Irish Potato Rolls

Prep: 150 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: Irish

Irish Potato Rolls are soft, fluffy bread rolls infused with the subtle sweetness of potatoes, making them perfect for hearty breakfasts or alongside hearty meals. Their tender crumb and slightly sweet flavor appeal to bread lovers and those seeking a comforting, homemade treat.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups lukewarm potato water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 package dry yeast
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2/3 cup soft shortening
  • 7 1/2 or 8 cups flour, sifted
  • 1 cup lukewarm potatoes

Instructions

  1. Mix together potato water, salt, and sugar.
  2. Sprinkle yeast on top and stir to dissolve.
  3. Add beaten eggs and soft shortening to the mixture.
  4. Gradually add mashed potatoes and enough flour to form a stiff batter; beat until smooth.
  5. Knead in the remaining flour until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  6. Place the dough in a greased, covered container and refrigerate.
  7. Take out the dough about 2 hours before baking.
  8. Shape the dough into rolls and let them rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  9. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, optionally buttering before baking.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use leftover potato water from boiling potatoes for added flavor. If you don't have potato water, you can substitute with warm water and a bit of mashed potato. Make sure the dough is kneaded well for a smooth texture. If you're short on time, you can skip refrigerating the dough, but allowing it to chill enhances the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Irish Potato Rolls are perfect for any meal and pair beautifully with soups or stews. Serve them warm with butter, or try them alongside a bowl of Beau Monde Dip(Low Calorie) for a delightful appetizer. They also complement a hearty breakfast with eggs and bacon, making them versatile for any occasion.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To freeze, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag; they can last up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Irish Potato Rolls contains roughly 291 calories, with 7g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of potassium (18% of the Daily Value), protein (15% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 970mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).

291 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.3g 15% DV
Total Fat 7.6g 10% DV
Carbs 48.7g 18% DV
Fiber 3.3g 12% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 969.9mg 42% DV
Potassium 862.3mg 18% DV
Cholesterol 43mg 14% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 10.5mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 11.4mg 13% DV
Calcium 56.6mg 4% DV
Iron 1.8mg 10% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains 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 use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of dry yeast. There's no need to dissolve it in the potato water; simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients. This can save you a bit of time, and the rolls will still turn out fluffy and delicious.

What if I don't have shortening?

If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with unsalted butter or margarine. Just make sure to soften it before adding to the mixture for easy incorporation. This will give your rolls a rich flavor and tender texture.

How can I make these rolls healthier?

To make these rolls healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. You can also reduce the sugar by half or use a natural sweetener like honey. Additionally, adding herbs or spices can enhance the flavor without adding calories.

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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