Irresistible Potato Rolls with Bacon – A Flavorful Twist on Bite-Sized Delights

### **How to Make Irresistible Potato Rolls with Bacon:**

#### **Step 1: Activate the Yeast**
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (about 110°F) and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This means the yeast is activated and ready for use.

#### **Step 2: Prepare the Dough**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, melted butter, and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the bowl with the potatoes. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.

Next, add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky but easy to handle. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour until it reaches the right consistency.

#### **Step 3: Knead the Dough**
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is soft, smooth, and elastic. This step is essential to develop the gluten and ensure fluffy rolls.

#### **Step 4: First Rise**
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

#### **Step 5: Prepare the Bacon Filling**
While the dough is rising, cook the bacon strips until crispy and crumble them into small pieces. If you’re using cheese, have it ready as well.

#### **Step 6: Shape the Rolls**
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Brush the surface with melted butter and evenly sprinkle the crumbled bacon (and cheese, if using) over the dough.

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 even pieces, each about 1-inch thick.

#### **Step 7: Second Rise**
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring that they are close together but not touching. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes, or until they puff up and fill the dish.

#### **Step 8: Bake the Rolls**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. The rolls should be soft and slightly crispy on the outside, with a warm, fluffy interior.

#### **Step 9: Serve and Enjoy**
Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and brush them with a little more melted butter, if desired. Serve them warm, and enjoy the irresistible combination of fluffy potato dough and savory bacon in every bite!

### **Why This Recipe Works:**

– **Potatoes in the Dough:** Adding mashed potatoes to the dough gives the rolls an extra-soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. It also makes them more filling and satisfying.
– **Crispy Bacon:** The bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the mild, fluffy potato rolls. It’s a match made in heaven!
– **Cheese Option:** The optional addition of cheddar cheese makes these rolls even more indulgent, adding a creamy richness that enhances the flavor of the bacon.
– **Versatility:** These rolls are perfect for a side dish at dinner, a brunch addition, or as a snack for any occasion. They also make great leftovers that can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes.

### **Tips for Success:**

– **Make-Ahead:** If you’re short on time, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring the dough back to room temperature before shaping the rolls and letting them rise.
– **Customizable Fillings:** Feel free to experiment with different fillings. For example, you could try adding sautéed onions, garlic, or herbs to the bacon for extra flavor.
– **Storing Leftovers:** These rolls are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment.

### **Conclusion:**
These **Irresistible Potato Rolls with Bacon** offer a delicious twist on traditional dinner rolls. With their soft, fluffy texture and savory bacon filling, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next meal. Easy to make and versatile enough to pair with almost any dish, these rolls will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether for a holiday, family dinner, or casual snack, these rolls are the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love!