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Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 171 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes plus 1 hour rising plus 45 minutes second rising
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: About 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 24 rolls (2 dozen)
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls are soft, slightly sweetened yeast rolls enhanced with nutritious winter squash and a touch of honey. Perfectly golden and topped with a choice of seeds, they bring a delightful twist to traditional dinner rolls, ideal for holiday meals or everyday dinners.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 6 to 6-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Wet Ingredients

  • 1-1/4 cups 2% milk
  • 1/2 cup butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 package (12 ounces) frozen mashed winter squash, thawed (about 1-1/3 cups)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Topping

  • Poppy seeds, salted pumpkin seeds or pepitas, and sesame seeds (as desired)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the active dry yeast, salt, ground nutmeg, and 3 cups of all-purpose flour. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
  2. Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, heat the 2% milk, cubed butter, and honey until the mixture reaches 120°-130°F (warm, not hot). This activates the yeast without killing it.
  3. Mix Dough: Pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes to combine. Add the thawed mashed winter squash and beat on high speed for an additional 2 minutes. Gradually stir in enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough; it will be sticky.
  4. Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes. This develops the gluten structure for a good rise.
  5. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
  6. Shape Rolls: Punch down the dough to release air. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and divide the dough into 24 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball and arrange evenly between two greased 9-inch cast-iron skillets or round baking pans.
  7. Second Rise: Cover the dough balls with kitchen towels and let them rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
  8. Preheat Oven and Prepare Topping: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Brush the tops of the risen rolls with the lightly beaten egg, then sprinkle generously with your choice of poppy seeds, salted pumpkin seeds or pepitas, and sesame seeds.
  9. Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn a dark golden brown. If the rolls begin to overbrown during the last 5 to 7 minutes, cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning.
  10. Cool and Serve: Remove rolls from pans and transfer to wire racks to cool slightly. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use a thermometer to ensure milk mixture is at the right temperature (120°-130°F) to activate yeast properly.
  • The dough will be sticky but adding flour gradually will help achieve the right consistency.
  • Cover with foil toward the end of baking if rolls brown too quickly.
  • Frozen mashed winter squash can be substituted with fresh cooked and mashed squash if available.
  • Use cast-iron skillets for even baking and a nice crust, but any round baking pans will work.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 4.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Find it online: https://emilyquickdinners.com/honey-squash-dinner-rolls-recipe/