Why You’ll Love this Sweet Potato Rolls Recipe
You’re going to love this sweet potato rolls recipe for so many reasons!
First off, the combination of sweet potatoes and oat bran makes these rolls not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. They’re soft, fluffy, and have a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with savory dishes.
Plus, they’re versatile—you can enjoy them with butter, as a sandwich, or even on their own. The process is simple, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is absolutely irresistible.
You’ll be amazed at how easy it’s to impress your friends and family with these rolls. Trust me, once you taste them, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Get ready to enjoy a new favorite!
Ingredients of Sweet Potato Rolls
When it comes to baking, having the right ingredients is half the battle. For these delightful Sweet Potato Rolls, you’ll be gathering a mix of wholesome components that not only contribute to the flavor but also pack a nutritional punch. Think of sweet potatoes as the star of the show, bringing a natural sweetness and vibrant color, while oat bran adds that hearty, nutty flavor.
Let’s explore the ingredient list so you can get started on these scrumptious rolls!
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Rolls:
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup oat bran
- 1/4 cup skim milk powder
- 2 tablespoons grated orange zest
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup raisins (washed and dried) or 3/4 cup currants
- 1 (8 g) package instant quick-rising yeast (or 2 1/4 tsp if using bulk yeast)
- 3/4 cup sweet potato, cooked and mashed (don’t forget to reserve the cooking liquid!)
- 1/4 cup margarine (melted) or 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup liquid honey
- 1 cup sweet potato water (from cooking)
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
Gathering these ingredients can be a bit of a scavenger hunt if you’re not used to it. Don’t worry if you can’t find oat bran right away—it’s a fantastic addition for fiber and texture, but if you’re in a pinch, you could substitute it with more flour.
And hey, if you prefer currants to raisins or vice versa, feel free to switch it up. The beauty of baking is that it’s often forgiving. Just remember, the fresher your sweet potatoes and the quality of your honey, the better the flavor.
How to Make Sweet Potato Rolls
Making Sweet Potato Rolls might sound a bit intimidating, but trust me, it’s more like a fun kitchen adventure than a complicated task. First things first, grab a large bowl and mix together 2 cups of whole wheat flour, 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of oat bran, 1/4 cup of skim milk powder, 2 tablespoons of grated orange zest, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, 3/4 cup of raisins (or currants if that’s your jam), and one packet (that’s 8 grams, or about 2 1/4 teaspoons if you’re using bulk yeast) of instant quick-rising yeast. This dry mixture is where the magic begins, so stir it all together until it’s like a warm, inviting hug for your taste buds.
Now, let’s move on to the sweet stuff. In a small saucepan, combine 3/4 cup of cooked and mashed sweet potatoes, 1/4 cup of melted margarine (or butter if you’re feeling indulgent), and 1/4 cup of liquid honey along with 1 cup of the reserved sweet potato cooking water. Heat this mixture over low until it’s hot to the touch—think of it as making a cozy bath for your dough.
Once it’s warmed up, stir in 2 lightly beaten eggs; then, pour this delightful concoction into your dry ingredients. Mix it all together, and you’ll want to add just enough of the remaining whole wheat flour to create a soft dough. This part can get a little sticky, but that’s all part of the fun.
Once your dough is mixed and feels just right, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it until it’s smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This is where you can channel your inner bread-making guru, and if you find yourself struggling a bit, just remember, even the pros have their off days.
After kneading, let your dough rest for about 10 minutes under a cozy cover. Then, take a sharp knife and cut the dough into 16 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them seam side down on a lightly sprayed baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each roll. Cover them and let them rise until they’ve doubled in size—about an hour.
Preheat your oven to 375°F, and when the time’s up, bake those beauties for about 15 minutes until they’re golden brown. And just like that, you’ve got yourself a batch of Sweet Potato Rolls that are sure to impress.
Sweet Potato Rolls Substitutions & Variations
While experimenting with Sweet Potato Rolls, I often find myself swapping out ingredients to suit my taste or dietary needs.
For instance, I’ve replaced whole wheat flour with spelt flour for a nuttier flavor or gone gluten-free by using a blend of gluten-free all-purpose flour. If I want to reduce sugar, I sometimes cut back on honey and add mashed bananas for natural sweetness.
I’ve also tried adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor. For a savory twist, I’ll toss in herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Instead of raisins or currants, I’ve used chopped nuts or cranberries for added texture. These variations keep my rolls exciting and personalized!
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Rolls
Sweet potato rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, and they pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes.
I love serving them alongside roasted meats, like chicken or pork, as the sweetness complements the savory flavors perfectly. A hearty vegetable stew also makes a great match, enhancing the rolls’ comforting texture.
For a lighter option, you can enjoy them with a fresh salad, especially one featuring citrus or nuts. I often spread a bit of butter or honey on warm rolls for extra indulgence.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider serving them with a spicy dipping sauce or a tangy chutney to elevate the experience. Trust me, these rolls will make any meal memorable!
Additional Tips & Notes
When enjoying sweet potato rolls with your favorite meals, it’s helpful to keep a few tips in mind.
First, let the rolls cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to maintain their softness. If you want a little extra flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
For a healthier twist, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you’re short on time, feel free to use canned sweet potato puree.
When reheating, a quick pop in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel keeps them moist.
Finally, these rolls freeze beautifully, so make a double batch and save some for later! Enjoy!