Are you craving warm, fluffy rolls but short on time? Then these Instant Potato Rolls are your answer! Forget hours of kneading and rising; this recipe delivers incredibly soft and delicious rolls in a fraction of the time, using the magic of instant potatoes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or simply enjoying with your favorite soup or stew, these rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They're a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking at its finest.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup instant mashed potato flakes
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3-3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the instant mashed potato flakes, warm milk, sugar, salt, melted butter, and egg. Stir until the potatoes are completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This creates the foundation for incredibly soft rolls.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
Sprinkle the yeast over the potato mixture. Let it stand for about 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Don't worry if it's a little sticky; this is normal for this type of roll.
Step 4: Knead the Dough (Lightly)
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for just 1-2 minutes. Over-kneading isn't necessary here; just enough to bring the dough together.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the shaped rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 15-20 minutes, or until puffy. This second rise contributes to their amazing texture.
Step 8: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 9: Enjoy!
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, perhaps with a pat of butter!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Rolls:
- Warm milk is crucial: It activates the yeast, resulting in fluffy rolls.
- Don't over-knead: Over-kneading will result in tough rolls.
- Proofing time: The rising times may vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
Variations:
- Herb rolls: Add 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano) to the dough.
- Sweet rolls: Increase the sugar to 1/3 cup and add a teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Garlic rolls: Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the dough.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
- Calories: 150-180
- Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Protein: 4-5g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients used. This recipe offers healthy meals without sacrificing flavor. It’s a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and delicious dishes. Enjoy these incredibly soft and fluffy instant potato rolls!