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

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### Instructions

#### Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1. **Activate the Yeast**: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to mix evenly.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients**: Add the mashed potatoes, melted butter, milk, and the activated yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until a dough starts to form.
4. **Knead the Dough**: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You may add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky, but it should remain slightly soft and tacky.

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#### Step 2: Incorporate the Bacon
1. **Add Bacon**: Once the dough is kneaded, fold in the chopped crispy bacon. You can reserve a small amount of bacon to sprinkle on top later for extra flavor and garnish.
2. **Let It Rise**: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

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#### Step 3: Shape the Rolls
1. **Preheat the Oven**: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Shape the Rolls**: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape them into small balls.
3. **Arrange in a Baking Dish**: Place the dough balls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a small amount of space between each roll. You can also place them closer together for a pull-apart style presentation.

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#### Step 4: Second Rise
1. **Let the Rolls Rise Again**: Cover the baking dish with a towel and allow the rolls to rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are touching each other.

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#### Step 5: Bake the Rolls
1. **Bake**: Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
2. **Brush with Butter**: Once the rolls are out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter for a glossy finish and extra flavor.
3. **Garnish**: If desired, sprinkle additional chopped bacon over the top for added crunch and flavor.

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#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
1. Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. These rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven, but they’ll still be delicious the next day. Serve with butter, a side of soup, or as part of your favorite meal.

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### Tips for Perfect Potato Rolls with Bacon

1. **Use Warm, Not Hot Water**: The yeast needs warm water (around 110°F/45°C) to activate properly. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, it won’t activate.
2. **Crispy Bacon**: For the best flavor, use crispy bacon. If your bacon isn’t crispy enough, it can become soggy once mixed into the dough, which will affect the texture of the rolls.
3. **Make Ahead**: You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. After shaping the rolls, cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.
4. **Add Cheese**: For a cheesy twist, you can mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella with the bacon for added richness.
5. **Gluten-Free Version**: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may differ slightly.

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### Why These Rolls Are So Special

**Irresistible Potato Rolls with Bacon** take the classic, comforting potato roll and elevate it with the smoky, savory flavor of bacon. The mashed potatoes in the dough create an ultra-soft and pillowy texture, while the bacon adds a satisfying crunch and rich flavor. These rolls are perfect for serving at family gatherings, holiday dinners, or as a snack to share with friends. They’re simple to make but feel indulgent, and they’re guaranteed to be a hit no matter the occasion. Try this recipe today, and experience the magic of bacon and potatoes in every bite!