Pillowy Honey-Glazed Potato Buns (Leftover Mash!)

🥔 Pillowy Honey-Glazed Potato Buns — Soft, Shiny & Irresistible

If you’ve got leftover mashed potatoes from a big dinner or the holidays, this recipe will transform them into the softest, pillowy buns ever 💛. Imagine squishy, melt-in-your-mouth rolls brushed with glossy honey butter glaze — a little sweet, a little salty, and ridiculously fluffy inside.

These buns aren’t just for dinner. Skip the glaze, and you’ve got perfect burger buns — tender yet sturdy enough to hold juicy fillings.

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🧈 Why These Potato Buns Work

Mashed potatoes may sound odd in bread, but they’re a baker’s secret weapon. The starch and moisture from the potatoes help keep the dough super soft even days later. Combined with milk, butter, and a touch of sugar, the result is a rich, plush crumb you won’t stop touching 😍.

And let’s not skip the honey butter glaze — it gives that shiny golden finish with a sweet aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake.

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🍳 Step-by-Step Magic

1️⃣ Make the Quick Mash (if not using leftovers)

Microwave diced potatoes until tender, mash with butter and milk, and let them cool. Room temperature mash keeps the yeast alive and the dough happy.

2️⃣ Mix & Knead

Combine all dough ingredients in your stand mixer. Mix and knead until smooth and elastic — it should stretch thin without tearing (the “windowpane test”). That’s your ticket to soft, chewy buns!

3️⃣ First Proof

Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled. The dough should feel bouncy and pillowy to the touch.

4️⃣ Shape & Second Proof

Divide into 12 portions, roll into balls, and flatten slightly. Space them about 1 inch apart so they rise upward. Proof again until puffed and jiggly.

5️⃣ Bake & Glaze ✨

Brush with honey butter, bake until golden brown, then brush again while still hot for that signature sheen. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for contrast — divine!

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🍔 Burger Bun Variation

Want to turn these into soft burger buns? Just skip the honey glaze, brush with beaten egg, and top with sesame seeds. The crust becomes slightly firmer — ideal for juicy patties, pulled pork, or veggie burgers.

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💡 Tips for Success

🌡️ Use room-temperature mash so your dough rises properly.
💪 Knead until smooth and stretchy — under-kneading makes dense buns.
🍯 For a less-sweet version, halve or skip the glaze.
🧊 These buns freeze beautifully — reheat straight from the freezer for fresh-baked softness.

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🧑‍🍳 Reader Raves

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Kneaded by hand because I don’t have a stand mixer — totally worth it. Softest buns I’ve made.” — Carla B.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Love that you can switch between honey-glazed dinner rolls and burger buns with just the finish. Super versatile.” — Chris 1888

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “They stayed soft even with beetroot burger, blue cheese and grilled pineapple. New go-to!” — Lauri R.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Made a double batch for pulled pork — everyone asked for the recipe.” — Tom D.

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🔥 Serving Ideas

• Serve warm with salted butter or soup.
• Split and toast lightly for breakfast sandwiches.
• Use as slider rolls for holiday leftovers.
• Or make mini buns for pulled pork sliders — your guests will go wild 🤩.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

These Pillowy Honey-Glazed Potato Buns are comfort food at its finest — golden, fluffy, and kissed with buttery sweetness. Whether you’re serving them at dinner or flipping burgers at a BBQ, they’ll steal the spotlight every single time.

Bake once, and you’ll never go back to store-bought rolls again 🥰