Introduction

Parker House Rolls are soft, buttery, and delightfully fluffy dinner rolls that have been a classic favorite for generations. Perfectly golden and tender, these rolls make an excellent side for any meal or special occasion.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with twelve golden brown dinner rolls. Each roll has a shiny, slightly glossy top with a few grains of coarse salt sprinkled on some of them. The rolls are tightly packed in three rows and four columns, with a soft and fluffy texture visible where one roll is pulled away, revealing its airy inside. To the upper right side, there is a white square block of butter on a small dish, and above the baking dish, a honey dipper drizzling honey. On the left side, a half-eaten roll sits on a small round white plate, with a blue and white striped kitchen towel placed partially under the dish, all set on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
¼ cup warm water (110°F)
1 cup whole milk (warmed to 110°F)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted, plus more for brushing)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, salt, melted butter, and the yeast mixture. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Step 3: Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, stirring to form a soft dough. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 4: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
Step 5: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a ½-inch thick rectangle. Cut the dough into 12 pieces. Fold each piece in half and gently press the fold to secure the shape.
Step 7: Place the rolls on a greased baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Cover with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 8: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 9: Brush the rolls with melted butter and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Step 10: Once out of the oven, brush the rolls with additional melted butter and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For an extra soft texture, replace half of the all-purpose flour with bread flour.
Try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or herbs to the butter for a flavored glaze.
Make sure the liquids are not too hot to avoid killing the yeast; warm to about 110°F is ideal.
You can freeze the unbaked rolls after the second rise and bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Storage

Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, freeze the cooled rolls in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Reheat by warming in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwaving briefly wrapped in a damp paper towel.

How to Serve

The image shows a white baking tray filled with eight shiny, golden-brown round bread rolls, arranged in two rows of four. A woman's hand is holding a brush, gently applying a glossy glaze on the surface of the bread, making them look fresh and delicious. The bread’s smooth, slightly shiny crust contrasts with the soft texture visible near the edges. The tray sits on a white marbled surface, and the background is softly blurred, keeping the focus on the rolls and the brushing action. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast by using slightly less (about 2 teaspoons) and mixing it directly with the dry ingredients, skipping the proofing step.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky to handle?

Add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough becomes easier to work with but still soft. Avoid adding too much flour to keep the rolls tender.