The Ultimate Guide to Soft & Buttery Homemade Parker House Rolls
There are some culinary creations that transcend mere food and become an experience, a memory, a warm hug in edible form. Soft and buttery Parker House rolls are unequivocally one of these classics! With their delicate texture, rich flavor, and signature folded shape, they are more than just a side dish; they are a cherished tradition.
For many, myself included, a holiday meal, especially Thanksgiving, simply isn’t complete without a basket brimming with these golden-brown beauties. You might think a feast could stand on its own without them, but allow me to politely disagree. What else will you use to perfectly sop up every last drop of rich gravy or creamy mashed potatoes? And what about the day-after Thanksgiving sandwich? A slice of turkey, a dollop of cranberry sauce, and a tender Parker House roll? Pure perfection. You absolutely need rolls!
While the convenience of store-bought rolls from a bakery or frozen dough might tempt you, I promise you, the incomparable taste and texture of homemade Parker House rolls are truly worth the effort. There’s a certain magic in baking bread from scratch – the smell filling your home, the satisfying feel of the dough, and the sheer delight on your loved ones’ faces when they bite into a warm, freshly baked roll. It’s a culinary journey that rewards you tenfold.
What Makes Parker House Rolls So Special?
Parker House rolls earned their name from the historic Parker House Hotel in Boston, where they were first served in the 1870s. Legend has it that a disgruntled baker, frustrated by a customer, threw some unfinished dough into the oven, inadvertently creating their signature folded shape. This unique preparation, where the dough is rolled thin, buttered, and then folded over, gives them their distinctive appearance and incredibly tender, layered crumb. The generous amount of butter in the dough itself, along with the brushing before and after baking, contributes to their unparalleled richness and golden exterior.
If you’re new to baking rolls, don’t worry – I’m here to guide you every step of the way. While these rolls do require a bit of time for rising, the process itself is not at all difficult. It’s more about patience and following the steps. The reward for your time investment? The softest, most buttery rolls you’ve ever tasted, guaranteed to impress at any meal, be it a grand Thanksgiving feast or a simple Sunday dinner. This might just become your go-to roll recipe!
Mastering Your Rolls: Essential Baking & Make-Ahead Tips
Whether you’re planning ahead for a big holiday meal or simply want to spread out your baking tasks, these expert tips will ensure your Parker House rolls are a success. From overnight rises to freezing options, discover how to enjoy fresh, warm rolls with minimal last-minute stress.
baking tip:4 ways to prepare rolls in advance
- Rise the bulk dough in the fridge overnight: After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, allow the dough to come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes, then shape into rolls, let them rise until puffy, and bake as directed. This method develops deeper flavor and can be very convenient.
- Rise the shaped rolls in the fridge overnight: Shape your rolls and arrange them in a greased baking dish or pan lined with parchment paper. Cover snugly with plastic wrap and place in the fridge overnight. On baking day, remove them from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until they look noticeably puffy, before baking.
- Freeze unbaked shaped rolls up to 2 months in advance: Shape the rolls as instructed and place them on a parchment-lined pan, ensuring they aren’t touching each other. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for about 1 hour until firm. Transfer the frozen rolls to a heavy-duty ziplock freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, arrange the frozen rolls in a greased baking dish or parchment-lined pan and thaw at room temperature for several hours. Allow them to rise until puffy, then bake.
- Freeze baked rolls up to 1 month in advance: Bake your rolls as usual and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in foil, then place the foil-wrapped rolls into a ziplock freezer bag. To serve, remove from the bag, slightly loosen the foil, and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and soft.
Why Homemade Parker House Rolls Are Always the Best Choice
There’s an undeniable difference between a homemade roll and a store-bought one. The depth of flavor in a roll made with fresh ingredients, the perfect balance of sweetness and salt, and the pure joy of biting into something so tender and warm – it’s simply unmatched. These Parker House rolls, with their luxurious butter content and meticulous preparation, offer a culinary experience far superior to any pre-made alternative. Plus, the aroma of yeast bread baking in your kitchen is a comfort in itself, setting the perfect mood for any meal.
