If you’re on the hunt for the softest, most pillowy rolls that practically melt in your mouth, you’re going to adore this Fluffy Potato Rolls Recipe. I absolutely love how these rolls strike the perfect balance between tender crumb and subtle richness—thanks to the magic touch of potato flakes. Whether you’re new to baking bread or a seasoned pro, you’ll find these rolls ridiculously easy to make and impossible to stop munching on!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So Soft and Tender: The potato flakes add moisture and softness that make the rolls irresistibly fluffy.
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re not a yeast expert, the recipe is straightforward with no complicated steps.
- Versatile for Any Meal: Perfect alongside soups, dinners, or as sandwich rolls for a cozy touch.
- Great for Beginners and Pros: I used to struggle with dense rolls until I found this foolproof method.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a rich, tender dough with just the right hint of sweetness. Using instant yeast keeps things speedy without sacrificing flavor, and the potato flakes make all the difference in texture.

- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for tender rolls; I sometimes use a bit extra if the dough feels too sticky.
- Instant yeast (RapidRise): Speeds up rising time and is easy to work with—no proofing needed.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to feed the yeast and add a touch of sweetness.
- Salt: Balances flavor and enhances the dough’s rise.
- Milk: Adds richness; you can use any kind—whole, low-fat, or even nonfat.
- Water: Blended with milk to create the perfect dough temperature for yeast.
- Unsalted butter: For that melt-in-your-mouth softness and subtle buttery taste.
- Potato flakes: The secret ingredient to fluffy texture and moist crumb.
- Large egg: Adds structure and helps with browning.
Variations
I love tweaking this Fluffy Potato Rolls Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have in the pantry. Feel free to make these your own—it’s fun and tasty every time.
- Herb-Infused Rolls: Adding chopped fresh rosemary or thyme into the dough gives a fragrant, savory twist that my family can’t get enough of.
- Whole Wheat Swap: For a nuttier flavor and more fiber, I’ve swapped half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour—just know the rolls may be a bit denser.
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace milk and butter with plant-based milk and margarine; the texture will still be wonderfully soft.
- Garlic Butter Glaze: Brush the hot rolls with garlic-infused melted butter for an irresistible appetizer.
How to Make Fluffy Potato Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Start by adding 1 cup of flour, the instant yeast, sugar, and salt to your stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment. This base blend ensures even yeast distribution. I like to sift the flour to keep everything airy, but it’s not mandatory—just mix well.
Step 2: Warm Liquids & Add Potato Flakes
Combine your water, milk, and butter in a microwave-safe measuring cup. Heat until it feels warm to the touch between 120°-130°F—kind of like a cozy bath for your yeast. Stir in the potato flakes until well incorporated. This step is key for that characteristic softness I adore.
Step 3: Combine and Knead the Dough
Pour the warm liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and switch to the dough hook. Mix on medium for a minute, then add the egg and another cup of flour and mix again for a minute. Add a third cup of flour next, mixing until the dough starts to pull together—but stay soft! If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in up to 1/4 cup more flour, but keep it on the sticky side for fluffiness. Then, turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 4-6 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it forms a ball and bounces back when you press two fingers into it.
Step 4: First Rise and Shaping
Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes—that little pause helps relax the gluten. Then divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each into a neat ball and place them spaced slightly apart in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let them rise until doubled. This usually takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on your kitchen’s warmth.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 20-28 minutes, rotating the pan halfway to ensure even browning. You’ll spot the perfect golden tops and that heavenly, warm aroma filling your kitchen. Right after baking, brush the rolls with melted butter for extra shine and richness—this little step makes them so special.
Pro Tips for Making Fluffy Potato Rolls Recipe
- Warm Your Liquids Just Right: Too hot can kill yeast, too cold slows the rise—aim for bath-temperature warmth for the best rise.
- Don’t Over-Flour the Dough: Keep the dough a little sticky; it yields the fluffiest rolls.
- Cover While Rising: I’ve learned that keeping the dough covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap prevents drying out and helps a softer crust.
- Rotate the Pan While Baking: Ovens bake unevenly; rotating ensures all rolls get that perfect golden finish.
