If you’ve never tasted the old-school charm of Parker House Rolls, you’re in for a warm, buttery treat that’s equal parts nostalgia and comfort food. These iconic rolls are soft and pillowy, with that signature folded-over shape, a golden butter-brushed top, and an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. They’re crowd-pleasers at holiday feasts, but honestly, once you’ve baked a batch, you’ll find yourself wanting them at every family dinner (and breakfast, too!). With simple pantry ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, creating Parker House Rolls at home is both rewarding and delicious.

Parker House Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple with classic ingredients, but each one brings something essential to the table—think tenderness, flavor, and that crave-worthy golden color. Even if you bake bread only once a year, each component here ensures your Parker House Rolls will turn out bakery-quality.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the rolls, it gives structure while still allowing for a tender, fluffy crumb.
Granulated sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness and feeds the yeast for a lighter, puffier rise.
Active dry yeast: The essential leavening that creates those signature airy layers.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Whole milk: Provides richness and keeps the rolls ultra-soft.
Water: Helps dissolve the yeast and keeps the dough perfectly hydrated.
Unsalted butter (softened): For flavor, richness, and that melt-in-the-mouth texture Parker House Rolls are famous for.
Large egg: Binds the dough and gives the rolls beautiful color and extra tenderness.
Melted butter (for brushing): Adds the finishing glossy, flavorful touch after baking.

How to Make Parker House Rolls

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Start by whisking together 2 cups of the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt in the bowl of your stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl, if you’re using elbow grease). Then, gently heat the milk, water, and 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan until everything is just warm to the touch—about 110°F is perfect. Pour this buttery mixture into your dry ingredients and stir until it just comes together. Add the egg and beat until you have a smooth, slightly sticky mixture.

Step 2: Bring it All Together

Now, gradually add the rest of the flour, half a cup at a time, letting the dough become soft and workable (but not too dry). Once formed, knead the dough for 6–8 minutes. You can do this with a dough hook or by hand on a lightly floured counter. The dough should end up smooth, elastic, and just barely tacky—think of it like a perfectly stuffed pillow.

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it snugly, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot until it’s doubled in size. Depending on your kitchen, this will take 1 to 1 1/2 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when you give it a gentle poke and the indentation remains.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Punch down your risen dough and gently tip it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 2×3-inch rectangles. Fold each rectangle in half, but don’t crease it all the way—think of a little pocket. Arrange the folded dough pieces closely in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the dish and let your shaped Parker House Rolls rise again for about 30–45 minutes, until noticeably puffy. The anticipation might be tough, but this step gives them their signature lightness and fluffy texture.

Step 6: Bake and Butter

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Before baking, brush the tops of the rolls generously with melted butter. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown on top and the kitchen smells like pure heaven. Once out of the oven, brush with extra melted butter if you dare—there’s no such thing as too much when you’re talking Parker House Rolls!

How to Serve Parker House Rolls

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, finish your warm Parker House Rolls with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or chives while the tops are still glossy with butter. If you love a subtle sweetness, a drizzle of honey butter is heavenly, too.

Side Dishes

These rolls are famously at home beside a roast turkey, glazed ham, or a big bowl of hearty stew. Try them with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or roasted root vegetables for the ultimate comfort meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Set a basket of Parker House Rolls in the center of the table, nestled in a folded linen napkin to keep them warm. For special occasions, arrange them in a circular pattern on a platter, or slice and stuff with savory sandwich fillings for sliders at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Parker House Rolls, keep them fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and tender, perfect for breakfast or snacks.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When cravings strike, just thaw at room temperature and give them a quick warm-up in the oven.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked flavor, warm your Parker House Rolls in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes. A quick brush of melted butter before serving will bring back their irresistible softness and shine.

FAQs

Can I make Parker House Rolls dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! After shaping the rolls, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them rise at room temperature until puffy, then bake as usual. This is perfect for holiday planning.

Do I need a stand mixer, or can I knead by hand?

While a stand mixer makes things easy, you can definitely knead by hand. Just be prepared for a little workout—about 8 minutes until your dough is smooth and elastic.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast one-for-one. You can skip the proofing step and mix it right in with the dry ingredients, but be sure your liquids aren’t too hot so you don’t deactivate the yeast.

Why do my Parker House Rolls come out dense?

This usually means the dough needed a longer knead for more gluten development or a bit more time to rise. Aim for that smooth, bouncy dough and be patient during the proofs for extra fluffy results.

What’s the best way to shape Parker House Rolls?

The classic style is a rectangle folded over, but you can have fun: shape them round, twist them, or even use small cutter shapes for holidays. The folds, though, are traditional for both texture and that pull-apart magic!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a basket of warm Parker House Rolls on the table. If you’ve ever wanted to bring bakery-worthy bread to your home kitchen, this is the recipe to try. With their buttery layers and irresistible aroma, chances are you’ll be making these rolls for every celebration—or, frankly, any excuse you can find!

Parker House Rolls Recipe