Winter Squash Rolls

Soft, golden, and irresistibly fluffy, these Winter Squash Rolls are the perfect combination of seasonal flavor and comforting texture. Made with mashed winter squash—such as butternut or acorn squash—these rolls boast a naturally sweet, earthy richness that pairs beautifully with their tender crumb. The dough comes together with pantry staples like all-purpose flour, whole milk, and melted butter, while a touch of sugar and active dry yeast ensures a light, airy rise. Perfect for holiday feasts or cozy weeknight dinners, these homemade rolls are easy to make and can be brushed with melted butter for a glossy, bakery-style finish. Serve them warm from the oven, and watch them disappear from the table in no time!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup winter squash (e.g., butternut or acorn squash), peeled, cooked, and mashed
• 0.25 cup whole milk
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 0.25 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or butter (for greasing the bowl and pan)
• 2 tablespoons optional: melted butter (for brushing the tops of the baked rolls)

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed winter squash, whole milk, melted butter, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Stir until smooth.

Step 3

Add the yeast mixture and the egg to the squash mixture. Stir until well combined.

Step 4

Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly until a soft dough forms.

Step 5

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 6

Lightly grease a large bowl with vegetable oil or butter. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 7

Punch the dough down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.

Step 8

Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with vegetable oil or butter. Arrange the dough balls in the pan, evenly spaced. Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise again for 30-40 minutes, or until they double in size.

Step 9

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 10

Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Step 11

Optional: Brush the tops of the warm rolls with melted butter for extra flavor and shine.

Step 12

Serve the rolls warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(966.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2584.8

Total Fat 89.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 49.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.8g
Cholesterol 393.3mg	0%
Sodium 736.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 388.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.4g	0%
Total Sugars 46.2g
Protein 56.8g	0%

Vitamin D 74.8IU	0%
Calcium 272.7mg	0%
Iron 22.0mg	0%
Potassium 1436.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.1%

Protein: 8.8%

Carbs: 60.1%