Sweet potato rolls are a delicious and nutritious bread made with mashed sweet potatoes. They have a soft, moist texture and a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with many dishes. But what exactly goes into making these orange-hued rolls? Let’s take a closer look at the main ingredients.
Sweet Potatoes
Obviously, the key component is sweet potatoes! Typically, garnet or jewel sweet potatoes are used. These varieties have a deep orange flesh that gives the rolls their signature color. The sweet potatoes are peeled, cubed, and then boiled or steamed until very tender. Once cooled, the sweet potato flesh is mashed until smooth. This mashed sweet potato provides moisture, texture, nutrients, and sweetness to the dough.
Flour
The flour provides structure and substance to the sweet potato roll dough. Typically, all-purpose flour or bread flour is used. Occasionally, whole wheat flour may be incorporated for added nutrition. The proteins in the flour help the dough stretch and hold its shape as the yeast causes it to rise. The starch in the flour also retains moisture to keep the rolls soft and supple.
Yeast
Active dry yeast is essential for leavening the sweet potato rolls. The yeast feeds on the starch and sugar in the dough, producing carbon dioxide gas. This causes the dough to become airy and rise. Using the proper amount of yeast and allowing time for the dough to proof are vital for light, fluffy rolls.
Sweetener
A small amount of sugar or honey is usually added to sweet potato roll dough. This provides food for the yeast as well as enhances the mild sweetness. White sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used successfully. The sweetener should be dissolved into the liquid before mixing the dough.
Eggs
Eggs help provide structure, richness, and browning. The proteins in the eggs coagulate and set the rolls’ crumb structure as they bake. The egg yolks also contribute extra fat for tenderness. Often, whole eggs or sometimes just yolks are beaten in with the wet ingredients.
Butter or Oil
Some form of fat such as butter, oil, or shortening is included to keep the sweet potato rolls tender and enhance flavor. Butter is a common choice, but vegetable or canola oil can also be substituted to make the rolls dairy-free.
Milk
Milk is the most typical liquid used in sweet potato roll dough. Whole milk, 2% milk, or non-dairy milk may be used. The milk hydrates the flour to form the dough’s gluten structure. It also provides a creamy, smooth texture.
Spices and Flavors
Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are sometimes added to complement the sweet potatoes. Vanilla extract can also enhance the flavor. Orange or lemon zest brighten up the rolls as well. Savory additions like cheese, herbs, garlic, or jalapeños make the rolls perfect for sandwiches and appetizers too.
Salt
A small amount of salt is necessary to balance the sweetness and bring out the other flavors. Salt also tightens and strengthens the gluten, giving more structure to the dough so the rolls hold their shape.
Summary of Ingredients
Here is a summary of the main ingredients typically used to make sweet potato rolls:
| Ingredient | Function |
|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes | Moisture, texture, nutrients, sweetness |
| Flour | Structure, substance |
| Yeast | Leavening and rise |
| Sweetener | Food for yeast, flavor |
| Eggs | Structure, richness, browning |
| Butter or oil | Tenderness, flavor |
| Milk | Hydration, texture |
| Spices | Flavor enhancement |
| Salt | Flavor balance, structure |
Steps to Make Sweet Potato Rolls
Now that we know the key ingredients, let’s look at the basic process for making sweet potato rolls:
- Cook the sweet potatoes until very tender, then mash smooth.
- Proof the yeast by dissolving it with a sweetener in warm liquid.
- In a large bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, butter, milk, spices, salt, and half the flour.
- Add the proofed yeast mixture and remaining flour and knead to form a soft, tacky dough.
- Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1-2 hours until puffy.
- Punch down risen dough and portion into 12 equal pieces. Shape into balls.
- Place dough balls in a greased baking pan. Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush tops with butter when still warm.
The full sweet potato roll recipe is provided at the end of this article. Following the measurements and instructions will ensure perfect rolls every time!
Why Are Sweet Potatoes Used?
Sweet potatoes may seem like an unorthodox ingredient for bread, but they offer several benefits:
- They add great texture – the mashed sweet potatoes make the rolls incredibly soft and moist.
- They provide natural sweetness without needing as much added sugar.
- They give the rolls a gorgeous orange color from their carotenoid pigments.
- They boost the nutritional value with key vitamins and minerals like vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber.
Variations
While the basic sweet potato roll recipe stays consistent, there are many ways to adapt them:
- Shapes: Roll and shape dough into balls, knots, braids, spirals, or pan rolls.
- Fillings: Stuff with cheese, cinnamon sugar, pecans, raisins, herbs, jalapeños, or chocolate chips.
- Toppings: Before baking, top with oats, sesame seeds, salt, minced herbs, or shredded cheese.
- Glazes: Once baked, drizzle with icing, honey butter, maple frosting, or spice glazes.
- Spice mix: Add pumpkin pie spice, chai spices, or savory dried herbs.
Storage
Sweet potato rolls are best fresh but will keep well for 2-3 days stored in a sealed container at room temperature. To refresh, sprinkle rolls with water and bake for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. The rolls can also be wrapped in plastic and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and refresh by baking before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet potato rolls pair well with many savory dishes like:
- Thanksgiving dinner
- Ham, turkey, or roast beef sandwiches
- BBQ pulled pork or chicken
- Soup, chili, or stew
- Salads or slaws
- Breakfast casseroles or hash
They can also be enjoyed as a sweet treat with honey butter, jam, whipped cream, or icing.
Nutrition
Here is the nutrition information for 1 sweet potato roll (values vary slightly with specific ingredients used):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 131 |
| Carbohydrates | 23 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Vitamin A | 12050 IU |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg |
| Calcium | 26 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Sweet potato rolls make a nutritious addition to any meal, providing important vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The sweet potatoes boost the vitamin A and C content significantly.
Cost
The estimated cost to make one batch of 12 sweet potato rolls is:
| Ingredient | Amount | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes | 2 medium | $1.00 |
| Flour | 2 1/4 cups | $0.30 |
| Yeast | 1 Tbs | $0.15 |
| Sugar | 1 Tbs | $0.05 |
| Eggs | 2 eggs | $0.30 |
| Butter | 2 Tbs | $0.20 |
| Milk | 1/2 cup | $0.15 |
| Spices | 1/2 tsp each | $0.05 |
| Salt | 1 tsp | $0.02 |
| Total | $2.22 |
The total cost is $2.22 to make one dozen sweet potato rolls, which comes out to around $0.19 per roll. This affordable bread makes a delicious addition to any meal!
Conclusion
Sweet potato rolls are a wonderful way to add color, nutrition, and flavor to your meals or snacks. Mashing the sweet potatoes provides moisture and texture, while ingredients like flour, yeast, eggs, and butter give the rolls structure and taste. Though the basic recipe stays consistent, there are endless ways to adapt the rolls with different shapes, fillings, and toppings. Freshly baked, these tender orange rolls are sure to be a hit at any occasion. Their mild sweetness pairs perfectly with savory dishes but they make a special treat all on their own. So give sweet potato rolls a try – they are wholesome, delicious, and budget-friendly!
Sweet Potato Roll Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted for brushing on top
Instructions:
- Boil sweet potatoes until very tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash smooth with a fork or potato masher.
- Heat milk just until warm, not hot. Pour into a large bowl. Whisk in water, 1 tablespoon butter, sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Stir in mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, 1 cup of the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually stir in remaining 1 1/4 cup flour. Dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
- Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes until dough becomes smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 1-2 hours until puffy.
- Punch down risen dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a smooth ball.
- Place dough balls in a greased 9×13 baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until tops are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and brush tops with melted butter. Enjoy!