Good Rolls

Prep: 180 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: Irish

Soft, fluffy Irish potato rolls with a slightly sweet flavor and tender crumb, perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or as a side for hearty meals.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mashed Irish potatoes
  • 2/3 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 package yeast
  • 1/2 cup lukewarm water
  • 1 cup scalded milk, cooled to lukewarm
  • 6 to 8 cups bread flour

Instructions

  1. Mash the Irish potatoes and set aside.
  2. Add shortening, sugar, salt, and eggs to the mashed potatoes and cream well.
  3. Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water and add to the cooled, lukewarm milk.
  4. Pour the yeast mixture into the potato mixture.
  5. Add bread flour gradually to make a stiff dough.
  6. Knead the dough well until smooth and elastic.
  7. Place the dough in a greased bowl and let it double in bulk.
  8. Knead the dough slightly after rising.
  9. Rub the top of the dough with melted butter.
  10. Place the dough in a casserole dish and cover tightly.
  11. Refrigerate until ready to bake.
  12. About 1 hour before baking, shape the dough into rolls, cover, and let them double in size.
  13. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. Make sure your water isn’t too hot when dissolving the yeast, as this can kill the yeast and prevent the rolls from rising properly.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are perfect served warm alongside a hearty soup or as a base for sandwiches. They pair beautifully with Caramel Sweet Potatoes for a delightful meal. Consider spreading them with butter or your favorite jam for a sweet treat at breakfast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Good Rolls contains roughly 182 calories, with 6g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value) and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 977mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).

182 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.3g 13% DV
Total Fat 2.5g 3% DV
Carbs 33.8g 12% DV
Fiber 1.8g 6% DV
Sugar 4.8g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 976.6mg 42% DV
Potassium 333.5mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 22.1mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 24.1mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 6.4mg 7% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 74.9mg 6% DV
Iron 2.1mg 12% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
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 the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before shaping into rolls and allowing them to rise again.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature is appropriate. You can also place the dough in a warm, draft-free area to encourage rising.

How can I tell when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) when fully baked.

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).

Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →