Potato Rolls with Bacon are soft, fluffy rolls infused with the savory goodness of bacon. The mashed potatoes add richness and moisture to the dough, resulting in a pillowy, tender texture, while the bacon provides a smoky flavor that elevates the rolls. These rolls are perfect for any meal, whether you’re serving them as a side dish, at a holiday gathering, or just enjoying them with soup or salad.Here’s a recipe to make these delicious Potato Rolls with Bacon:
Potato Rolls with Bacon
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes, cooked and mashed)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided (you may need a little more, depending on the dough)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
- 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the bowl)
Instructions:
- Prepare the yeast mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until the yeast becomes frothy and bubbly. If the mixture doesn’t foam, the yeast might be expired, and you should try again with fresh yeast.
- Mix the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, melted butter, and eggs. Stir in the yeast mixture and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add 3 cups of the flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Once the dough starts coming together, add salt, garlic powder (if using), and crumbled bacon. Stir until the bacon is evenly incorporated.
- Slowly add more flour, a little at a time, until the dough forms a soft, slightly sticky ball that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Be careful not to add too much flour; you want the dough to remain slightly sticky, which will give you tender rolls.
- Knead the dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6-8 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You may need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky, but try not to overwork it.
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- First rise:
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a smooth ball. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them close together for soft, pull-apart rolls.
- Second rise:
- Cover the rolls with a towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they’ve puffed up and are touching each other.
- Bake the rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Optional: Brush the hot rolls with a little melted butter for an extra soft and flavorful finish.
- Serve:
- Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving. These are perfect with butter, or they can be served alongside your favorite main dishes.
Tips:
- Bacon: You can use any type of bacon (regular or thick-cut), but make sure to cook and crumble it before adding it to the dough. For extra flavor, you can sauté the bacon in a little bit of butter or olive oil for even more richness.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance. After the first rise, punch it down and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, shape the rolls, let them rise, and then bake as usual.
- Freezing: These rolls freeze wonderfully. Freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping them, and when you’re ready to bake, let them rise (about 1-2 hours) and then bake as usual.
These Potato Rolls with Bacon are soft, savory, and absolutely irresistible. The mashed potatoes make them incredibly tender, while the bacon adds a smoky richness that makes these rolls perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
