Spiced Potato Bread Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm, comforting flavors. Made with mashed potatoes and seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices, these rolls are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving them as a side to a hearty meal or enjoying them on their own with a pat of butter. The spiced potato filling gives these rolls a unique twist, adding both flavor and moisture. With their golden crust and pillowy interior, these rolls will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Spiced Potato Bread Rolls offer a delightful balance of savory spices and soft, tender bread. The mashed potatoes in the dough create an incredibly moist and fluffy texture, while the blend of cumin, coriander, and other spices brings a warm, fragrant kick to every bite. Whether you’re serving them with curry, soups, or as a standalone snack, these rolls are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting and flavorful bread recipe. They’re easy to make, versatile, and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup warm milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

For the Spices:

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
1/4 teaspoon garam masala (optional)

For the Topping:

1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish, optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Potatoes:

Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and mash them until smooth. Let the mashed potatoes cool to room temperature.

Make the Dough:

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and the spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala, if using).
Combine: Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the flour mixture along with the mashed potatoes, melted butter, and egg. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour as needed.

Let the Dough Rise:

First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Shape the Rolls:

Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12-16 equal pieces, depending on the size of rolls you prefer. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they puff up.

Bake the Rolls:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake: Once the rolls have risen, brush the tops with melted butter. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
Cool: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack.

Serve:

Garnish and Serve: Brush the warm rolls with a little more melted butter, and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12-16 rolls
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus rising time)
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 2.5 to 3 hours (including rising)

Variations

Cheesy Rolls: Add shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) into the dough for a cheesy twist.
Herb Infusion: Add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the dough for extra flavor.
Vegan Version: Use non-dairy milk and vegan butter to make these rolls dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
Stuffed Rolls: Before shaping the dough into rolls, stuff each portion with a mixture of sautéed spinach, onions, and cheese for a savory filling.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
Freezing: To freeze, allow the rolls to cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to warm them through.
Reheating: You can also microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds to reheat them.

FAQs

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes! Sweet potatoes would make a great substitute, adding a slightly different flavor and a touch of sweetness to the rolls.

2. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Just allow the dough to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

3. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. You can skip the activation step and add the instant yeast directly to the dry ingredients.

4. Can I add more spices to the dough?

Definitely! You can experiment with additional spices like cumin seeds, cinnamon, or even a dash of ginger for added complexity.

5. How do I keep the rolls soft?

To keep the rolls soft, make sure not to overbake them. You can also cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel as they cool to maintain their softness.

6. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use bread flour for a slightly chewier texture. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which will result in a denser, more elastic dough.

7. How do I prevent the rolls from getting too dense?

Be sure not to overwork the dough while kneading, and make sure to give the dough ample time to rise. If the dough is too dense, it may indicate under-rising or not enough kneading.

8. Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough?

Yes, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough. Mix on low speed for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

9. Can I make these rolls without spices?

Yes, you can make plain potato bread rolls by omitting the spices. They will still be soft and flavorful, perfect for pairing with soups or stews.

10. How can I make these rolls gluten-free?

To make these rolls gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend has xanthan gum or add it yourself to help the dough hold together.

Conclusion

Spiced Potato Bread Rolls are a delicious and flavorful twist on traditional bread rolls. Soft, fluffy, and infused with aromatic spices, these rolls are perfect for any meal. Whether you’re pairing them with a curry, enjoying them as a snack, or serving them at a family gathering, they’re sure to become a favorite. With their tender texture and fragrant spices, these rolls add a comforting, hearty touch to any occasion.