I’m so happy to share this Amish Potato Rolls recipe with you! These rolls are soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet, with real mashed potatoes mixed right into the dough for extra tenderness. They bake up golden on top and stay fresh for days, which makes them perfect for holidays or simple family dinners. The dough is easy to work with and even doubles as amazing doughnuts if you feel like having fun in the kitchen.
Level: Moderate
Total Time: about 3 hours
Prep Time: about 2 hours 40 minutes
Cook Time: about 20 to 25 minutes
Yield: about 15 rolls
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
I still remember the first time I made potato rolls at home. I was amazed at how soft and pillowy they turned out, and how the mashed potatoes made such a big difference in the texture.
These rolls are rich but not heavy. The butter, eggs, and potatoes give them a tender crumb, while the yeast makes them light and fluffy. You mix everything together, let the dough rise, shape the rolls, and bake until golden. They are perfect for Thanksgiving, Sunday dinner, or any time you want fresh homemade bread on the table.
How to Make Amish Potato Rolls
These rolls are enriched with mashed potatoes, butter, and eggs for a soft and tender texture. Here is how it all comes together:
• Mix mashed potatoes with butter, sugar, and lukewarm water until smooth
• Add beaten eggs and yeast to build flavor and structure
• Stir in flour and salt to form a soft dough
• Let the dough rise until doubled in size
• Shape into rolls and place in a greased 9×13-inch pan
• Let them rise again until puffy
• Bake until golden brown and brush with melted butter
It is a simple step-by-step process that rewards you with soft, bakery-style rolls right from your oven.
Ingredients
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened (plus extra melted for brushing, optional)
• 1 cup mashed potatoes, unseasoned and lightly packed
• 1 scant tablespoon active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup lukewarm water
• 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Directions
- Mix the Base:
- Place the mashed potatoes in a large bowl or stand mixer.
- Add softened butter, sugar, and lukewarm water. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs and Yeast:
- Pour in the beaten eggs and mix well.
- Sprinkle in the active dry yeast and stir to combine.
- Form the Dough:
- Add the flour and salt.
- Mix until a soft dough forms and pulls together.
- First Rise:
- Lightly grease a bowl and place the dough inside.
- Cover and let it rise for about 90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls:
- Gently press down the risen dough to release air.
- Divide into about 15 pieces and shape into smooth balls.
- Place them in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the pan with a clean towel.
- Let the rolls rise again for about 45 to 60 minutes, until puffy.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F while the rolls are rising.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown on top.
- Finish and Serve:
- Brush the warm rolls with melted butter if desired.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Process Details
• Mashed Potatoes in the Dough: The potatoes add moisture and make the rolls extra soft and tender.
• Two Rises: The first rise builds flavor, and the second rise helps the rolls become light and fluffy.
• Soft Dough Texture: The dough should feel slightly sticky but easy to handle, which keeps the rolls soft after baking.
• Golden Tops: Baking until lightly golden ensures the inside stays soft while the outside gets a gentle crust.
Tips for Success
• Use unseasoned mashed potatoes for the best flavor balance.
• Make sure the water is lukewarm, not hot, so the yeast works properly.
• Lightly grease your pan to prevent sticking.
• This dough can also be shaped into crescents or buns if you prefer different styles.
• If using instant mashed potatoes, prepare them first before measuring.
• You can brush the tops with butter after baking for extra flavor and shine.
Serving Ideas
• Holiday Table: Serve warm alongside turkey, ham, or roast beef.
• Sandwich Rolls: Slice and fill with leftover meats and cheese.
• Breakfast Treat: Spread with butter and jam the next morning.
• Sweet Option: Shape the dough into doughnuts, fry until golden, and coat with sugar or glaze.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 to 3 days.
• Freeze After First Rise: Shape the rolls, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag. Thaw in a greased pan and let rise before baking.
• Freeze Dough in Bulk: Freeze after kneading. Thaw overnight in the fridge, bring to room temperature, then let rise before shaping.
• Freeze Baked Rolls: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to about 2 months. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes or microwave briefly wrapped in a damp paper towel.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: ~203
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 356mg
• Sugar: 5g
These Amish Potato Rolls are soft, fluffy, and rich with buttery flavor and tender texture from real mashed potatoes. They are simple enough to make at home but special enough for holidays and big family meals.
I hope you give these rolls a try in your own kitchen. Once you taste how soft and fresh they are, they might just become your new favorite homemade bread.
