If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate soft, buttery delight to accompany your meals, look no further than this Parker House Rolls Recipe. These classic American rolls boast a tender crumb and a lightly sweetened dough that’s simply irresistible fresh from the oven. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or craving a comforting homemade bread, these rolls have an unmatched charm that turns any dinner into a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Parker House rolls so delicious? It’s the perfect blend of simple, well-chosen ingredients that each bring their own magic—flour builds the structure, yeast gives that perfect rise, and butter adds richness and flavor. Every component counts toward that soft, flaky texture and golden finish you’ll adore.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast: This little powerhouse ensures your rolls rise beautifully and become airy.
- 1 cup whole milk (warm): Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that makes the dough tender.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Slight sweetness that balances the rich butter and enhances browning.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Elevates flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened, plus more for brushing): Contributes richness and creates that deliciously soft crust.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Helps bind the dough and gives the rolls their beautiful golden color.
How to Make Parker House Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by stirring together your warm milk, yeast, and a small pinch of sugar in a small bowl. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy—this indicates the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a larger bowl, combine your flour, the rest of the sugar, and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg, then stir everything until it forms a soft dough. This is where your rolls begin taking shape from simple ingredients.
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This kneading stage is essential for developing the gluten that gives your rolls their tender yet resilient texture.
Step 4: First Rise
Place your dough into a greased bowl, cover it up, and tuck it away in a warm spot for about an hour. Wait patiently as it doubles in size—this is when the dough puffs up, gaining volume and softness.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
After punching down the dough to release excess air, roll it out to roughly half an inch thick. Using a round cutter around 2 1/2 inches wide, cut out circles. Lightly fold each circle in half and arrange them with a slight overlap on a greased baking sheet.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. This second puff-up ensures they are gloriously fluffy and ready to bake to golden perfection.
Step 7: Bake and Butter
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15 to 18 minutes until their tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. The final step? Brush them immediately with melted butter. This gives a shiny, irresistibly soft crust that invites everyone to dig in.
How to Serve Parker House Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While these rolls are incredible just brushed with butter, adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a brush of garlic-infused butter right before serving can elevate their flavor even more. Fresh herbs like chopped rosemary or thyme make a lovely garnish if you want to add a hint of garden freshness.
Side Dishes
Parker House rolls are perfect companions to almost any hearty meal. Classic pairings include roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a creamy chicken pot pie. They’re equally delightful with stews, soups, or a bright salad, soaking up sauces and making the meal feel indulgent and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Try gently pulling the rolls apart and serving them in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin for a cozy, welcoming vibe. For a brunch twist, slice them open to make mini sliders with ham and cheddar or spread with fresh jam and whipped butter—your guests will be wowed by the versatility of this Parker House Rolls Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be rare), store the rolls in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and ready to enjoy without drying out.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully once baked. Cool them completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To refresh your frozen or leftover rolls, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Wrapping them loosely in foil during reheating prevents drying, and a quick brush of melted butter afterward revives that freshly baked taste and softness you love from the original Parker House Rolls Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use milk other than whole milk?
Absolutely! While whole milk gives the richest flavor and texture, you can substitute with 2% or even skim milk. Just be aware that using lower-fat milk might slightly affect the softness and richness but the rolls will still turn out delicious.
What is the purpose of folding the dough circles before baking?
The gentle fold gives Parker House rolls their classic half-moon shape and creates a slightly layered texture inside. It also helps the rolls stay soft where they’re touching, encouraging that perfect pull-apart effect when serving.
Can I make this Parker House Rolls Recipe vegan?
With a few tweaks, yes! Substitute the milk with any plant-based milk, replace butter with vegan butter or oil, and use a flax egg or other egg replacer. The texture may be a bit different, but you can still achieve soft, tasty rolls.
Why do some rolls stick together in the baking pan?
The overlapping arrangement allows the rolls to rise into each other, keeping edges soft and creating that wonderful pull-apart effect. This sticking together is exactly what makes these rolls such a crowd-pleaser!
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
Look for a golden brown top and bottoms that sound hollow when tapped. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) to ensure they’re fully baked and fluffy inside.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting about warm, homemade rolls fresh from the oven, and this Parker House Rolls Recipe delivers every time. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little patient rising, you get rolls that melt in your mouth and bring a smile with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try making these—it’s a classic that once you experience, will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Print
Parker House Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 18 rolls
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Parker House Rolls are soft, buttery dinner rolls with a slight sweetness, perfect for holidays or any special meal. These homemade rolls are tender, slightly folded for a charming shape, and brushed with melted butter for a glossy, flavorful finish.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened, plus more for brushing)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt to evenly distribute the dry ingredients before adding the wet ones.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the foamy yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Knead the dough: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, developing the gluten necessary for a light texture.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size, allowing the dough to ferment and expand.
- Shape rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness, then use a round cutter approximately 2 1/2 inches wide to cut out circles. Lightly fold each circle in half to create the signature Parker House shape.
- Second rise: Arrange the folded dough pieces slightly overlapping on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes, which helps the rolls become fluffy during baking.
- Preheat and bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15–18 minutes until golden brown, ensuring they are cooked through and beautifully crusted.
- Butter the rolls: Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the hot rolls with melted butter to add moisture and a rich flavor, then serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- To make ahead, shape the rolls and refrigerate overnight before the second rise. Allow rolls to come to room temperature and rise before baking.
- These rolls freeze well after baking. Reheat in a low oven to restore softness.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute part of the milk with cream or add a touch of honey instead of sugar.
- Use a sharp round cutter for clean edges on the rolls, enhancing their traditional look.
