Name: Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls Recipe
Prep time: PT-489266H46M26S
Cook time: PT-489266H46M26S
Total time: PT-489266H46M26S
Cuisine: American
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; 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; Poppy seeds, salted pumpkin seeds or pepitas, and sesame seeds for sprinkling

If you’re looking for a dinner roll that’s soft, slightly sweet, and just a little bit special, you’re going to want to try this Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls Recipe. I absolutely love how these rolls turn out with that gentle sweetness from the honey and a lovely subtle depth from the mashed winter squash — it makes a difference you’ll notice instantly. Whether you’re baking for a holiday feast or just want to jazz up your weeknight dinner bread, these rolls are sure to impress and become a fast favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Moist & Fluffy: The addition of mashed winter squash keeps these rolls tender and soft in a way that’s hard to beat.
Naturally Sweetened: Honey adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the bread, making it versatile for meals.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual dinners to holidays, these rolls elevate your table effortlessly.

The image shows a cast iron pan filled with 11 golden brown dinner rolls arranged closely together in three layers: the top of the rolls is shiny and sprinkled with white sesame seeds and black poppy seeds, while the sides display a soft texture with some areas slightly darker from baking. One roll near the front left is pulled partially apart showing soft, fluffy yellow interior with a small square of melting butter on top. The pan rests on a blue and white striped cloth over a white marbled surface. A wooden board is seen blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls Recipe calls for simple pantry staples along with frozen mashed winter squash—you don’t need fresh squash piecing it together. Using thawed frozen squash works perfectly here and saves a ton of time!

Active dry yeast: Make sure it’s fresh and not expired to get a good rise every single time.
Salt: Essential for flavor balance in your rolls, so don’t skip it.
Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds a warm, cozy note that complements the squash beautifully.
All-purpose flour: You’ll need plenty for kneading—don’t be shy about adding a little extra if your dough feels too sticky.
2% milk: Warming it to 120°-130° F activates the yeast and helps the butter melt smoothly.
Butter, cubed: Make sure it’s cubed so it warms evenly and blends well with the milk and honey.
Honey: I love how it adds natural sweetness and keeps the bread tender.
Frozen mashed winter squash: Thawed to room temperature for easy mixing—no need to cook fresh yourself!
Large egg: Brushing this on the tops before baking creates that irresistible glossy finish and helps seeds stick.
Poppy seeds, salted pumpkin seeds, or sesame seeds: These add a lovely crunch and visual appeal—use your favorites or mix them up!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to tweak this Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls Recipe depending on what I have on hand or who’s coming over. Trust me, it’s incredibly forgiving and flexible, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it.

Gluten-Free Option: I’ve experimented swapping out regular flour for a gluten-free blend and it worked pretty well—just be mindful of kneading times and expect a slightly different texture.
Spiced Variation: Adding a bit more nutmeg or even a dash of cinnamon takes these rolls into cozy autumn territory, which my family literally requests every fall.
Seed Mix Up: Sometimes I swap pumpkin seeds for sunflower seeds if I want a nuttier crunch or even sprinkle some flax seeds for extra nutrition.
Mini Rolls: If you’re hosting a brunch or party, making smaller rolls is a cute way to let everyone have a bite without feeling full too fast.

How to Make Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Get the Yeast Mixture Ready and Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining the yeast, salt, ground nutmeg, and 3 cups of flour in a large bowl. Make sure your yeast is active—if it doesn’t foam up a bit when warmed, it might be past its prime, so don’t skip this step! This dry mixture is the foundation for your dough.

Step 2: Warm the Milk, Butter, and Honey

In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk, cubed butter, and honey until the mixture reaches between 120° and 130°F. Warming it just right activates the yeast without killing it. Pour this warm liquid into your dry ingredients and beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until it’s combined well.

Step 3: Add the Mashed Squash and More Flour

Next, blend in the thawed mashed winter squash. Beat on high speed for another 2 minutes. The squash adds moisture and a beautiful color, making the dough slightly sticky. From here, stir in enough of the remaining flour until you get a soft dough that’s just tacky but manageable.

Step 4: Knead for Elasticity

Flour your counter lightly and turn out the dough. Knead it for 6 to 8 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This step develops the gluten, crucial for giving your rolls structure and that perfect fluffy bite. If it sticks too much, add a sprinkle of flour—just don’t overdo it or your rolls will be dense.

