There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, and Parker House Rolls are no exception. Buttery, soft, and oh-so-fluffy, these little rolls are the perfect side dish for any meal. Picture this: You take a warm roll, slather it with butter, and take that first bite—the flavor is rich, comforting, and utterly irresistible. Trust me, you’re going to love these! They’re soft, a bit sweet, and best served with a drizzle of honey or a generous smear of butter.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about making rolls—it’s about creating that comforting, cozy feeling you get when you have something warm, fresh, and delicious right out of the oven. Here’s why this is a must-try:
- Versatile: Perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, or just as a special treat on a weekend. They pair beautifully with everything from soup to roasted meats.
- Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. No need to splurge on anything fancy to make these feel special.
- Quick & Easy: Sure, bread baking can seem intimidating, but this recipe is easy to follow, and the results are totally worth it.
- Customizable: You can tweak the flavor by adding garlic, herbs, or even a little bit of cheese to make it your own.
- Crowd-Pleasing: These rolls are so soft and flavorful that they’ll be gone before you know it. Kids and adults alike will devour them!
Ingredients in Parker House Rolls
These little pillows of deliciousness are made with a handful of pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
Flour: The base of the rolls. All-purpose flour gives them the perfect texture.
Yeast: Active dry yeast helps them rise and become fluffy.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness to the dough.
Butter: For that tender, buttery texture we all crave.
Sugar: Just a bit to give the rolls a hint of sweetness.
Salt: To balance the flavors and enhance the dough’s taste.
Egg: For a golden color and a soft, fluffy texture.
Water: To activate the yeast and bring the dough together.
(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below!)
Instructions
Let’s get baking! Here’s how to make these irresistible Parker House Rolls:
1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. Add in the melted butter, salt, egg, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
3. Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into round balls. Place the rolls close together in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
5. Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top.
7. Butter Them Up: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter for that perfect finish.
8. Serve & Enjoy: Serve warm with extra butter or honey. These rolls are perfect alongside any dish, or just for snacking!
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including rising times)
Yield: 12 rolls
How to Serve Parker House Rolls
These rolls are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven. Here are a few ways to serve them:
- With Soup: Pair them with a hearty bowl of soup, like tomato basil or chicken noodle, for a cozy meal.
- With Roast Meat: These rolls are perfect alongside roasted meats, like turkey or roast beef.
- As a Snack: Butter them up and enjoy them on their own for a simple, satisfying treat.
- For Breakfast: Toast them lightly and top with jam, butter, or cream cheese for a delightful breakfast option.
Additional Tips
Here are a few pro tips for perfect Parker House Rolls:
Use Warm Milk: Ensure your milk is warm (but not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
Don’t Skip the Rise: The first and second rising times are crucial for fluffy rolls, so don’t rush it!
Make It Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Add Herbs: For an extra flavor boost, try adding fresh rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe without yeast?
A: Unfortunately, yeast is essential for this recipe, as it helps the rolls rise and gives them their soft texture.
Q: Can I make these rolls without butter?
A: You can substitute the butter with olive oil or another fat, but the rolls won’t be as rich and buttery.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes! After the first rise, shape the rolls and freeze them before the second rise. Bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I use a bread machine?
A: Absolutely! You can make the dough in a bread machine and then follow the same steps for shaping, rising, and baking.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make more rolls. Just use a larger baking dish to accommodate the extra dough.
Q: How do I store leftover rolls?
A: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and reheat them in the oven when ready to serve.
Q: Can I add cheese to these rolls?
A: Yes, you can add shredded cheese to the dough or sprinkle it on top before baking for a cheesy twist!
Q: How do I know when the rolls are done?
A: The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer to check that they’ve reached 190°F (88°C) inside.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A: Yes, you can swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier version of these rolls.
Q: Can I make these rolls without eggs?
A: Yes! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed egg or another egg substitute for a vegan version.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat the rolls?
A: Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or microwave them for about 20 seconds.
Q: Can I make these rolls smaller?
A: Absolutely! You can make them smaller for mini rolls, but be sure to adjust the baking time slightly.
Conclusion
Making your own Parker House Rolls at home is not only incredibly rewarding, but it also adds that perfect touch of homemade warmth to any meal. Soft, buttery, and irresistible, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them at Thanksgiving, enjoying them with dinner, or simply indulging in a little homemade comfort, these rolls will never disappoint. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to pass the butter!
Print
Parker House Rolls
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 rolls
- Category: Bread, Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Parker House Rolls are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, featuring a delightful honey and rosemary butter filling with a glaze on top. Perfect for any meal or holiday dinner, these rolls will surely become a family favorite. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 1/4 cups warm whole milk (105-110°F)
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1 tablespoon active dry yeast
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 teaspoon salt
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4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
For the Filling:
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1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
For the Glaze:
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1/4 cup unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons honey
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1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
Instructions
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In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let it stand for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
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Attach the dough hook to the stand mixer. Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix roughly, then gradually add flour on low speed until a soft dough forms.
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Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
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In a small bowl, mix softened butter, honey, and chopped rosemary for the filling, and set it aside.
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Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the honey rosemary filling evenly over the dough. Cut the dough into squares or rectangles.
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Fold each piece of dough in half or roll it, enclosing the filling, and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish with the folded side down.
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Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
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In a small saucepan, combine butter, honey, and chopped rosemary to make the glaze. Brush the warm rolls with the glaze as soon as they come out of the oven.
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Allow the rolls to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
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These rolls are best served warm. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
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For extra flavor, feel free to add a pinch of sea salt to the glaze for a sweet and savory contrast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (1/16 recipe)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg