Ingredients
½cupwater,room temperature
2¼tspactive dry or instant yeast,(1 packet)
1tspsugar,(plus ⅓ cup), divided
1cupmashed potatoes
¼cupmilk
6tbspregular salted butter,melted and cooled
2large eggs
2½tspfresh rosemary leaves,minced
1½tspsalt
5cupsall purpose flour
¼cupregular salted butter,room temperature
2tbsphoney
Preparation
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the water, the yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the sugar.
Set aside for about 5 minutes or until the mixture looks bubbly. If the mixture doesn’t start to bubble, then the yeast has likely expired and it’s best to start over with new yeast.
Add the remaining sugar, mashed potatoes, milk, butter, eggs, rosemary, and salt to the bowl with the yeast mixture and stir with a spatula until smooth.
Add 4½ cups of the flour and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
With a dough hook attachment (or on the counter, if kneading by hand) knead on medium-low for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth, forms a ball around the dough hook, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl (it’s fine if the dough sticks to the bottom of the bowl).
If the dough is still sticking to the sides after few minutes of kneading, add in a little more flour 2 tablespoons at a time.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and place somewhere warm for about 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size.
Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and cut into 16 to 20 equal pieces.
Roll the dough into small balls, and place seam side down in the baking dish.
Cover and let the rolls rise for about 1 hour until puffed and nearly doubled in size. About 15 minutes before the rolls are ready, heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Bake for the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown on top and register 200 degrees F on the inside when tested with an instant-read thermometer.
In a small dish, mix together ¼ cup room temperature butter and 2 tablespoons honey until smooth.
Brush tops of baked rolls with the mixture, then sprinkle with salt. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
