If you have been longing for soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth bread, then the Parker House Rolls Recipe is just what you need to bring that warm, homemade touch to your table. These classic American rolls are famously fluffy with a perfect golden crust, making them ideal for every occasion – from holiday feasts to simple weeknight dinners. What’s truly irresistible about this Parker House Rolls Recipe is how effortlessly the dough transforms into pillowy rolls, while the buttery finish adds a rich flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the heart and soul of this beloved Parker House Rolls Recipe, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. The blend of warm milk and yeast ensures the dough rises beautifully, while butter brings in that signature softness and golden hue.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the soft, tender crumb you love in a dinner roll.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise to that perfect fluffy consistency.
- 1 cup whole milk (warm, about 110°F): Activates the yeast while keeping the dough moist and soft.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness that balances the buttery richness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the dough from being flat.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened, divided): Half mixed into the dough for tenderness, half for that irresistible buttery crust.
- 1 large egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough beautifully.
How to Make Parker House Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl or your stand mixer’s bowl. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s foamy and bubbling—that’s the yeast waking up and getting ready to make your rolls rise perfectly fluffy.
Step 2: Combine the Dough Ingredients
Add the egg, salt, and a quarter cup of softened butter to your yeast mixture. Then, gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough begins to form. This part is crucial because you want the dough soft but not sticky. Kneading it for 6 to 8 minutes either by hand or with a dough hook helps develop the gluten, giving your rolls that wonderful chewy yet tender texture.
Step 3: First Rise
Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rest somewhere warm. The dough will double in size over 1 to 1 1/2 hours, filling your kitchen with that warm, inviting bread aroma that just makes you crave a fresh roll.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Once risen, punch the dough down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a half-inch thick rectangle. Cut it into 2 1/2-inch circles or squares. Lightly fold each in half and nestle them seam-side down, touching slightly, in a buttered baking dish or parchment-lined sheet. Cover and rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until nice and puffy.
Step 5: Bake and Butter
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15 to 18 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Right after they come out of the oven, brush them generously with the remaining butter to give them that signature glossy, buttery finish that makes Parker House Rolls legendary.
How to Serve Parker House Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While the buttery brush after baking is essential, you can take your rolls to the next level by brushing them with garlic herb butter for a flavorful twist or sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt for a subtle crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a pop of color and freshness as well.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine beside hearty dishes like roasted chicken, savory stews, or creamy mashed potatoes. Their soft texture is perfect for mopping up sauces and gravies, making every bite of your meal more comforting and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve Parker House Rolls Recipe alongside a cheese board with creamy spreads, smoked meats, or even shape them into pull-apart rolls for a communal experience. You can also slice them open and stuff with fillings like ham and cheese for delicious mini sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rolls stay best when tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their moisture and softness without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Parker House Rolls Recipe later, freeze the shaped rolls before the second rise or fully baked rolls once cooled. Wrap them properly to prevent freezer burn, and they’ll keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
To bring frozen or leftover rolls back to life, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Wrapping them in foil helps keep them moist while reheating, giving you that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Bread flour will give you a chewier roll due to its higher protein content. It’s a nice alternative if you prefer rolls with a little more structure while still keeping them tender.
How important is the butter in the dough?
The butter is key for the soft crumb and rich flavor that define Parker House Rolls. Softening it before adding helps it blend smoothly, ensuring every bite is tender and buttery.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
While the classic recipe calls for milk, egg, and butter, you can definitely substitute with plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flaxseed egg to make vegan-friendly rolls. They won’t be quite the same, but still delicious and soft.
Why do I need to fold the rolls before baking?
Folding the dough pieces creates the distinctive shape of Parker House Rolls with the soft seam inside. It helps keep the rolls tender and encourages that pleasing pull-apart texture when served.
Is it okay to use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
You can use instant yeast but reduce the amount slightly and add it directly to the flour. Just skip the initial activation step with warm milk, which saves time without compromising the rise.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that once you try this Parker House Rolls Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without having these classic, buttery rolls on your table. They’re unbelievably soft, tender, and perfect for just about any meal. So roll up your sleeves, get baking, and prepare to enjoy a warm, comforting batch that will become an instant family favorite!
Print
Parker House Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 18 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Parker House Rolls are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet yeast rolls that make the perfect accompaniment to any meal. These classic American dinner rolls feature a tender crumb and a golden, buttery crust achieved by folding each roll before baking. Ideal for holidays, family dinners, or any time you crave homemade bread, these rolls are simple to prepare and delicious fresh from the oven.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, divided
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Prepare dough: To the yeast mixture, add the egg, salt, and half (1/4 cup) of the softened butter. Gradually incorporate the flour while mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough with a dough hook attachment or by hand for 6–8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape rolls: Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick. Cut the dough into 2 1/2-inch circles or squares. Lightly fold each piece in half and place them seam-side down in a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet, arranging the pieces so they touch slightly. Cover and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake rolls: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15–18 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
- Brush with butter: Immediately upon removing from the oven, brush the rolls with the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter to give them a rich, glossy finish and extra flavor. Serve the rolls warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, brush the rolls with garlic herb butter instead of plain melted butter after baking.
- The rolls can be shaped ahead of time and refrigerated overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature before baking to ensure proper rising.
