Extra Light Rolls

Prep: 30 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Extra Light Rolls are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet bread rolls with a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast, dinner sides, or special occasions for a warm, comforting treat.

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Ingredients

  • 1 yeast cake
  • 1 cup mashed potatoes
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups scalded milk
  • 6 to 8 cups flour
  • 2/3 cup butter

Instructions

  1. Boil and mash the potatoes; add butter and sugar to the mashed potatoes.
  2. Beat the eggs and add them to the potato mixture, then cream together.
  3. Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk.
  4. Add the yeast mixture to the potato and egg mixture.
  5. Gradually add flour until the mixture is stiff enough to knead.
  6. Knead the dough well, about 10 to 12 strokes.
  7. Place the dough in a greased bowl and grease the top with butter.
  8. Let the dough stand in a warm place to rise until doubled in size.
  9. Shape the dough into rolls and let them rise again until puffy.
  10. Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For lighter rolls, ensure your yeast is active by dissolving it in warm milk that feels pleasant to the touch. You can substitute mashed sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. If you're short on time, use store-bought mashed potatoes. To achieve perfect rolls, keep the dough in a warm, draft-free area while it rises.

Serving Suggestions

These Extra Light Rolls are perfect as a side for soups, stews, or alongside a hearty salad. They also pair beautifully with Southern Corn Pudding for a comforting meal. Consider serving them with flavored butters or jams to enhance their flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, place the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Extra Light Rolls contains roughly 487 calories, with 9g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 532mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).

487 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.6g 17% DV
Total Fat 21.7g 28% DV
Carbs 64.8g 24% DV
Fiber 2.5g 9% DV
Sugar 23.6g 47% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 531.9mg 23% DV
Potassium 607.4mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 69.6mg 23% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 104.1mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 17.1mg 19% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 252mg 19% DV
Iron 4.3mg 24% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature and rise again before baking.

What can I do if my rolls don’t rise?

If the dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or too cold of an environment. Check if your yeast is fresh and ensure the dough is placed in a warm, draft-free area to encourage rising.

Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?

Absolutely! Adding dried herbs like rosemary or garlic powder can enhance the flavor of your rolls. Just be mindful of the amount, as you want the flavors to complement, not overpower, the bread.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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