Perfectly Soft and Buttery: Mastering the Art of Parker House Rolls
Parker House rolls. The name itself evokes images of warm, pillowy, golden-brown perfection. These aren’t just any dinner rolls; they’re a culinary experience, a delightful combination of soft, slightly sweet dough and rich, melted butter. Originating in the Parker House Hotel in Boston in the late 19th century, legend has it that a disgruntled baker threw the rolls into the oven in a fit of pique, accidentally creating their signature folded shape. Whether that story is true or not, the Parker House roll has become a beloved classic, gracing dinner tables for generations.
While they might seem intimidating to bake, mastering Parker House rolls is achievable with a little patience and attention to detail. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, providing tips and tricks to ensure your rolls are as soft, buttery, and delicious as possible.
## The Key to Perfect Parker House Rolls: Understanding the Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s understand the role each ingredient plays in creating the perfect Parker House roll:
* **Flour:** Bread flour is generally preferred for its higher protein content, which contributes to the dough’s structure and chewiness. All-purpose flour can be used in a pinch, but the rolls might be slightly less chewy. Make sure to measure your flour accurately, using the spoon and level method (spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a knife) to avoid adding too much.
* **Yeast:** Yeast is the magic ingredient that makes the dough rise. You can use active dry yeast or instant yeast. If using active dry yeast, you’ll need to proof it in warm water before adding it to the other ingredients. Instant yeast can be added directly to the dry ingredients. Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal results. Expired yeast won’t provide sufficient rise.
* **Milk:** Milk adds richness and moisture to the dough. Using whole milk will result in a richer, more flavorful roll. The milk should be warmed to around 110-115°F (43-46°C) to activate the yeast without killing it.
* **Sugar:** Sugar provides food for the yeast, helping it to activate and produce carbon dioxide, which makes the dough rise. It also adds a touch of sweetness to the rolls.
* **Salt:** Salt controls the yeast’s activity and enhances the flavor of the rolls. Don’t skip it! It’s crucial for a balanced flavor profile.
* **Butter:** Butter is what makes Parker House rolls so decadent and delicious. It adds flavor, tenderness, and flakiness to the dough. Both melted butter in the dough and melted butter brushed on top are essential for that signature buttery flavor.
* **Egg (Optional):** Some recipes include an egg for added richness and tenderness. It’s not strictly necessary, but it can improve the overall texture of the rolls.
## The Ultimate Parker House Rolls Recipe
This recipe yields approximately 16-20 Parker House rolls.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
* 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast or instant yeast
* ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for brushing
* 1 large egg (optional)
* 3 ½ – 4 cups (420-480g) bread flour, plus more for dusting
**Instructions:**
**1. Activate the Yeast (if using active dry yeast):**
* Warm the milk to 110-115°F (43-46°C). You can use a thermometer or test it by dripping a small amount on your wrist; it should feel warm but not hot.
* In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast.
* Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
* If using instant yeast, skip this step and proceed directly to step 2.
**2. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:**
* If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook. Add the melted butter, salt, and egg (if using) to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
* Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but not so sticky that it’s impossible to handle.
* If kneading by hand, in a large bowl, combine the melted butter, salt, and egg (if using) with the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms.
**3. Knead the Dough:**
* **Stand Mixer:** Knead the dough on low speed for 6-8 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it comes together.
* **By Hand:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Use a bench scraper to help pick up and fold the dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it comes together.
**4. First Rise:**
* Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
* Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. The ideal temperature for rising is around 75-80°F (24-27°C). You can place the dough in a warm oven (turned off) or a sunny spot in your kitchen.
**5. Shape the Rolls:**
* Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. You can use butter, cooking spray, or parchment paper to line the dish.
* Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
* Divide the dough in half. Roll each half into a rectangle approximately 9×13 inches.
* Brush each rectangle with melted butter.
* Cut each rectangle into 16-20 squares, depending on the desired size of your rolls. A pizza cutter or sharp knife works well for this.
* To shape the rolls, take one square of dough and fold it in half, pressing lightly to seal the edges. This creates the signature Parker House roll shape.
* Place the shaped rolls in the prepared baking dish, leaving a small space between each roll.
