Name: Parker House Rolls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup white granulated sugar; 2 envelopes Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® Yeast; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 3/4 cup whole milk; 3/4 cup water; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, for topping; 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

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There’s something incredibly comforting about freshly baked bread, and Parker House Rolls are no exception. I still remember the first time I had these fluffy delights at a friend’s family gathering. The moment I pulled them from the oven, golden brown and glistening with melted butter, my heart raced with anticipation. They were soft and pillowy, perfect for slathering with a bit of jam or simply enjoying on their own. Each bite was a sweet embrace that made everyone around the table smile. It’s no wonder these rolls have become a staple in our home, especially during holiday gatherings. They’re not just a side dish; they’re a symbol of warmth and togetherness.

As I started baking them on my own, I discovered the joy of kneading the dough, watching it transform from a sticky mass into a smooth ball of perfection. The aroma of fresh bread wafting through the kitchen is like a warm hug. I love serving these rolls with butter and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for a special twist. It’s a simple yet delicious addition that takes them to another level!

Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a cozy Sunday dinner, Parker House Rolls always find their way to our table. They bring a sense of nostalgia and a sprinkle of excitement to every meal. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and create your own cherished memories with these irresistible rolls!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
32 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
22 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
130 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
4 g

Tools Used:
baking dish

What We Adore About This Parker House Rolls

Perfectly Fluffy Texture

What makes Parker House Rolls stand out is their unbelievably fluffy texture. The combination of all-purpose flour and a proper kneading technique ensures that your rolls are soft and light, with a melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Versatile Flavor

These rolls can easily adapt to any meal. You can serve them with soups, salads, or as a standalone treat. Adding everything bagel seasoning elevates the flavors, making them even more delightful.

Easy to Make

Don’t be intimidated by the process! Making Parker House Rolls is straightforward, and the satisfaction of pulling them out of the oven is worth every minute spent. You’ll feel like a baking pro in no time.

Perfect for Gathering

These rolls are a showstopper at any gathering. Their inviting aroma and beautiful golden color make them a centerpiece worth celebrating. They encourage sharing and conversation, creating lasting memories.

Long Lasting Freshness

Once baked, you can store these rolls for a few days at room temperature or freeze them for later use. They can easily be reheated, preserving that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

A Family Tradition

In many households, making Parker House Rolls has become a cherished family tradition. It’s an opportunity to gather around the kitchen, sharing stories while creating something delicious together.

Ingredients Overview for Parker House Rolls

The ingredients for Parker House Rolls are fundamental yet powerful. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that fluffy, tender texture we all love. The balance of warmth from the whole milk and the unsalted butter combines beautifully with the Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® Yeast to ensure a delightful rise. It’s a simple recipe that yields extraordinary results!

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the backbone of your rolls, providing structure and fluffiness.
1/3 cup white granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the flavors.
2 envelopes Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® Yeast – The secret to those fluffy rolls; it helps them rise perfectly.
2 teaspoons kosher salt – Enhances the overall flavor and strengthens the dough.
3/4 cup whole milk – Provides moisture and a rich flavor.
3/4 cup water – Helps to activate the yeast and creates the right dough consistency.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – Gives a rich flavor and tender texture to the rolls.
1 large egg – Acts as a binding agent, enriching the dough.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, for topping – A delicious finishing touch that adds flavor and gloss.
2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning – For that extra layer of flavor!

Recipe Directions for Parker House Rolls

Making Parker House Rolls is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with warmth and joy. Let’s dive into the steps together. You’ll see how easy it is to create something so delicious!

