If you’ve never baked bread with potatoes before, this herbed potato rolls recipe will completely change your baking game. These soft potato dinner rolls are tender, moist, and infused with fresh herbs that elevate them from simple bread to something truly special.

Potatoes in bread may sound unusual, but they create an incredibly soft crumb that stays fresh longer than traditional rolls. Combined with butter, milk, and fragrant herbs, these homemade potato bread rolls become the ultimate side for holiday dinners, Sunday roasts, or cozy family meals.

Fluffy herb rolls like these are perfect for soaking up gravies, serving as sandwich buns, or enjoying warm with butter straight from the oven.

Why Add Potatoes to Bread?

Using mashed potatoes in dough isn’t new. It’s a traditional technique found in European and American baking. Potatoes add:

Extra moisture
Soft, tender texture
Longer shelf life
Slight natural sweetness
Improved structure

The starch in potatoes helps retain water, which keeps the rolls fluffy for days.

Ingredients

Dough

1 cup mashed potatoes (plain, no butter or salt added)
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
¼ cup warm water
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

For Brushing

2 tablespoons melted butter
Extra chopped herbs for garnish

The Secret to Ultra-Fluffy Rolls

The key to soft potato dinner rolls lies in:

Proper yeast activation
Smooth mashed potatoes (no lumps)
Adequate kneading
Full proofing time

When done correctly, the dough becomes pillowy and elastic, resulting in light, airy rolls.

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, melted butter, and egg. Mix until smooth.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt.

4. Form the Dough

Add yeast mixture to potato mixture. Gradually add flour mixture while mixing. Stir in chopped herbs.

5. Knead

Knead dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for 6–7 minutes.

6. First Rise

Place dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

7. Shape the Rolls

Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Roll each into a smooth ball.

8. Second Rise

Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing slightly apart. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes.

9. Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.

10. Finish

Brush warm rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with extra herbs.

Texture & Flavor

These fluffy herb rolls offer:

Soft, tender crumb
Slightly crisp golden top
Buttery richness
Fragrant herb aroma
Mild sweetness from potatoes

They’re savory without being overpowering, making them versatile for many meals.

Best Herbs to Use

Fresh herbs give the brightest flavor. Recommended combinations:

Rosemary + thyme
Parsley + chives
Dill + parsley
Sage + thyme (great for autumn)

If using dried herbs, reduce quantity by half.

Serving Suggestions

Herbed potato rolls pair beautifully with:

Roast chicken
Turkey dinners
Beef stew
Creamy soups
Holiday spreads
Sliders or mini sandwiches

They are especially popular during Thanksgiving and Christmas meals because of their comforting flavor and soft texture.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make Ahead

Prepare dough through first rise, refrigerate overnight, then shape and bake the next day.

Storage

Room temperature: 3 days in airtight container
Refrigerate: Up to 5 days
Freeze: Up to 2 months

Reheat gently in oven for fresh-baked softness.

Troubleshooting

Dense Rolls

May be under-proofed or over-floured.

Flat Rolls

Possible over-proofing or expired yeast.

Dry Texture

Potatoes may have been too dry or overbaked.

Why This Herbed Potato Rolls Recipe Works

This easy yeast potato rolls recipe balances moisture from mashed potatoes with structure from flour and eggs. The herbs are mixed directly into the dough, distributing flavor evenly.

The double-rise method ensures lightness, while the butter finish adds irresistible shine and flavor.

These homemade potato bread rolls are beginner-friendly yet impressive enough for holiday tables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?

Yes, as long as they are plain and not heavily seasoned.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter.

Can I shape them differently?

Absolutely. Shape into knots or bake in a round pan for pull-apart rolls.

Final Thoughts

Herbed Potato Rolls are more than just dinner rolls—they’re a comforting, bakery-style addition to any meal. Soft, fragrant, and perfectly golden, they bring warmth and flavor to your table with minimal effort.

Once you experience how fluffy and moist these soft potato dinner rolls are, they may become your new go-to homemade bread recipe.