Tips for Success: Achieving the Perfect Parker House Roll
- Yeast Activation: Ensure your warm water is between 105-115°F (40-46°C). Water that is too hot will kill the yeast, while water that is too cold won’t activate it. Your yeast should become foamy, indicating it’s alive and ready to work.
- Dough Consistency: Don’t be afraid if the dough feels wet initially. As you add the remaining flour gradually during kneading, it will transform. The goal is a dough that is slightly tacky but pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Over-flouring can lead to dry, dense rolls.
- Kneading for Texture: Kneading develops the gluten, which is essential for that signature soft and elastic texture. Whether by hand or stand mixer, knead until the dough is smooth and springs back when lightly poked.
- Warm Rising Environment: Yeast loves warmth! A draft-free, warm spot (like a slightly warmed oven turned off, or near a sunny window) is ideal for rising. This ensures your rolls become light and airy.
- The Signature Fold: The unique fold isn’t just for looks; it creates layers of buttery goodness. Be sure to brush generously with melted butter before folding for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Parker House Dinner Rolls
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Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter , divided (226 grams)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt
- 2 cups whole milk (500 ml)
- ¼ cup warm water (60 ml)
- 1 envelope active-dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 5 ½-6 cups all-purpose flour (660-720 grams)
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently warm 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) of the butter along with the sugar, salt, and milk until the butter is just melted. Be careful not to overheat. Remove from heat and cool the mixture to lukewarm, which should take approximately 10 minutes. It should feel comfortably warm to the touch, not hot.
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Meanwhile, combine the warm water (ensure it’s between 105-115°F / 40-46°C) and the active-dry yeast in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit undisturbed for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes slightly foamy and fragrant, indicating it’s active.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of the all-purpose flour with the cooled milk mixture and the activated yeast mixture. Stir until a very wet, shaggy dough forms. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free spot to rise until it has visibly doubled in size, which typically takes about 1 hour.
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Transfer the risen dough to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment. With the mixer running on low speed, gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time. Continue kneading until the dough is slightly tacky to the touch but pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl. You might not need all 6 cups of flour; adjust as necessary. Increase the speed slightly and continue to knead the dough until it is smooth, elastic, and supple, approximately 7-8 minutes. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can mix and knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface until it reaches the desired consistency.
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Place the kneaded dough into a clean, greased bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place again until it has doubled in size, usually about 45-60 minutes. Once doubled, gently punch down the dough to release the air and knead it a few times on a lightly floured surface. Cover it again and let it rest for 10 minutes; this allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll and shape.
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While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Melt the remaining 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Prepare a large baking sheet by brushing it generously with some of the melted butter, or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out evenly to a thickness of about 1/3-inch. Using a 3-inch round cutter (or the rim of a glass), cut out circular dough pieces. Take each round, use the blunt side of a knife or a bench scraper to create a crease just off-center, brush one half with melted butter, and then fold the dough over onto itself, gently pressing the edges together. Place the shaped roll on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining dough rounds, gathering and re-rolling scraps as needed until all dough is used.
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Once all rolls are shaped and on the baking sheet, brush their tops generously with more melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and cooked through. Immediately after removing them from the oven, brush the warm baked rolls with any remaining melted butter for an extra luscious finish. Serve these delightful Parker House rolls immediately for the best experience.
Notes
Recipe adapted from the New York Times.
Other Delicious Roll Recipes to Explore
While Parker House rolls hold a special place in our hearts, the world of homemade bread is vast and wonderful! If you’re looking for other “carbolicious” options, perhaps for different occasions or simply to expand your baking repertoire, here are some equally fantastic roll recipes that are sure to satisfy any craving:
Crescent Dinner Rolls
Potato Dinner Rolls
Easy No-Knead Fairy Crescent Rolls
Good Old American White Rolls
Final Thoughts on Your Roll-Baking Journey
Baking homemade Parker House rolls is a rewarding endeavor that connects you to a rich culinary history and fills your home with irresistible aromas. There’s a special satisfaction that comes from serving these fluffy, buttery delights, knowing you made them from scratch. Whether for a holiday feast, a casual family dinner, or simply because you crave a warm, comforting treat, these rolls are a testament to the joy of homemade goodness. Don’t hesitate to dive in and experience the magic for yourself!