**6. Second Rise:**
* Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
* Let the rolls rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until they have nearly doubled in size.
**7. Bake the Rolls:**
* Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter.
* Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent them from burning.
**8. Serve:**
* Remove the rolls from the oven and brush them with more melted butter, if desired. This will give them an extra glossy finish and enhance the buttery flavor.
* Let the rolls cool slightly in the baking dish before serving. They are best served warm.
## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Parker House Rolls
* **Use a Thermometer:** Ensuring the milk is at the correct temperature is crucial for activating the yeast properly. A kitchen thermometer is your best friend here.
* **Don’t Overheat the Milk:** If the milk is too hot, it will kill the yeast. Aim for 110-115°F (43-46°C).
* **Measure Flour Accurately:** Too much flour will result in dry, dense rolls. Use the spoon and level method to measure your flour accurately.
* **Don’t Overknead the Dough:** Overkneading can result in tough rolls. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, but not overly stiff.
* **Proof in a Warm Place:** The ideal temperature for proofing dough is around 75-80°F (24-27°C). A warm oven (turned off) or a sunny spot in your kitchen works well.
* **Don’t Rush the Rising Time:** Allow the dough to rise fully during both the first and second rises. This is essential for light and airy rolls.
* **Brush Generously with Butter:** The more butter, the better! Don’t be shy with the melted butter, both in the dough and on top of the rolls.
* **Monitor Baking Time:** Baking times can vary depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on the rolls and adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Use a Pizza Cutter:** A pizza cutter makes quick and easy work of cutting the dough into squares for shaping.
* **Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup:** Lining the baking dish with parchment paper makes for easy cleanup and prevents the rolls from sticking.
## Variations and Additions
While classic Parker House rolls are delicious on their own, there are many ways to customize them to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
* **Garlic Herb Rolls:** Add minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley) to the melted butter before brushing it on the dough.
* **Cheese Rolls:** Sprinkle shredded cheese (such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan) on top of the rolls before baking.
* **Sweet Rolls:** Add a cinnamon-sugar mixture to the melted butter before brushing it on the dough for a sweet and cinnamon-y twist. You can also add a cream cheese glaze after baking.
* **Honey Butter Rolls:** Serve the warm rolls with a side of homemade honey butter.
* **Everything Bagel Rolls:** Brush the tops of the rolls with an egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before baking.
* **Jalapeño Cheddar Rolls:** Add diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese to the dough for a spicy and cheesy variation.
## Serving Suggestions
Parker House rolls are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Holiday Dinners:** Parker House rolls are a classic addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinners.
* **Sunday Roasts:** Serve them alongside a roasted chicken, beef, or pork.
* **Soups and Stews:** They’re perfect for dipping into hearty soups and stews.
* **Sandwiches:** Use them to make mini sandwiches or sliders.
* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Warm Parker House rolls are delicious with butter, jam, or honey for breakfast or brunch.
## Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** Store leftover Parker House rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.
## Reheating Instructions
* **Oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the rolls in foil and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
* **Microwave:** Microwave the rolls for 15-30 seconds, or until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become tough.
* **Steamer:** Reheating in a steamer basket above simmering water for a few minutes can restore moisture and result in a soft roll.
## Troubleshooting
* **Rolls are Too Dense:** This could be due to using too much flour, not allowing the dough to rise enough, or using expired yeast.
* **Rolls are Too Dry:** This could be due to overbaking or not using enough butter in the dough.
* **Rolls are Not Rising:** This could be due to using expired yeast, not warming the milk enough, or not providing a warm enough environment for the dough to rise.
* **Rolls are Burning on the Bottom:** This could be due to baking the rolls on a dark baking sheet. Try using a lighter-colored baking sheet or placing a sheet of parchment paper on the bottom of the baking dish.
## Conclusion
Making Parker House rolls from scratch might seem like a challenge, but with this detailed guide and a little practice, you’ll be able to create these incredibly soft, buttery, and delicious rolls in your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, Parker House rolls are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to bake up a batch of these classic delights! Enjoy the warm, buttery goodness and the satisfaction of creating something truly special.