Easy Bread 3

Ultra-soft, fluffy, golden dinner rolls made with potato for extra tenderness and lasting softness.

Ingredients (makes 12–15 rolls)

Dough

• 1 medium potato (about 200–220 g), peeled and cubed
• ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk or potato cooking water
• 2¼ tsp (7 g) instant yeast
• 3 Tbsp (40 g) sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp salt
• 3½–3¾ cups (420–450 g) bread flour or all-purpose flour

Finish

• 2–3 Tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

1. Cook the potato
   Boil the cubed potato in water until very soft, about 15 minutes. Drain (reserve some cooking water if desired) and mash until completely smooth. Let cool until just warm.
2. Make the dough
   In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm milk (or potato water), yeast, and a pinch of the sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
   Add the mashed potato, remaining sugar, egg, softened butter, salt, and 3½ cups flour. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour only if needed — the dough should be soft and slightly tacky.
3. First rise
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1–1½ hours.
4. Shape the rolls
   Punch down the dough and divide into 12–15 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
   Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased 9×13-inch pan, placing them close together for soft sides.
5. Second rise
   Cover and let rise until puffy, 30–45 minutes.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Bake
   Bake for 18–25 minutes, until deep golden brown.
7. Finish
   Immediately brush the hot rolls with melted butter.
   Let cool slightly, then pull apart and serve warm.

Tips

• The potato makes these rolls exceptionally soft and helps them stay fresh longer.
• For even softer rolls, replace some of the milk with the starchy potato cooking water.
• These freeze well — reheat in a low oven and brush with more butter.
• Best eaten warm, but still excellent the next day.

Pillowy, buttery, and irresistible. Enjoy!