If you want to bring a little warmth and nostalgia to your table, this Parker House Rolls Recipe is a true classic that can’t be beat. These soft, buttery rolls have the perfect pillowy texture, a slightly sweet flavor, and a golden crust that’s irresistibly inviting. Whether you’re serving them at a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday feast, these rolls are guaranteed to become a beloved staple. The Parker House Rolls Recipe captures the essence of homemade goodness with simple ingredients and a process that’s as rewarding as the results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and come together beautifully to create the soft, fluffy texture and rich flavor Parker House Rolls are known for. Each plays a crucial role in making these rolls tender, flavorful, and perfectly golden.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our dough, giving structure and chew.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): Essential for that magical rise and airy crumb.
- 1 cup whole milk (warm, about 110°F): Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness that balances the buttery flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall taste and rounds out the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened, divided): Split between the dough and brushing to keep the rolls tender and buttery.
- 1 large egg: Adds richness, binds ingredients, and helps with color.
- Additional melted butter for brushing: For that irresistible shiny finish and extra indulgence.
How to Make Parker House Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Let this mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until you see a foamy layer forming on top. This foam is a sign that your yeast is alive and kicking, ready to give your rolls a perfect rise.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Next, add in the egg, 1/4 cup of the softened butter, salt, and 3 1/2 cups of the flour. Mix these ingredients together to form a soft dough. You want the dough to pull away from the sides but still be slightly sticky, so add more flour a little at a time if needed. This stage is all about finding that perfect balance for a tender crumb.
Step 3: Knead to Perfection
Whether by hand or with a dough hook on your mixer, knead the dough for about 6 to 8 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This kneading step is key to developing gluten, which gives your Parker House Rolls that soft yet structured bite everyone loves.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and set it somewhere warm to rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until it has doubled in size. This is when the magic happens as the dough puffs up and becomes light and airy.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Once risen, punch the dough down gently and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2-inch thick. Cut into 2 by 3-inch rectangles, then brush each piece with the remaining softened butter. Fold each rectangle in half, short end to short end, and place them folded side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover loosely and let the rolls rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy and inviting.
Step 6: Bake and Finish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re a beautiful golden brown. As soon as you take them out of the oven, brush them with melted butter for that classic Parker House glow and buttery flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more.
How to Serve Parker House Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While these rolls are delicious on their own, a quick brush of melted garlic butter or a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme can elevate their flavor profile in a delightful way. This adds a savory touch that complements the subtle sweetness perfectly and makes them even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Parker House Rolls make a fantastic companion to hearty soups, stews, and roast dinners. Think creamy mashed potatoes, savory roasted vegetables, or a rich turkey with gravy. Their soft texture and buttery taste cut through bold, savory dishes beautifully, making every bite memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these rolls as mini sliders with your favorite sandwich fillings or use them to mop up sauces at your next dinner party. You can also turn them into a breakfast treat with honey butter or jam. Their versatility makes the Parker House Rolls Recipe a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and fresh. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out, but they’ve almost never lasted that long!
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully. Place completely cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. They thaw gently at room temperature or in the fridge overnight, ready to be reheated as needed.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat the rolls in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for about 10 to 15 minutes. Brushing with a little melted butter before or after reheating adds a special touch that tastes just like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use milk alternatives for the Parker House Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole milk with almond milk, soy milk, or any other milk alternative. Just make sure it is warm when mixed with yeast to activate it properly.
Is it okay to use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast can be used, but you might want to add it directly to the flour without proofing in the warm milk. Adjust rising times slightly as instant yeast works faster.
Why do my rolls come out dense instead of fluffy?
Dense rolls often result from under-kneading or not allowing the dough to rise enough. Make sure to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, and give it ample time to double during the rise.
Can I add herbs or spices directly into the dough?
Definitely! Adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or a little garlic powder into the dough can give your Parker House Rolls a unique twist without losing the classic softness.
How do I store the rolls if I’m making them ahead for a party?
Prepare them through the first rise, then refrigerate overnight covered tightly. The next day, shape, let them rise again, and bake just before serving for fresh, warm rolls.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade Parker House Rolls isn’t just about baking bread—it’s about creating a warm, comforting moment to share with those you love. The ease and delicious outcome of this Parker House Rolls Recipe make it worth every minute spent in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these buttery, soft rolls will become your new go-to for any special meal or everyday dinner. Give it a whirl and enjoy the delicious smiles around your table!
Print
Parker House Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 18 rolls
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Parker House Rolls are soft, buttery yeast rolls with a tender crumb and a slightly sweet flavor. Perfect as a side dish for dinner or holidays, these classic American rolls are made from enriched dough brushed with butter, folded, and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, divided (1/4 cup + 1/4 cup)
- Additional melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Add the egg, 1/4 cup softened butter, salt, and 3 1/2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. Add more flour if needed until the dough pulls away from the sides but remains slightly sticky.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook for 6–8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic, improving gluten development for a tender roll.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut the dough into 2 x 3-inch rectangles. Brush each piece with the remaining 1/4 cup softened butter. Fold each rectangle in half lengthwise (short end to short end).
- Second Rise: Place the folded rolls folded side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover loosely and let them rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish: Immediately after baking, brush the warm rolls with additional melted butter to enhance flavor and softness. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix a pinch of garlic powder or your favorite herbs into the softened butter before brushing the rolls.
- These rolls freeze very well; reheat them in a warm oven before serving for fresh taste.
- You can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it after the first rise, then shape and continue as directed.
