If you ever crave a classic, comforting bread that’s impossibly soft and richly buttery, look no further than the Parker House Rolls – Soft & Buttery Recipe. These iconic rolls have a tender crumb and golden crust that makes every bite melt in your mouth, perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or any time you want to add a little extra warmth to your meal. The balance of simplicity in the ingredients and that signature buttery flavor makes these rolls a timeless favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed how just a handful of basic ingredients come together to create these irresistible Parker House Rolls. Each component plays a vital role in delivering softness, flavor, and that characteristic buttery aroma.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture for tender crumb texture.
- Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness.
- Active dry yeast: The magic that makes your rolls rise light and fluffy.
- Unsalted butter: Used both in the dough and for brushing, it creates that unmistakable buttery crust and flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The structure builder, perfect for soft but sturdy rolls.
- Salt: Enhances the dough’s flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Large egg: Enriches the dough and helps with color and texture.
How to Make Parker House Rolls – Soft & Buttery Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Warm your milk until it’s just about 110 degrees Fahrenheit—warm enough to wake the yeast but not so hot that it kills it. Stir in the sugar and yeast, then let this mixture rest for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s foamy and alive. This step is crucial to ensure your rolls have that light, airy texture we all adore.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients and Form Dough
In a large bowl, mix the foamy yeast mixture with 1/4 cup of softened butter, flour, salt, and the egg. This combination brings the dough together, creating the perfect balance of softness and structure. Once combined, the dough will start developing that elastic feel that promises a perfect roll.
Step 3: Knead to Perfection
Whether by hand or stand mixer, knead your dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This can take about 8 to 10 minutes by hand or 5 to 6 minutes with a mixer. Kneading develops the gluten, giving your rolls their tender yet chewy texture.
Step 4: First Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a towel or plastic wrap. Find a cozy, warm spot and let it rise until doubled in size—about one hour. This step is essential to build volume and flavor.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough gently onto a floured surface, then roll it out to about half an inch thick. Cut into rounds 2 to 3 inches wide, fold each in half, and pinch the edges lightly to seal. This folding gives Parker House rolls their signature shape and texture.
Step 6: Second Rise
Arrange your shaped rolls in a buttered pan or sheet tray, fold down, and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. This final rise creates that pillowy softness you’ll want to bite into immediately.
Step 7: Bake and Butter the Tops
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Before baking, brush the rolls generously with the remaining melted butter to ensure a golden, flavorful crust. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until perfectly golden brown, then brush once more with butter for that irresistible sheen and rich taste.
How to Serve Parker House Rolls – Soft & Buttery Recipe
Garnishes
While these rolls are spectacular on their own, a little extra melted butter brushed on top just before serving makes them even more tempting. You might also consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt or freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives to add a subtle burst of flavor and a beautiful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Parker House Rolls pair wonderfully with a variety of meals. They make the perfect accompaniment to soups and stews, turkey or ham at holiday meals, or alongside a hearty bowl of chili. Their soft texture is great for mopping up sauces or serving with savory spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls as mini sliders by filling them with pulled pork, roasted chicken, or your favorite sandwich fillings. For a festive touch, arrange them in a circle on a platter with a bowl of whipped herb butter in the center—guaranteed to wow your guests and get everyone reaching for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Parker House Rolls – Soft & Buttery Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them moist, wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place inside a resealable bag.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully, either baked or unbaked. For unbaked rolls, shape and freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. For baked rolls, wrap them well and freeze. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and warm gently for that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
To bring your rolls back to life, wrap them in foil and warm in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for 10 to 15 minutes. A quick brush with melted butter after reheating helps revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven flavor and suppleness.
FAQs
Can I use milk substitutes for these rolls?
Yes, you can swap whole milk with alternatives like almond or oat milk, but keep in mind it may slightly affect the richness and texture. Using unsweetened versions works best to avoid altering the flavor.
What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
Instant yeast can be used in place of active dry yeast. Since instant yeast works faster, reduce the initial rising time accordingly and mix it directly with dry ingredients.
How do I make these rolls dairy-free?
Replace the milk with a plant-based milk and use a dairy-free margarine or oil in place of butter. The rolls will still turn out soft but might lack some buttery aroma.
Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding minced garlic, rosemary, or thyme into the dough or brushing the tops with herb-infused melted butter will elevate the flavor beautifully without compromising the softness.
How do I get the classic shape of Parker House rolls?
The signature look comes from folding each round of dough in half gently and pressing the edges just enough to seal. Baking them with the fold down helps create the soft layers and tender interior.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the secrets to making these heavenly Parker House Rolls – Soft & Buttery Recipe at home, there’s no reason to settle for less. They’re more than just dinner rolls; they’re a warm hug in bread form that makes any meal special. Give this recipe a try and prepare to impress your family and friends with your baking skills—and a whole lot of buttery goodness!
Print
Parker House Rolls – Soft & Buttery Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 15–18 rolls
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Parker House Rolls are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet yeast rolls perfect as a side dish for any meal. These homemade rolls feature a tender crumb and a golden crust thanks to a double rise and generous butter brushing. Easy to make and ideal for holidays or weeknight dinners, they promise warm, comforting bread straight from your oven.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened and divided
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Activate yeast: Warm the milk until about 110°F, then stir in the sugar and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make dough: In a large bowl, combine the foamy yeast mixture with 1/4 cup of the softened butter, flour, salt, and egg. Mix until the dough starts to form.
- Knead dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape rolls: Punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into 2- to 3-inch rounds. Fold each round in half and press lightly to seal.
- Arrange rolls: Place the folded rounds in a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish or a sheet pan with the fold side down.
- Second rise: Cover loosely and let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven and brush butter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt the remaining 1/4 cup butter and brush the tops of the rolls generously.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Final butter brush and serve: Brush more melted butter over the top after baking for extra richness. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- These rolls can be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or herbs like rosemary or thyme to the melted butter before brushing.
- The rolls freeze well either before baking or after baking; thaw and reheat when needed.
