Parker House Rolls

Golden, buttery, and impossibly soft—Parker House Rolls are the kind of bread that make any meal feel special. Their signature fold and glossy tops give them an elegant look, but their texture is what truly wins hearts. With a tender crumb and light chew, each roll practically melts in your mouth. Served warm with a pat of butter, these rolls turn any dinner table into a celebration.

Behind the Recipe

The first time I had a Parker House Roll was at a holiday table, passed down a long line of dishes, still warm and glistening. I remember pulling one apart and watching the steam curl up, the buttery layers stretching slightly before giving way to a soft, pillowy center. That moment turned into a tradition, and now, making these rolls feels like a celebration in itself—kneading, folding, and brushing each one with love.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Parker House Rolls trace their origins back to the 1870s at the Parker House Hotel in Boston. Legend has it that an angry baker tossed unfinished dough into the oven, and the result was a new kind of roll—folded and golden on top, soft and fluffy within. Since then, they’ve become a staple in American cuisine, served at everything from Thanksgiving feasts to Sunday suppers.

Why You’ll Love Parker House Rolls

These rolls aren’t just pretty to look at—they deliver on every front. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your table:

Versatile: Ideal for breakfast, dinner, or sandwich sliders.

Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry basics, they stretch a long way for little cost.

Quick and Easy: Simple steps, especially if using a stand mixer for kneading.

Customizable: Add herbs, cheese, or garlic for new flavor twists.

Crowd-Pleasing: Their softness and buttery flavor appeal to all ages.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough can be prepped a day ahead.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat well and freeze beautifully.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Achieve bakery-style rolls with these expert tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients for better dough development.
• Let the dough rise slowly in a warm, draft-free space to enhance texture.
• Fold carefully to preserve the signature Parker House shape.
• Brush with butter both before and after baking for deep flavor and shine.
• Use a light hand with flour while kneading to avoid a dry dough.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

A few basic tools will make your bread-baking experience smooth and satisfying:

Stand Mixer (optional): Speeds up kneading with less effort.
Mixing Bowls: For combining and rising dough.
Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch pan is perfect for even baking.
Pastry Brush: For brushing melted butter.
Bench Scraper or Knife: To cut dough into even pieces.

Ingredients in Parker House Rolls

These humble ingredients come together to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-Purpose Flour: 4 cups – The foundation of the dough, giving structure and softness.
Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup – Adds a subtle sweetness and helps yeast rise.
Active Dry Yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons – Gives the rolls their fluffy lift.
Warm Milk: 1 cup – Activates the yeast and enriches the dough.
Warm Water: ½ cup – Hydrates the dough and balances moisture.
Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons – Enhances flavor and supports gluten development.
Unsalted Butter: 6 tablespoons, melted – Infuses the dough with rich flavor and is brushed on top for sheen.
Egg: 1 – Adds richness and helps the rolls hold their shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need a few swaps? No problem:

Milk: Use almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Butter: Swap with plant-based butter for a vegan twist.
Sugar: Honey or maple syrup work, but reduce liquid slightly.
Active Dry Yeast: Instant yeast can be used—no need to proof, just mix with dry ingredients.

Ingredient Spotlight

Yeast: Responsible for the rolls’ rise and fluffy texture. When activated properly, it gives the dough its airiness.
Butter: The soul of these rolls, butter adds richness inside and that golden, glossy top outside.

Instructions for Making Parker House Rolls

Baking these rolls is part therapy, part art. Here’s how to bring them to life step by step:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a small bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add yeast mixture, egg, and 4 tablespoons melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Punch down dough and roll into a ½-inch thick rectangle. Cut into 2×4-inch strips. Fold each strip in half (not pressing the seam) and place in the baking dish slightly overlapping.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Cover rolls and let rise for another 30 minutes. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until tops are golden.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Brush immediately with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter for a soft, glossy finish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve warm with extra butter, honey, or your favorite jam.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

Parker House Rolls are all about contrast—flaky folded edges and buttery, pillowy centers. The sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the rich butter flavor, while the milk and egg enrich the dough, making it ultra-tender. That final buttery brush? It seals the deal with softness and shine.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Let the dough rest a few minutes after kneading for better handling.
• Use a ruler for uniform sizing and consistent baking.
• Place rolls close together in the dish for pull-apart edges and tender sides.

What to Avoid

• Don’t rush the rise—it’s essential for fluffy texture.
• Avoid adding too much flour, which leads to dense rolls.
• Don’t skip the final butter brush—it’s what makes them classic.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 230

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including rise time)

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make the dough a day ahead and refrigerate after the first rise. Just bring it to room temp before shaping. Baked rolls stay fresh for 2 days at room temp, or freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat in a low oven wrapped in foil for best results.

How to Serve Parker House Rolls

These rolls shine next to hearty soups, roasted meats, and holiday spreads. Try them with herb butter, honey glaze, or stuffed with ham and cheese for a next-day lunch.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Don’t let a single roll go to waste. Try these ideas:

• Slice and toast for a breakfast sandwich.
• Tear and toss into a savory bread pudding.
• Cube and bake into buttery croutons.

Additional Tips

• Add chopped herbs or garlic butter for a savory version.
• Sprinkle with flaky salt after brushing with butter.
• Double the batch—you’ll wish you had more!

Make It a Showstopper

Stack rolls in a rustic basket lined with linen, sprinkle with sea salt and fresh herbs, and serve with whipped honey butter for a bakery-worthy presentation.

Variations to Try

• Garlic Herb Rolls: Add minced garlic and chopped rosemary to the dough.
• Cheddar Rolls: Sprinkle shredded cheddar inside the folds.
• Sweet Cinnamon Rolls: Brush with cinnamon sugar before folding.
• Whole Wheat Version: Swap half the flour for whole wheat.
• Mini Rolls: Make smaller rolls for sliders or party trays.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make these without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Q2: Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze after shaping. Thaw overnight in the fridge and let rise before baking.

Q3: What’s the best flour to use?

All-purpose flour works best for the tender texture these rolls are known for.

Q4: Can I make these vegan?

Use plant-based milk, butter, and a flax egg substitute.

Q5: How do I know when they’re done?

They should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped.

Q6: Do I need to proof the yeast?

Yes, for active dry yeast. If using instant yeast, you can skip proofing.

Q7: Can I make them bigger?

Yes, just extend baking time by a few minutes and space them out more.

Q8: How do I get that signature fold?

Fold loosely but evenly—don’t press the seam flat.

Q9: What if my dough is too sticky?

Add a tablespoon of flour at a time while kneading until manageable.

Q10: Can I add fillings like cheese or jam?

Yes! Add a small spoonful before folding for a delicious surprise.

Conclusion

Parker House Rolls aren’t just a side—they’re the soft, buttery heart of the meal. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these classic rolls deliver comfort and charm in every bite. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

Watch How To Make Parker House Rolls