Featherlight Yeast Rolls
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026
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These featherlight yeast rolls are an exceptional addition to any dinner table, offering a remarkably soft and airy texture that shop-bought bread simply cannot match. The secret lies in the addition of mashed potato and its starchy cooking water, which creates a tender, moist crumb and a subtle depth of flavour. Whether served warm with a lash of salted butter or used to mop up a savoury gravy, these rolls provide a comforting, homemade touch to your meal.
As a vegetarian-friendly side dish, this recipe is particularly convenient for entertaining, as the dough develops its flavour during a slow chill in the fridge overnight. This make-ahead element ensures that on the day of your gathering, you only need to shape and prove the rolls before baking them to golden perfection. They are ideally suited for a traditional Sunday roast or as a sophisticated accompaniment to a seasonal vegetable soup.
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Ingredients for Featherlight Yeast Rolls
1 russet (baking) potato (230g ), peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 stick unsalted butter, divided
120ml whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 (5g) package Active dry yeast
325g plain flour
How to make Featherlight Yeast Rolls
Generously cover potato with cold water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer, covered, until very tender, about 10 minutes. Reserve 240ml cooking liquid, then drain potato well.
Meanwhile, melt 40ml butter.
Mash hot potato in a large bowl with a fork. Stir in milk, salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 2 tablespoons melted butter (mixture will be lumpy).
Cool 120ml cooking liquid to warm (105 to 46°C). Stir in yeast and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. (If mixture doesn't foam, Start over with new yeast and remaining cooking liquid.)
Stir yeast mixture into potato mixture, then stir in flour with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
Turn out dough onto a floured surface and knead, dusting surface and hands with just enough flour to keep dough from sticking, until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes (dough will be slightly sticky).
Brush a large bowl with some of remaining melted butter, then turn dough in bowl to coat. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let rise, chilled, 8 to 12 hours.
Punch down dough (do not knead), then halve. Roll each half into a 12-inch-long log on a very lightly floured surface with lightly floured hands. Cut each log into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Arrange evenly spaced in 6 rows of 4 (less than 1/2 inch apart) in a buttered 13- by 9- by 2-inch baking pan. Cover pan with a kitchen towel (not terry cloth).
Let rolls rise in a draft-free place at warm room temperature until doubled (they will fill pan), 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Preheat oven to 191°C with rack in middle.
Melt remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons butter.
Brush top of rolls with melted butter and bake until golden-brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Loosen edges with a sharp knife, then transfer rolls to a rack and cool slightly.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
16 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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