So, you’re planning a meal, and you’ve got the main dish picked out, a salad, a few vegetables, even a dessert, but something’s missing … a carbohydrate! Should you make potatoes? They’re easy, and they go with anything. But if you’re really trying to impress, maybe some homemade bread would be better — such a tasty, comforting addition to a meal is always a crowd-pleaser. Hmm … why not both?
These potato rolls are light and fluffy as anything and sure to impress, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. You don’t even need to knead them! They can sit and rise while you’re prepping other dishes and get popped in the oven 20-25 minutes before company arrives to fill the air with the mouthwatering scent of fresh bread. Plus, you’re sure to have some left over for dipping in soup or making a little sandwich the next day.
Potato rolls
20
15 minutes
25 minutes
1 hour 55 minutes
1 package active dry yeast
½ cup warm water, separated
1/3 cup sugar, separated
½ cup mashed potatoes (dry, no added butter or milk)
1/3 cup shortening
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons milk
In a small glass bowl or measuring cup, whisk to combine the yeast, 1/3 cup of the warm water and 2 teaspoons of the sugar Set aside for 3-5 minutes, until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with the remaining ingredients, mixing just until a smooth dough forms.
Shape the dough into a ball, and place it in a bowl sprayed with cooking spray or vegetable oil. Cover with plastic wrap, and set in a warm place to rise for one hour.
Punch down the dough, and divide into handful-sized pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a ball, and place them close together but not quite touching on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Preheat the oven to 375 F.
Cover the rolls with plastic wrap lightly sprayed with cooking spray, and set them in a warm place to rise for an additional 30-40 minutes.
Lightly brush the rolls with milk, then bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack, and allow to cool completely before serving.