Autumn is the perfect season for warm, comforting meals. As the weather cools and the days grow shorter, it’s the perfect time to enjoy something both hearty and aromatic. One such dish that embodies the essence of autumn is Sweet Potato & Sage Dinner Rolls. These soft, golden rolls combine the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with the herby depth of sage, creating a perfect pairing for your fall meals or holiday dinners. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply enjoying a cozy family meal, these rolls are sure to be a hit!
What is the Sweet Potato & Sage Dinner Roll Recipe?
Sweet Potato & Sage Dinner Rolls are homemade bread rolls made with mashed sweet potato, fresh sage, and a hint of honey. The dough is soft and slightly sweet, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The subtle sage adds a deliciously herby undertone that perfectly complements the sweet potato. Topped with a butter and sage glaze, these rolls are golden brown, slightly crispy on the outside, and wonderfully fluffy on the inside.
This recipe is simple to make and requires just a few ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. It’s a fantastic side dish for Thanksgiving, autumn meals, or any time you crave comforting, homemade bread.
Origin of the Sweet Potato & Sage Dinner Rolls
Sweet potato rolls are a popular American bread recipe, especially in the Southern United States. The combination of sweet potatoes and bread became popular as sweet potatoes are a staple in Southern cooking, known for their natural sweetness and versatility. When paired with the earthy flavor of sage, a fragrant herb often associated with fall, these dinner rolls become a delicious and seasonal treat.
Sweet potatoes and sage have long been used together in autumn dishes. The natural sweetness of the potato and the fragrant, slightly peppery taste of sage work in harmony to create a flavorful experience. This recipe is a modern twist on traditional dinner rolls, using the wholesome goodness of sweet potatoes to enhance the texture and flavor of the bread.
Ingredients with Quantity
To make these delectable Sweet Potato & Sage Dinner Rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Dough:
- ¾ cup (180 g) mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium sweet potato)
- ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk (about 100°F / 38°C)
- 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 3½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh sage (or 1 tsp dried sage)
- 4 tbsp (55 g) unsalted butter, softened
For Brushing:
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- A few extra sage leaves, finely chopped (optional)
- Flaky salt (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method Of Sweet Potato & Sage Dinner Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato
Start by peeling, cubing, and boiling the sweet potato until it is tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and mash the sweet potato until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly before using it in the dough.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and honey (or brown sugar). Stir to combine and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. This will activate the yeast, ensuring the dough rises properly.
Step 3: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer with a dough hook), combine all-purpose flour, salt, and chopped sage. Stir the ingredients together to evenly distribute the sage throughout the flour.
Next, add the mashed sweet potato, activated yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
If you’re using a stand mixer, knead the dough with the dough hook for 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Kneading by hand will take about 12-15 minutes. If the dough sticks excessively, sprinkle in a little more flour, but try to keep the dough soft.
Step 5: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball. Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish in a 3×4 pattern.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the dough balls with a clean towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and nearly doubled in size.
Step 8: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped.
Step 9: Finish
Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven. In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in a pinch of finely chopped sage. Brush the warm rolls with the melted butter mixture. Optionally, sprinkle with flaky salt for an extra touch of flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Roast the Sweet Potato: For a deeper, richer flavor, try roasting the sweet potato instead of boiling it. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars, adding a delightful depth to the rolls.
- Use Buttermilk: Substitute buttermilk for regular milk to add a tangy flavor and extra tenderness to the dough.
- Cheesy Rolls: For a savory twist, add grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese to the dough for cheesy sweet potato sage rolls.
- Freezing: These rolls freeze well! To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 10-12 minutes.
FAQs About Sweet Potato & Sage Dinner Rolls
Can I use sweet potatoes that are already mashed?
Yes, you can use pre-mashed sweet potatoes, but make sure they are plain and not flavored. You want to avoid any added sugar, butter, or spices that could alter the flavor of the rolls.
Can I substitute fresh sage with dried sage?
Yes, you can substitute fresh sage with dried sage. Use 1 teaspoon of dried sage for every tablespoon of fresh sage called for in the recipe.
How do I store leftover Autumn Dinner Rolls rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 10-12 minutes.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the day before, allow it to rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Conclusion: Sweet Potato & Sage Dinner Rolls
These Sweet Potato & Sage Dinner Rolls are more than just a side dish—they’re a warm, comforting addition to any autumn or holiday meal. The combination of sweet potato and sage offers a beautiful balance of sweetness and earthiness, making these rolls irresistible. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or simply as a treat to enjoy with family and friends, these soft, golden rolls will quickly become a favorite. So, grab your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy the aroma of these delicious rolls as they bake—perfect for any meal or celebration!
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Sweet Potato & Sage Dinner Rolls: A Cozy Autumn Delight
- Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet Potato & Sage Dinner Rolls are homemade bread rolls made with mashed sweet potato, fresh sage, and a hint of honey. The dough is soft and slightly sweet, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The subtle sage adds a deliciously herby undertone that perfectly complements the sweet potato. Topped with a butter and sage glaze, these rolls are golden brown, slightly crispy on the outside, and wonderfully fluffy on the inside.
Ingredients
For the dough:
¾ cup (180 g) mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium sweet potato)
¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk (about 100°F / 38°C)
2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
2 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
1 large egg (room temperature)
3½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
1½ tsp salt
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh sage (or 1 tsp dried)
4 tbsp (55 g) unsalted butter, softened
For brushing:
2 tbsp melted butter
A few extra sage leaves, finely chopped (optional)
Flaky salt (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the sweet potato
Peel, cube, and boil the sweet potato until tender (about 10–12 minutes).
Drain and mash until smooth; let cool slightly before using.
Activate the yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and honey. Let sit 5–10 minutes, until frothy.
Make the dough
In a large bowl (or stand mixer with dough hook), combine flour, salt, and chopped sage.
Add mashed sweet potato, yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter.
Mix until a soft dough forms (it will be slightly tacky but not sticky).
Knead the dough
Knead for 8–10 minutes by mixer (or 12–15 minutes by hand), until smooth and elastic.
Add a bit more flour if the dough sticks excessively, but keep it soft.
First rise
Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, until doubled in size.
Shape the rolls
Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces.
Roll each into a smooth ball and arrange in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish (3×4 pattern).
Second rise
Cover and let rise again for about 30–45 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled.
Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown on top and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Finish
Brush warm rolls with melted butter mixed with a pinch of chopped sage and a sprinkle of flaky salt (if using).
Notes
These tender, golden rolls bring a comforting touch to any meal. The hint of sage pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the sweet potato — perfect for holiday dinners or served warm with butter and honey.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Sweet Potato Rolls, Sage Rolls, Autumn Dinner Rolls, Fall Dinner Rolls, Herb-infused Rolls
