Name: Parker House Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups milk (2% or whole); ½ cup granulated sugar; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ cup warm water (~100°F/37°C); 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt; ¼ cup instant potato flakes; 6 cups all-purpose flour plus additional ½ cup as needed; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for filling and finishing rolls)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 10 reviews

If there’s one bread recipe that feels like a warm hug fresh from the oven, it’s this Parker House Rolls Recipe. These soft, buttery rolls have that perfect balance of light fluffiness and rich flavor, making them the ideal companion to any meal, from holiday feasts to simple dinners. Their tender crumb and golden crust come together with just the right touch of sweetness and a hint of salt, transforming everyday table bread into a memorable treat you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You'll Need

A woman's hand is holding a soft, small dinner roll with a golden brown top and a light, fluffy white bottom. In the background, there is a baking pan filled with a grid of similar golden brown dinner rolls closely packed together. The rolls have a smooth, slightly shiny surface with a fluffy texture visible on the sides where they are touching each other photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Parker House Rolls Recipe shines because of its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and color that make these rolls so irresistible.

Milk (1 ½ cups, 2% or whole): Adds moisture and tenderness, creating that soft crumb.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Provides a subtle sweetness that balances the buttery richness.
Unsalted butter (8 Tablespoons total): Divided between the dough and finishing, it’s essential for softness and that signature golden crust.
Warm water (½ cup, ~100°F/37°C): Activates the yeast while keeping the dough perfectly hydrated.
Instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): The key to a light and airy rise without hassle.
Large eggs (2, room temperature): Improve structure and enrich the dough with a beautiful color.
Fine sea salt (1 ½ teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and butteriness.
Instant potato flakes (¼ cup): A game-changer that makes the rolls incredibly soft and tender.
All-purpose flour (6 cups plus extra as needed): Provides the body and chewiness, allowing the dough to rise and hold shape beautifully.

How to Make Parker House Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Milk Mixture

Start by warming the milk and sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly so nothing sticks or burns, just until the sugar dissolves and the milk barely simmers. Remove the pan from heat and stir in 4 tablespoons of butter until fully melted. This mixture sets the stage for a rich, tender dough, but be sure to let it cool to about 100°F/37°C so it won’t kill the yeast.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Into the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the cooled milk mixture with warm water, yeast, eggs, potato flakes, and salt. Add half the flour and mix on low with a dough hook for about two minutes until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour in small batches, kneading for 5 to 7 minutes on low speed until the dough forms a cohesive, smooth ball. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a tablespoon or two of flour at a time until it cleans the bowl’s edges.

Step 3: First Rise

Place your dough in a large, nonstick-sprayed bowl and turn it to coat all sides with spray. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 90 minutes to 2 hours. This rise develops flavor and makes your Parker House rolls wonderfully fluffy.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it in half. Working with one half, roll it into an 8×12-inch rectangle. Brush the surface generously with 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Use a pizza cutter to slice the rectangle lengthwise into two 4×12-inch strips. Fold each strip lengthwise, stopping about ¼-inch from the edge, then cut each folded strip into six pieces yielding twelve rolls per half.

Step 5: Arrange and Second Rise

Place each roll on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet, positioning the folded side on top. Cover again and allow the rolls to puff up for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F/176°C to get it ready for baking.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Bake the rolls for 18 to 22 minutes until golden brown and utterly inviting. As soon as they come out, brush them with the remaining melted butter to infuse extra richness and keep that irresistible soft crust. Let them cool for about 10 minutes before serving—if you can wait that long!

How to Serve Parker House Rolls Recipe

A small wicker basket lined with a soft blue cloth with lace edges holds seven light golden-brown dinner rolls resting closely together. Each roll has a smooth, slightly shiny top with soft, fluffy sides in a pale cream color, showing a tender texture. The background is replaced with a white marbled surface that softly contrasts with the warm tones of the bread. The rolls are placed in a casual but neat arrangement that highlights their fresh and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Although these rolls are delicious on their own, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a brush of herb-infused butter brings an extra layer of flavor. Garlic or rosemary butter is a delightful touch that turns these rolls into a savory snack.

Side Dishes

Parker House rolls pair beautifully with almost anything. Serve them alongside creamy soups, roast chicken, or holiday turkey. They’re perfect for soaking up gravy or dipping into stews, elevating every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, arrange the rolls in a woven basket lined with a colorful napkin or stack them in a rustic breadbox on your table. You can slice and stuff them with mini sandwiches or use them as sliders for a fun twist at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled rolls in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to keep them soft at room temperature for up to two days. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the rolls.

Freezing

Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature in their wrapping for a few hours.

Reheating

To warm leftover rolls, sprinkle a bit of water on them and cover loosely with foil. Heat in a 300°F/150°C oven for about 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness and buttery aroma.

FAQs

Can I use dry yeast instead of instant yeast in this Parker House Rolls Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast, but you’ll need to proof it first in warm water with a bit of sugar to activate it before adding it to the dough.

What makes potato flakes important in this recipe?

The instant potato flakes contribute to moisture retention and softness in the rolls, making them tender and fluffy in a way that’s hard to achieve with flour alone.

Can I make these rolls without eggs?

While eggs add structure and richness, you can try replacing them with a flax or chia egg, though the texture might be slightly different and less tender.

Why do I need to fold the dough before cutting the rolls?

Folding the dough characteristic to Parker House rolls creates layers inside the rolls and that signature slightly folded appearance, giving them their distinct shape and texture.

Can I double this Parker House Rolls Recipe?

Definitely! The dough handles well in larger batches, just make sure your mixer is up for the task and allow extra rising time if needed.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this foolproof Parker House Rolls Recipe in your culinary arsenal, get ready to impress family and friends with rolls that taste like they came from a bakery. Their melt-in-your-mouth softness and buttery goodness make them truly unforgettable. Don’t hesitate to bake up a batch and watch how these humble rolls transform your meal into a heartwarming celebration.