If you’ve never experienced the pillowy perfection of Parker House Rolls, you’re in for a real treat. These golden, buttery dinner rolls are a true American classic, with a soft interior that practically melts in your mouth and a delicate, folded shape that turns any meal into something special. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday table or a casual Sunday supper, Parker House Rolls are absolute crowd-pleasers that add warmth and nostalgia to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at what a handful of pantry staples can do when you bring them together in just the right way. Each ingredient in these Parker House Rolls serves a purpose — lending flavor, texture, or that irresistible aroma that makes your kitchen feel like home.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your rolls, providing the structure and soft crumb.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness helps bring out the best in the yeast and helps the crust brown beautifully.
- Active dry yeast (1 packet): This is your powerhouse, giving the rolls their signature rise and lightness.
- Salt: Just enough to balance the flavors and enhance the buttery notes.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Water: Keeps the dough hydrated and soft without weighing it down.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Bask in that buttery goodness—it’s key to both the dough and for brushing the tops!
- Large egg: Gives the rolls a beautiful color and extra softness inside.
- Melted butter (for brushing): More butter equals more flavor and that unforgettable glossy finish.
How to Make Parker House Rolls
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by adding 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt to the bowl of your stand mixer—or a large mixing bowl if you’re stirring by hand. This quick whisk blends the essentials, setting up the perfect base for your Parker House Rolls and ensuring the yeast and salt are evenly dispersed.
Step 2: Warm the Wet Ingredients
In a small saucepan, gently warm the milk, water, and 1/4 cup of butter until it’s just warm to the touch, about 110°F. Be careful not to overheat (you don’t want to harm your yeast!). This cozy mixture helps the yeast wake up and work its magic for impossibly soft rolls.
Step 3: Combine and Knead
Pour your warm milk concoction into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Add the egg and beat everything together until smooth. Gradually incorporate the remaining flour, half a cup at a time, to form a soft, workable dough. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. This step builds the structure and ensures your Parker House Rolls come out fluffy and light.
Step 4: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a cozy, draft-free spot until doubled—about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. This is where the yeast gets to work, giving the rolls their signature lift.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough to release any trapped air and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into 2×3-inch rectangles, then give each piece a gentle fold—almost in half, but leaving the edge peeking out. Carefully tuck your Parker House Rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ready for the final rise.
Step 6: Second Rise and Preheat
Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again until delightfully puffy, another 30–45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s hot and ready for that golden finish.
Step 7: Bake and Butter
Brush the tops generously with melted butter, then bake for 15–18 minutes until your Parker House Rolls are gloriously golden and baked through. Brush with more melted butter once they’re out of the oven, if you’d like a glossier finish that makes everyone’s mouth water.
How to Serve Parker House Rolls
Garnishes
A final flourish of flaky sea salt or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives takes the butter-brushed tops of your Parker House Rolls to a whole new level. They’ll look as elegant as they taste.
Side Dishes
These rolls are truly universal. Classic companions include roast chicken, beef stew, or your favorite holiday ham. For something lighter, serve Parker House Rolls alongside a vibrant green salad or a bowl of comforting soup—perfect for soaking up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them in a basket lined with a napkin for a warm, rustic look, or showcase them on a festive platter fanned out in rows. Turn leftovers into irresistible mini-sandwiches, or use Parker House Rolls as the perfect vehicle for homemade sliders at your next party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Parker House Rolls left (trust me, that’s rare!), let them cool completely and tuck them into an airtight container or zip-top bag. They’ll stay fresh and soft at room temperature for up to two days.
Freezing
Parker House Rolls freeze beautifully. Once baked and cooled, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Simply defrost at room temperature when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
To restore that just-baked warmth and softness, place the rolls in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5–10 minutes, or until heated through. A quick brush of melted butter right before serving revives all their irresistible flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Parker House Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the dough the night before, refrigerate overnight, and let the rolls rise to room temperature before baking. That way, you can enjoy fresh, warm rolls with zero last-minute fuss.
What makes Parker House Rolls different from other dinner rolls?
It’s all about their signature folded shape and that heavenly slather of butter—inside and out. The fold keeps the rolls irresistibly soft in the center, while the buttery layers set them apart from ordinary dinner rolls.
Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?
No stand mixer? No problem! You can absolutely mix and knead the dough by hand. Just be prepared for a mini arm workout—knead until the dough is smooth and elastic for the best Parker House Rolls.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
You sure can. Substitute instant yeast in the same quantity, and there’s no need to proof it first. The rise time may even be a touch shorter, so keep an eye on your dough.
What’s the best way to store and reheat these rolls?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to revive that fresh-baked vibe. Freezing instructions work wonderfully, too—just thaw and warm as needed!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a surefire way to delight your friends and family, baking a batch of Parker House Rolls is the answer. The process is truly rewarding, filling your kitchen with an aroma that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just venturing into homemade bread, give these classic rolls a try—your table (and taste buds) will thank you.
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Parker House Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including rising)
- Yield: 24 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your family and friends with these soft and fluffy Parker House Rolls, perfect for any meal. These classic yeast rolls are easy to make and will elevate any dining experience with their buttery goodness.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
For Brushing:
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: Combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Warm milk, water, and 1/4 cup butter; mix into dry ingredients. Add egg and remaining flour gradually.
- Knead and Rise: Knead dough for 6–8 minutes until elastic. Let rise until doubled, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Shape Rolls: Roll dough, cut into rectangles, fold, and place in baking dish. Let rise until puffy, about 30–45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush with melted butter and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden. Brush with more butter if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate overnight after shaping. Let come to room temperature and rise before baking.
- These rolls freeze well—wrap tightly and reheat in a low oven.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