Step 5: First Proof – Let It Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl and turn it once so the surface is lightly coated with butter. Cover the bowl and find a warm spot to let it rise until doubled, which usually takes about an hour. When I first made these, I kept mine near a sunny window and they rose beautifully!

Step 6: Shape the Rolls and Let Them Rise Again

After punching down the dough, turn it out on a floured surface and divide it into 24 equal balls. I like using a kitchen scale to get even rolls for consistent baking. Place them in two greased 9-inch pans or cast-iron skillets, cover with towels, and let them rise again until doubled, about 45 minutes.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brush the rolls with the beaten egg to help them brown nicely and stick the seeds on top. Pop them in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re dark golden brown. If they start browning too fast near the end, tent with foil to avoid burning. Then, transfer to wire racks to cool slightly.

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Pro Tips for Making Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls Recipe

Use Room Temperature Squash: I learned that thawing the squash fully to room temp ensures it mixes smoothly and keeps the dough texture just right.
Don’t Skip the Second Rise: That second proof before baking makes all the difference in achieving light and airy rolls.
Keep Dough Slightly Sticky: Resist adding too much flour; sticky dough means tender rolls after baking.
Brush Gently with Egg Wash: Use a soft brush and light strokes so you don’t deflate your risen rolls.

How to Serve Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls Recipe

The image shows a black cast iron skillet filled with twelve round, golden brown dinner rolls, arranged in three rows of four. The rolls have a shiny surface, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and black poppy seeds on top. One roll on the left side has been pulled away slightly, revealing a soft, yellow inside with a white melting butter pat on it. The skillet rests on a blue and white striped cloth on a white marbled textured surface. In the background, a wooden cutting board is partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Personally, I love sprinkling a mix of poppy seeds and salted pumpkin seeds on top before baking—that combo adds a delightful crunch and a savory contrast that balances the sweetness. Some days, I’ll go for just sesame seeds for a classic touch. Feel free to experiment with whatever seeds you have on hand!

Side Dishes

These Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls go wonderfully with hearty dishes like roasted chicken, Thanksgiving turkey, or even a simple soup or stew. I especially like them alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad—they soak up sauces and gravies beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange these rolls in a woven basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin. Another favorite trick is to brush them with a little melted honey butter right before serving—it makes everyone’s eyes light up! You could even create pull-apart bread by placing the balls close together in a round pan for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they’ve cooled, I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature—they stay soft and fresh for about 2 days. If I notice they’re starting to dry out, I pop them in a sealed bag with a slice of apple overnight to help retain moisture (an old baker’s trick I swore by!).

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When I want to enjoy them, I thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours—it’s almost like freshly baked again. Freezing saves me so much time during busy weeks!

Reheating

To reheat, I like to warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 8-10 minutes, sometimes covering them loosely with foil if they’re browning too fast. Microwaving works too if you’re in a hurry, just wrap the roll in a damp paper towel to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use fresh squash instead of frozen mashed winter squash in the Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls Recipe?

Absolutely! You can roast or steam your own winter squash, mash it well, and let it cool before adding it to the dough. Just make sure it’s fully thawed and not watery if you use frozen squash to maintain the right dough consistency.
What if my dough is too sticky? How do I fix it?

If your dough feels overly sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, and knead until it becomes easier to handle. However, keep in mind a slightly sticky dough usually yields softer rolls, so avoid adding too much powdery flour.
Can I make this recipe without seeds on top?

Definitely! The seeds add texture and flavor but are totally optional. If you prefer plain rolls or have seed allergies, just brush with egg wash and bake as usual.
How long does it take to prepare and bake these dinner rolls?

Prep time is around 40 minutes including mixing and kneading, plus about 1 hour of rising time, and then about 20 minutes to bake. It’s a bit of a commitment, but the results are absolutely worth it!
Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?

You can swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar, but keep in mind it might slightly change the flavor profile and moisture level. I recommend sticking with honey if possible to achieve the classic taste I love in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

It’s rare that I find a dinner roll recipe as comforting and delicious as this Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls Recipe. From my first batch to now, it’s become a recipe I reach for whenever I want that subtle sweet note and soft crumb the whole family goes crazy for. If you want to surprise your dinner guests or just treat yourself to something homemade and heartwarming, give this one a try—you won’t regret it. Plus, the fact that it uses frozen squash means it’s easy to make even on busy days. Happy baking, friend!