Start by brushing an 8×9-inch baking dish with a little oil or melted butter. This will help prevent the rolls from sticking. Remember, the size doesn’t matter too much; you can use one dish or several small ones to fit your needs.
In the bowl of a stand-up mixer, combine 4 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of white granulated sugar, 2 envelopes of Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® Yeast, and 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Mix until well combined. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
In a small pot, over medium-low heat, warm 3/4 cup of whole milk, 3/4 cup of water, and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter until the butter is melted. Be cautious not to let the mixture get too hot; it should feel lukewarm. If it does get too hot, just let it cool down to the right temperature.
Pour the warm liquid mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and mix for 1 to 2 minutes. The goal here is to create a uniform dough. Next, add 1 large egg and knead with the machine for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Once the dough is ready, lightly grease a medium bowl with olive oil and transfer the dough to it. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or a lid, letting it rest for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the dough for 12 to 24 hours for a more developed flavor.
After resting, divide the dough into two halves. Roll each half into a 12-inch x 18-inch square, about 1/4-inch thick. Cut the dough into 3-inch strips. Brush each strip generously with melted butter and roll it up tightly to form a roll.
Repeat the rolling and cutting process with the second half of the dough. Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish, leaving about 1/4-inch of space between each roll. They need room to rise!
Cover the dish and let the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free place until they doubled in size, approximately 30 minutes. It’s a sight of beauty when the rolls puff up!
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Once the rolls have risen, brush the tops with a little butter and sprinkle everything bagel seasoning generously on top.
Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the tops are golden brown. The smell of freshly baked rolls will waft through your kitchen, making everyone eager to dig in!
Remove the rolls from the oven and give them a light brush with more melted butter for an extra touch of flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Things Worth Knowing

Temperature Matters: When warming the milk and butter, ensure it’s lukewarm to activate the yeast properly.
Knead Well: Kneading the dough is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the rolls their signature fluffiness.
Resting Time: Allowing the dough to rest helps it rise better. Don’t skip this step!
Don’t Rush the Bake: Keep an eye on your rolls as they bake; every oven is different, and you want to avoid overbaking.

Make It Your Own

Every baker has the opportunity to put their spin on Parker House Rolls. Here are some ideas to make this recipe uniquely yours!

Storage: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their fluffiness.
Freezing: These rolls freeze beautifully. Allow them to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Variations: Experiment with different toppings. A sprinkle of cheddar cheese before baking can add a delightful twist!
Spice it Up: Feel free to blend in some herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for an aromatic version.
Use Whole Wheat: For a healthier take, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

What to Pair With Parker House Rolls

Pairing Parker House Rolls is almost as delightful as enjoying them warm straight from the oven. Here’s a list of what to serve alongside these delicious rolls:

Soups: Delicious with hearty soups like tomato bisque or chicken noodle, they are perfect for dipping.
Salads: Serve alongside a fresh garden salad or Caesar salad for a complete meal.
Thanksgiving Dinner: These rolls are a must-have for your holiday table; they complement turkey and stuffing wonderfully.
Brunch: Include them in your brunch spread with butter and preserves for a lovely touch.
Storage Tips: Remember to keep any leftovers covered to maintain freshness.
Snack Time: Enjoy these rolls as a snack, warmed with a little butter in between meals.

FAQ

Parker House Rolls are soft, buttery bread rolls that are famous for their pillowy texture and slightly sweet flavor. They originated from the Parker House Hotel in Boston and have become a cherished staple at many dinner tables, especially during holidays. Their unique rolling technique gives them a distinctive shape and delightful crust.

Yes! You can prepare Parker House Rolls ahead of time. After shaping the rolls, you can place them in the baking dish and refrigerate them overnight. Just cover them tightly so they don’t dry out. When you’re ready to bake, let them rise at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and you’ll have freshly baked rolls without the last-minute rush!

To store leftover Parker House Rolls, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Allow the rolls to cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer and can be reheated in the oven to restore their original texture.

You can customize Parker House Rolls in many ways! Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for an aromatic twist. You can also experiment with different toppings, such as cheese or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a sweet alternative. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!

Conclusion

Parker House Rolls hold a special place in any home, combining the warmth of freshly baked bread with the joy of sharing a meal. Their fluffy texture and buttery flavor make them irresistible, creating an experience that gathers family and friends around the table. I encourage you to try this recipe and bring a little piece of culinary history into your kitchen. You won’t regret it!