Parker House Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These warm, buttery and soft Parker House rolls are a simple and delicious classic that will elevate any meal. With their signature fold and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they are perfect for holidays or everyday dinners. For another delightful treat, try the Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe. This easy recipe guarantees fluffy, crowd-pleasing results every time.

Ingredients

These rolls deliver on their promise with a tender, buttery crumb and a golden-brown exterior that yields to the slightest pressure.

• 1/4 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 1 (.25-ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Timing

Prep Time	1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 50 minutes

Context: This recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, getting your warm, buttery and soft enough to melt in your mouth Parker House Rolls on the table quicker for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Activate the Yeast

Combine warm milk (105–115°F), sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to create soft, airy rolls.

Step 2 — Make the Dough

Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Avoid adding too much flour to keep the rolls tender.

Step 3 — Knead Until Smooth

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when lightly pressed.

Step 4 — First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, until doubled in size. For best results, aim for a draft-free spot around 75–80°F.

Step 5 — Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough and roll it out to ½-inch thickness. Cut into rounds with a biscuit cutter, brush with melted butter, and fold each round in half. This creates the classic Parker House fold.

Step 6 — Second Rise

Arrange the folded rolls in a buttered baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy. They should nearly double in size before baking.

Step 7 — Bake to Perfection

Bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown on top. The internal temperature should reach 190°F, and the rolls should sound hollow when tapped.

Step 8 — Brush with Butter

Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the warm rolls generously with melted butter. This adds flavor and keeps the crust soft.

Step 9 — Serve Warm

Let the rolls cool slightly in the pan, then transfer to a serving basket. Serve warm for that irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves.

Nutritional Information

Calories	180
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fat	6g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	220mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Whole Wheat Flour — Substitute half the all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber.
• Plant-Based Butter — Use a high-quality vegan butter to make these rolls dairy-free while keeping them rich.
• Honey or Maple Syrup — Replace sugar with a natural sweetener for a subtle, warm sweetness.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk — Swap regular milk for a lighter, dairy-free option with a mild nutty note.
• Reduced-Sodium Butter — Choose a low-sodium butter to cut back on salt without sacrificing that buttery taste.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend — Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour to create soft, tender rolls suitable for gluten-free diets.
• Greek Yogurt — Replace some of the butter with plain Greek yogurt for added protein and a tangy twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these warm, buttery and soft enough to melt in your mouth Parker House Rolls with classic holiday roasts like prime rib, glazed ham, or roast turkey to soak up the delicious pan juices.
• Serve them as the star of your bread basket at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday dinner, accompanied by high-quality salted butter, honey butter, or a savory herb-infused butter.
• Transform leftover rolls into the ultimate next-day turkey or ham sandwiches; their soft texture perfectly complements the fillings.
• Create a beautiful holiday tablescape by arranging the rolls in a cloth-lined basket or a decorative wooden bowl to keep them warm and inviting for guests.
• For a festive brunch, serve these Parker House Rolls alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and a fruit salad for a comforting and complete meal.
• Offer them with a selection of dips, such as a rich gravy or a creamy spinach and artichoke dip, as a warm appetizer before the main holiday feast.

These Parker House Rolls are a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday dinner, providing a warm, buttery, and soft centerpiece that truly melts in your mouth and brings everyone together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold ingredients straight from the refrigerator. Fix: Bring milk, eggs, and butter to room temperature to ensure proper yeast activation and a more even, tender crumb.
• Mistake: Killing the yeast with liquid that is too hot. Fix: Test the temperature of your liquid; it should feel warm, not hot, to the touch (around 110°F/43°C).
• Mistake: Adding too much flour during kneading, making the dough stiff. Fix: The dough should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky; trust the recipe measurements and avoid adding excess flour.
• Mistake: Not allowing enough time for the dough to rise properly. Fix: Let the dough double in size in a warm, draft-free spot; this slow rise is crucial for developing flavor and a light texture.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the rolls in the baking pan. Fix: Space them so they have room to expand and bake evenly, creating those desirable soft sides.
• Mistake: Skipping the butter brush immediately after baking. Fix: Generously brush the hot rolls with melted butter right out of the oven for that signature glossy, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
• Mistake: Overbaking, which dries them out. Fix: Bake just until golden brown on top; an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) indicates they are perfectly done.
• Mistake: Rushing the shaping process and not sealing the classic fold. Fix: Press the dough fold firmly to seal it; this helps the roll maintain its iconic shape during the final rise and baking.
• Mistake: Using old or expired yeast. Fix: Always test your yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar to ensure it’s active and foamy before proceeding.
• Mistake: Serving the rolls cold. Fix: Serve them warm from the oven to fully experience their soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your warm, buttery, and soft Parker House Rolls in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, place cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will maintain their quality for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: To restore that melt-in-your-mouth texture, wrap rolls in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Following these simple steps ensures your Parker House Rolls remain a must-have, delicious addition to your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday dinner.

Conclusion

These warm, buttery, and soft Parker House Rolls are a must-have for any holiday dinner. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments! For another crowd-pleasing dessert, check out our Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes!

Print

FAQs

How do I make sure my Parker House Rolls are warm, buttery and soft enough to melt in your mouth?

Use whole milk and ensure your butter is at room temperature for the dough. Proper kneading and a warm place for the first rise are key to developing a soft, airy texture. Brushing the rolls with melted butter immediately after baking ensures they are warm, buttery and soft enough to melt in your mouth.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time for Thanksgiving or Christmas?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Shape the rolls and do the final proof on the day of your holiday dinner for the best results. This method helps you serve fresh, warm Parker House Rolls with minimal last-minute effort.

What is the secret to the classic Parker House Roll shape?

The signature fold is created by rolling the dough into a circle, then brushing it with butter and making a slightly off-center crease. You then fold the larger side over the smaller, creating a distinctive layered look. This technique also helps the rolls bake up light and tender.