How to Serve Fluffy Potato Rolls Recipe

Garnishes
I like brushing these rolls with melted butter fresh out of the oven and sometimes sprinkling a little flaky sea salt or fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives on top. It adds a simple but elegant touch that makes the rolls feel bakery-level.
Side Dishes
These rolls have become the go-to side for my family’s favorite meals: think creamy soups, hearty stews, roast chicken, or even a Thanksgiving feast. They soak up gravy beautifully and also make fantastic mini sandwich buns.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like arranging the rolls in a wreath shape on a circular platter with fresh herbs and edible flowers tucked between them. It’s a showstopper centerpiece that guests always ask about. You can also serve with an assortment of flavored butters for a fun DIY roll bar.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After they cool, I store leftover rolls in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for about two days. Just be sure to avoid the fridge because it can dry them out faster.
Freezing
I freeze these rolls often—just flash freeze on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully without much change in texture. When I want some, a quick thaw on the counter or in the fridge is all that’s needed.
Reheating
Reheating is easy: I like popping the rolls in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes wrapped in foil to warm them through and retain softness. You can also microwave them for 15-20 seconds wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh potatoes instead of potato flakes?
Yes, you can—but you’ll need to cook and mash the potatoes first, then measure an equivalent amount to replace the flakes. Potato flakes are just dried mashed potatoes, which make the dough easier to handle and more consistent. If using fresh, reduce the liquid slightly to keep dough consistency.
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Do I have to use instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast but you’ll need to proof it in warm water with sugar first, and allow for a longer rising time. Instant yeast is more convenient and works faster, which I find perfect for this recipe.
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What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?
A slightly sticky dough is actually ideal for soft rolls. If it’s excessively sticky and hard to handle, add a small amount of flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s drying out and cracking, add a teaspoon of warm water or milk. Experience will help you get the feel of the dough.
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Can I make the rolls ahead and bake later?
Absolutely! After shaping your rolls, pop them in the fridge covered overnight to do a slow rise, then bake fresh the next day. Just let them come to room temperature before baking for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Fluffy Potato Rolls Recipe has truly become a kitchen favorite for me—and I’m excited for you to try it too. There’s something so comforting about pulling these soft rolls fresh from the oven, their warm, buttery scent filling the room. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, these rolls bring everyone closer around the table. Give them a go—I bet they’ll become your go-to roll recipe, just like mine.
Print
Fluffy Potato Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These fluffy potato rolls are delightfully soft and easy to make, featuring instant potato flakes for tenderness. Perfect for dinner or sandwiches, they combine the comforting flavors of buttery yeast bread with the added moisture and slight sweetness from potatoes, yielding golden, pillowy rolls that stay fresh for days.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups (372g) all-purpose flour (up to 3 1/2 cups as needed)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) Instant Yeast (RapidRise)
- 1 tablespoon (13g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup potato flakes
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup (177ml) milk (regular, low or nonfat)
- ½ cup (118ml) water
- 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine 1 cup flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt to prepare a base for the dough.
- Prepare Liquid Mixture: In a microwave-safe measuring cup, combine water, milk, and butter. Heat until warm, between 120°-130°F (about 1 minute). Stir in the potato flakes until incorporated.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the warm liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and mix using a dough hook on medium speed for 1 minute. Add the egg and 1 cup flour and mix for another minute. Add an additional 1/3 cup flour and mix until the dough comes together as a soft dough, slightly sticky to the touch. Add up to 1/4 cup more flour if necessary.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and dust the top with flour. Knead for about 4-6 minutes until the dough forms a smooth ball and bounces back when gently pressed with two fingers. Then cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Shape Rolls: Divide the rested dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place them in a 9×13-inch pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise until doubled in size, approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-28 minutes or until they are golden brown on top. Rotate the pan midway through baking for even coloring.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the hot rolls from the oven and brush them with melted butter for extra flavor and a shiny finish. Serve fresh and enjoy within 2 days for optimal softness.
Notes
- These potato rolls are incredibly soft and fluffy, thanks to the addition of instant potato flakes.
- Using instant yeast (RapidRise) helps speed up the rising process.
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, knead by hand but expect longer kneading times.
- Heating the milk and water mixture to the correct temperature is crucial to activate the yeast without killing it.
- The rolls are best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain their soft texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 166 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 211 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 27 mg


