Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls Recipe

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If you’re searching for a cozy, delicious homemade bread that brings warmth and a hint of natural sweetness to your table, look no further than this Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls Recipe. These rolls boast a tender crumb infused with velvety winter squash and sweet honey, offering a subtle hint of nutmeg that makes every bite feel like a comforting hug. Perfectly golden with a sprinkle of seeds on top, they’re a surefire way to impress at any meal while filling your home with an irresistible aroma.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s wonderful about this Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls Recipe is how the simple, quality ingredients each add to the rolls’ delightful texture, sweetness, and inviting color. From the creamy squash to the fragrant honey and nutmeg, every element is essential to making these rolls so special.

• Active dry yeast (2 packages, 1/4 ounce each): This is your magic leavening agent, ensuring your rolls rise light and fluffy.
• Salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
• Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a warm, spice-kissed undertone to complement the squash.
• All-purpose flour (6 to 6-1/2 cups): The backbone of your dough, it gives structure and strength while allowing softness.
• 2% milk (1-1/4 cups): Provides moisture and richness, while helping the butter melt smoothly into the dough.
• Butter, cubed (1/2 cup): Adds a luscious, tender crumb and lots of flavor.
• Honey (1/2 cup): Sweetens naturally and gives a beautiful golden hue to the rolls’ exterior.
• Frozen mashed winter squash, thawed (12 ounces, about 1-1/3 cups): This moist puree brings comforting flavor and a divine softness you won’t want to miss.
• Large egg, lightly beaten (1): Used for brushing on top, creating an irresistible glossy finish.
• Poppy seeds, salted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), or sesame seeds: Optional crunchy toppings that add visual appeal and a nutty flavor.

How to Make Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by mixing your yeast, salt, nutmeg, and half of the flour together in a large bowl. This ensures the rising agents and spices are evenly dispersed for consistent flavor and texture throughout your dough.

Step 2: Warm and Mix Wet Ingredients

Next, gently warm your milk along with cubed butter and honey until it reaches between 120° and 130°F. This warming process activates the yeast without harming it. Pour this fragrant mixture into the dry ingredients and beat for a couple of minutes to combine everything smoothly.

Step 3: Add the Mashed Squash and Flour

After your initial mix, add in the thawed mashed winter squash and beat on high speed to incorporate its creamy goodness. Then, gradually add the remaining flour until the dough becomes soft but still a little sticky. This sticky softness is key to rolls that stay tender.

Step 4: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 6 to 8 minutes. This kneading develops the gluten, making the dough elastic and perfect for rising—a vital step for those fluffy rolls you’re dreaming of.

Step 5: First Rise

Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl, turning it once to coat the top with a light layer of grease. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about one hour. This slow, steady rise builds flavor and gives the dough its airy texture.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

Once your dough has beautifully puffed up, punch it down to release air pockets. Divide the dough evenly into 24 pieces and shape each into a smooth ball. Arrange these in two greased 9-inch cast-iron skillets or baking pans, making sure they have room to grow into soft, round rolls.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover your dough balls with a clean kitchen towel and allow them to rise again in a warm spot until doubled in volume, about 45 minutes. This second rise results in that perfect fluffy texture we all crave when biting into dinner rolls.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brush each risen roll with the beaten egg to create a rich, golden crust once baked. Then, sprinkle generously with your choice of seeds—whether poppy, pumpkin, or sesame—to add that satisfying crunch and eye-catching detail.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they are a deep golden brown. Keep an eye on them the last few minutes; if they start to get too dark, simply cover loosely with foil to prevent burning while finishing cooking through.

Step 10: Cool and Serve Warm

Once baked, transfer your gorgeous rolls to wire racks to cool just slightly. Serving them warm will let you enjoy the full flavor and tender texture, perfect alongside everything from hearty soups to festive dinners.

How to Serve Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

While the seed topping adds great flavor and crunch, consider a light brush of melted butter just after baking for a shiny, buttery finish. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also elevate these rolls for a salty-sweet contrast that’s simply irresistible.

Side Dishes

These honey-squash rolls pair beautifully with cozy, comforting dishes like roasted turkey, creamy butternut squash soup, or a fresh fall salad. Their subtle sweetness and soft crumb make them ideal to soak up gravies or dollop with rich herb butters.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming touch, serve your rolls in a rustic basket lined with a crisp, colorful napkin or arrange them in a circular pattern on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of flavored butters or honey drizzles. This makes for a warm, inviting centerpiece at any meal gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your freshly baked rolls, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, ready for quick snacking or reheating.

Freezing

Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls Recipe leftovers freeze beautifully. Place fully cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

To warm rolls, wrap them in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or microwave individually for 15 to 20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness you love with minimal effort.

FAQs

Can I use fresh squash instead of frozen mashed winter squash?

Absolutely! Just steam and mash your winter squash until smooth, then measure about 1-1/3 cups to use. Fresh squash adds wonderful flavor and moisture, so it’s a great substitute.

What if I don’t have nutmeg? Can I skip it?

Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that complements the squash, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can leave it out without compromising the recipe. Alternatively, a pinch of cinnamon or allspice works nicely as a replacement.

Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?

While honey is key for its flavor and moisture, you can swap it for an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar. Keep in mind these options may subtly change the roll’s sweetness and color.

Is it okay if my dough is sticky after adding all the flour?

Yes! The dough should be soft and slightly sticky to ensure your rolls remain tender. Resist adding too much extra flour during kneading to avoid tough rolls.

How can I tell when the dough has risen enough?

Your dough is ready when it has visibly doubled in size and feels puffy to the touch. Gently pressing a finger into the dough should leave an indentation that slowly springs back.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about pulling fresh, golden Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls right out of the oven, their warm, honeyed aroma filling the kitchen. This recipe is a delightful way to bring a touch of homemade comfort and a hint of autumn into your meals. I can’t wait for you to try it and share these soft, sweet rolls with your loved ones—they’re sure to become a new favorite!

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