The Parker House Roll - a pillowy, buttery staple of American dining - traces its origins to the historic Parker House Hotel in Boston, where it was created in the 1870s. These distinctive rolls, with their characteristic folded shape and glossy tops, have graced dinner tables for generations and remain a beloved symbol of comfort food done right.
The Secret Behind Perfect Parker House Rolls
The magic of Parker House rolls lies in their unique folding technique and generous use of butter, creating layers that pull apart to reveal a soft, tender interior. While time-consuming, making these rolls from scratch rewards bakers with an unmatched fresh-from-the-oven experience.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warm
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
For Shaping and Finishing:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough Start by combining the warm milk and yeast in a large bowl. Let it stand for 5 minutes until foamy. Meanwhile, in the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Mix and Knead Add the eggs and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Pour this into the flour mixture. Using the dough hook, knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- First Rise Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls
- Punch down the dough and turn it onto a floured surface
- Roll the dough to 1/2-inch thickness
- Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut circles from the dough
- Brush each circle with melted butter
- Fold each circle in half, pressing the edges lightly to create a crease
- Place rolls in a buttered 9x13-inch baking pan, allowing space between each
- Second Rise Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30-40 minutes, until puffy.
- Bake to Perfection
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Brush the tops with the remaining melted butter
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown
- Brush with more butter immediately after baking
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired
Tips for Success
- Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for optimal dough development.
- Don't skip the double rise - it's crucial for achieving the proper texture
- Space rolls about 2 inches apart to allow for expansion
- For extra richness, brush with butter both before and after baking
Storage and Reheating
These rolls are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month - thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
A Note on Tradition
While modern bakeries might take shortcuts, traditional Parker House rolls require patience and attention to detail. The extra time invested in proper proofing and careful shaping results in rolls that would make the original Parker House Hotel proud.
The pleasure of serving warm, homemade Parker House rolls makes them worth every minute of preparation. Whether accompanying a holiday feast or Sunday dinner, these buttery, tender rolls elevate any meal from ordinary to memorable.
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