipe for Sweet Potato Rolls," she said with a smile. "I learned it from a dear friend of mine many years ago, and it has been a family favorite ever since."

I watched intently as she read through the ingredients and instructions, her hands moving deftly as she mixed and shaped the dough. The aroma of warm spices and sweet potatoes filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As the rolls baked in the oven, I could hardly contain my excitement. When they were finally done, my grandmother pulled them out and placed them on a platter, the golden brown tops glistening with melted butter.

"Go on, give one a try," she said, handing me a roll.

I eagerly took a bite, savoring the soft, pillowy texture and the subtle sweetness of the sweet potatoes. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, a perfect balance of flavors and textures that melted in my mouth.

From that day on, I was determined to learn how to make Sweet Potato Rolls myself. I practiced and perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own taste. Over the years, I have made these rolls for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and holidays, each time receiving rave reviews from all who tried them.

The secret to making these rolls so delicious lies in the sweet potatoes themselves. I always make sure to use the freshest, ripest sweet potatoes I can find, boiling them until they are tender and mashing them until they are smooth and creamy. This creates a rich, velvety base for the rolls, adding a depth of flavor that is truly irresistible.

In addition to the sweet potatoes, the recipe calls for a blend of warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, which enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes and give the rolls a warm, comforting flavor. A touch of honey adds a hint of sweetness, while butter and eggs help to create a light, fluffy texture that is simply divine.

As I knead the dough for the rolls, I can't help but think back to that day in my grandmother's kitchen, watching her work her magic with such skill and grace. I feel her presence with me, guiding my hands and infusing the rolls with the same love and care that she put into every dish she made.

When the rolls finally emerge from the oven, golden brown and fragrant, I know that I have done justice to my grandmother's recipe. I can almost hear her voice, soft and gentle, praising me for my efforts and encouraging me to keep honing my skills in the kitchen.

And so, as I sit down to enjoy a warm Sweet Potato Roll with a pat of butter melting on top, I am filled with a sense of pride and gratitude for the culinary heritage that has been passed down to me. I may have learned this recipe from my grandmother, but in truth, it is a gift from generations past, a reminder of the love and tradition that continues to nourish and sustain us all.