Fluffy Potato Rolls Recipe
Introduction
Fluffy potato rolls are soft, tender, and full of rich flavor thanks to the addition of mashed potatoes. These rolls make a perfect side for any meal or a delicious base for sandwiches.

Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, divided
- 1 (0.25-oz.) packet active dry yeast
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup boiled, mashed potato (from about 1 large russet potato)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- Cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, combine lukewarm water and 1 teaspoon sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. Stir yeast into water.
- Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook attached, stir together flour, remaining tablespoon sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture and potatoes. With the mixer running, add butter a tablespoon at a time until fully incorporated. Continue mixing until a smooth dough forms, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Grease a large bowl with cooking spray and transfer dough to bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Step 4: Punch dough down to deflate, then turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball.
- Step 5: Grease a 9”-x-13” baking pan with cooking spray and place balls in pan, leaving an inch between each one. Cover and let rise another 45 minutes.
- Step 6: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush tops of dough with melted butter. Bake until golden, about 25 minutes.
- Step 7: Brush with more melted butter and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use cooled mashed potatoes to avoid warming the dough too much during mixing.
- For a richer flavor, substitute half the water for whole milk.
- Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist.
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes until smooth.
Storage
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Reheat by warming in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwaving briefly until warm.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast using the same amount. Simply mix it with the dry ingredients and add liquid later, skipping the proofing step.
Can I make these rolls without mashed potatoes?
The mashed potatoes add moisture and softness, but you can omit them and increase the liquid slightly. The rolls will be less tender but still tasty.
PrintFluffy Potato Rolls Recipe
These Fluffy Potato Rolls are soft, buttery, and perfect as a side for any meal. Made with mashed potatoes and a tender yeast dough, these rolls have a wonderful texture and rich flavor, ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Yeast Mixture
- 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 (0.25-ounce) packet active dry yeast
Dough
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 cup boiled, mashed potato (from about 1 large russet potato)
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
For Rising and Baking
- Cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, combine lukewarm water and 1 teaspoon sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. Stir the yeast into the water to blend.
- Prepare the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, remaining tablespoon of sugar, and kosher salt. Add the yeast mixture and mashed potatoes. With the mixer running, add softened butter a tablespoon at a time until fully incorporated. Continue mixing until a smooth, elastic dough forms, around 5 minutes.
- First Rise: Grease a large bowl with cooking spray and transfer the dough into it. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough to deflate it, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball.
- Second Rise: Grease a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Place the dough balls in the pan, spacing them about an inch apart. Cover and let them rise again for about 45 minutes.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Brush the tops of the dough balls with melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven until the rolls turn golden brown, approximately 25 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and brush with additional melted butter. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, ensure water is lukewarm to properly activate the yeast.
- You can substitute russet potatoes with Yukon Gold for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Reheat rolls wrapped in foil at 350°F for 10 minutes to revive softness.
- The mashed potatoes add moisture and softness, making these rolls fluffier than traditional ones.
Keywords: potato rolls, fluffy rolls, homemade rolls, yeast rolls, bread recipe, dinner rolls

