Great Grandma Harris' Potato Rolls
Soft, fluffy potato rolls with a hint of sweetness and richness, perfect for family dinners, brunch, or holiday gatherings, offering a comforting homemade bread experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water.
- Mix mashed potatoes, cooled milk, sugar, lard or margarine, salt, and beaten eggs in a mixer and combine well.
- Add the yeast mixture and mix again until incorporated.
- Gradually add flour, cup by cup, until the dough is soft but not too sticky.
- Set aside in a greased bowl, in a warm place, to rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Punch down the dough when it has doubled in size.
- Let the dough rise again for about 45 minutes, until doubled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the dough. If you don't have lard, vegetable oil or butter can be substituted as well. Make sure to measure your flour carefully, adding just enough to keep the dough soft but manageable. This recipe can also be adapted for whole wheat flour, though you may need to adjust the liquid slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these fluffy potato rolls warm, brushed with melted butter for an extra touch. They pair beautifully with roasted meats or stews, making them perfect for family dinners. Consider serving alongside a fresh salad, such as Curried Bowtie Salad, for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover potato rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Grandma Harris' Potato Rolls contains roughly 996 calories, with 13g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and potassium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1934mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
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 use instant potatoes instead of fresh mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly. Prepare them according to the package directions and allow them to cool before adding them to the mixture.
What if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and properly dissolved in warm water. Also, check that your rising environment is warm enough; you can place the dough in an oven with the light on or near a warm window.
How can I make these rolls ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise. Shape the rolls, place them in a greased pan, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature and rise for about 30-45 minutes before baking.
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).