There’s something magical about a recipe that’s simple yet feels like a cozy hug. These 2-Ingredient Sweet Potato Rolls are exactly that. Soft, warm, and slightly sweet, they’re the kind of rolls that make your kitchen smell like home. Whether you’re serving them alongside dinner or enjoying them with a pat of butter and drizzle of honey, they always steal the show.
Behind the Recipe
This recipe was born out of a craving for something fresh from the oven but without the hassle of measuring and kneading. One chilly afternoon, with just leftover mashed sweet potatoes and self-rising flour on hand, the idea took shape. To my surprise, what came out of the oven were fluffy, tender rolls that tasted like a mix between biscuits and bread, with that natural sweetness only sweet potatoes can bring.
Recipe Origin or Trivia
Sweet potatoes have long been a staple in Southern cooking, and it’s easy to see why. They bring both nutrition and a subtle sweetness that enhances everything they touch. This modern shortcut version of traditional sweet potato biscuits proves that simple ingredients can still hold deep roots in comfort food culture. It’s a nod to the past, with a modern twist that fits our busy lives.
Why You’ll Love 2-Ingredient Sweet Potato Rolls
Here’s why these little golden beauties deserve a spot in your kitchen:
Versatile: Perfect with dinner, breakfast, or as a snack, they adapt to every occasion.
Budget-Friendly: Only two pantry staples, nothing fancy or expensive required.
Quick and Easy: No yeast, no rising, and no waiting around.
Customizable: Add cinnamon for sweetness or garlic powder for a savory kick.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves warm rolls fresh from the oven.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Mix the dough in advance and bake when ready.
Great for Leftovers: Reheat and they’re just as soft and delicious the next day.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Every bite of these rolls should feel light yet rich, and here’s how to get there:
- Use well-mashed sweet potatoes, no chunks, to keep the dough smooth.
- Don’t overmix; once the dough comes together, stop stirring to keep them tender.
- Bake on parchment paper for even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Brush the tops with melted butter after baking for that bakery-style shine.
- For extra lift, chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make these rolls a breeze, here’s what you’ll want on hand:
Mixing bowl: For combining the ingredients easily.
Spatula or spoon: Helps fold the dough together without overmixing.
Baking sheet: Line with parchment paper for perfect golden bottoms.
Measuring cup: Keeps your proportions spot on.
Oven: Preheated and ready for that magical transformation.
Ingredients in 2-Ingredient Sweet Potato Rolls
It’s incredible how two simple ingredients can come together so beautifully. Each plays a vital role in the final flavor and texture.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: 1 cup, cooked and mashed until smooth. They add moisture, sweetness, and that lovely orange color.
- Self-Rising Flour: 1 ¼ cups, the key to structure and lift, keeping the rolls soft and airy.
Ingredient Substitutions
Sometimes you just have to work with what’s in your pantry, and that’s okay.
Self-Rising Flour: Mix 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt.
Sweet Potatoes: You can use canned sweet potato puree or mashed pumpkin in a pinch.
Ingredient Spotlight
Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet, packed with vitamins A and C, and add moisture without the need for butter or oil.
Self-Rising Flour: A time-saver that ensures consistent, fluffy results without extra leavening steps.
Instructions for Making 2-Ingredient Sweet Potato Rolls
Before we get to the fun part, preheat your oven and get ready for the heavenly aroma that’s about to fill your kitchen. Here are the steps you’ll follow:
- Preheat Your Equipment: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes and self-rising flour until a soft dough forms.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly flour your hands or a surface if the dough is sticky.
- Assemble the Dish: Shape the dough into small rolls, about the size of a golf ball, and place them on the baking sheet.
- Cook to Perfection: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden on top and cooked through.
- Finishing Touches: Brush with melted butter or drizzle honey if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and fluffy, straight from the oven.
Texture & Flavor Secrets
These rolls have a soft, tender inside with just a hint of crisp on the outside. The sweet potatoes lend a natural sweetness and moisture, creating a flavor that feels both earthy and comforting. When you tear one open, steam escapes, and the inside looks like a golden cloud.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Here are a few ways to make sure your rolls come out perfect every time:
- Don’t overwork the dough or it can turn dense.
- For extra flavor, mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for sweet rolls.
- To make them savory, sprinkle a bit of sea salt or garlic powder before baking.
What to Avoid
A few simple pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Using cold sweet potatoes, which can make the dough stiff.
- Adding too much flour, as it can dry out the rolls.
- Skipping parchment paper, which can cause the bottoms to overbrown.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: Approximately 110
Note: These values are approximate and may vary slightly.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
If you love planning ahead, these rolls are perfect for you. The dough can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Once baked, they keep beautifully at room temperature for up to two days or in the freezer for up to two months. Reheat in a warm oven for that just-baked taste.
How to Serve 2-Ingredient Sweet Potato Rolls
Serve them warm with butter, honey, or jam for breakfast. They’re also the perfect sidekick for soups, roasted meats, or Thanksgiving dinners. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with savory dishes.
Creative Leftover Transformations
Turn leftovers into something new and delicious:
- Slice and toast for sweet potato breakfast sandwiches.
- Crumble them into stuffing or savory bread pudding.
- Warm and serve with a scoop of ice cream for a sweet twist.
Additional Tips
For an extra touch, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top before baking. If you prefer a hint of richness, mix a teaspoon of melted butter into the dough.
Make It a Showstopper
Serve your rolls in a woven basket lined with a linen napkin. Add a small dish of whipped honey butter beside them for that irresistible, cozy presentation.
Variations to Try
- Add cinnamon and brown sugar for sweet breakfast rolls.
- Mix in cheddar cheese and herbs for a savory version.
- Swap sweet potatoes for pumpkin puree for fall flavors.
- Brush with maple butter for a glossy finish.
- Top with flaky sea salt for an elevated bite.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, just add baking powder and salt to make your own.
Q2: Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Yes, for a smooth texture, peel before mashing.
Q3: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free self-rising flour blend.
Q4: Can I add sugar to make them sweeter?
You can add one tablespoon of sugar or honey to the dough.
Q5: How do I know when they’re done baking?
They should be lightly golden on top and firm to the touch.
Q6: Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, just drain well and mash until smooth.
Q7: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, they scale perfectly.
Q8: Can I add butter to the dough?
You can, but it’s not necessary since sweet potatoes add enough moisture.
Q9: Can I use leftover roasted sweet potatoes?
Yes, mash them well before measuring.
Q10: What’s the best way to reheat them?
Warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.
Conclusion
And there you have it, soft, golden, and delightfully simple 2-Ingredient Sweet Potato Rolls that come together in minutes. Whether you’re baking for a cozy dinner or just want a quick treat, these rolls are a warm reminder that sometimes, less truly is more. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.
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2-Ingredient Sweet Potato Rolls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These 2-Ingredient Sweet Potato Rolls are soft, warm, and slightly sweet, perfect for any meal. With just mashed sweet potatoes and self-rising flour, you’ll have fluffy golden rolls that taste like homemade comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (cooked and smooth)
- 1 ¼ cups self-rising flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes and self-rising flour until a soft dough forms.
- Lightly flour your hands and shape the dough into small rolls, about the size of a golf ball.
- Place rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden on top and firm to the touch.
- Brush with melted butter or drizzle honey, if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to keep rolls tender.
- Use parchment paper to prevent overbrowning.
- Reheat leftover rolls in a warm oven for the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg