Parker House Rolls

These Parker House Rolls with garlic butter are soft, buttery, and baked to golden perfection! With a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture and fresh sage topping, they’re always a hit. Plus, these rolls are easy to make ahead of time, making them a stress-free addition to any holiday spread or dinner party.

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Why This Recipe Works

These are not your average dinner rolls. Parker House rolls make the best addition to holiday meals (alongside stuffed turkey breast and buttermilk mashed potatoes, of course). Complete with garlic butter and fresh sage, they have a soft, buttery, indulgent flavor that is completely irresistible!

But first, what are Parker House rolls? Named after the iconic Boston Parker House Hotel (also the birthplace of Boston cream pie), they first appeared in the 1870s after an angry chef tossed a pan of unfinished rolls into the oven, accidentally creating their signature folded shape.

Nowadays, that shape isn’t just for show—it’s designed to hold even more garlic butter (or whatever you choose to stuff them with, like jam or compound butter). And with my step-by-step photos, you can guarantee perfectly golden, pillowy results every single time.

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour creates a perfectly tender yet sturdy structure, making it ideal for soft, pull-apart garlic butter rolls.
• Instant Yeast: This fast-acting yeast helps the rolls rise quickly and consistently (and it can be mixed right into the dry ingredients—no proofing required).
• Kosher Salt: Kosher salt dissolves better than table salt, but if you only have table salt, reduce the amount slightly. Morton and Diamond Crystal are my go-to kosher salt brands.
• Whole Milk: Adds richness and helps create an ultra-soft crumb. Warm the milk slightly (around 100-110 degrees Fahrenheit) to kickstart and activate the yeast.
• Honey: Adds subtle moisture to the dough and feeds the yeast, resulting in a fluffy rise.
• Butter: The cornerstone of Parker House rolls, butter gives these rolls their signature richness, flakiness, and golden exterior. Stick with unsalted butter to maintain control over the salt level.
• Eggs: Add structure and help create that golden-brown exterior. Make sure they’re at room temperature for easier mixing and better dough consistency.
• Fresh Sage: Provides an earthy, aromatic finishing touch. If fresh sage isn’t available, you can use dried sage, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.

Instructions

1. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Combine the flour, yeast, and salt into the bowl of a standing mixer. Then, add the warm milk, honey, egg, and butter.
2. Make the Dough: Mix the dough using the dough hook attachment until everything is incorporated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave the dough to rise.
3. Make the Garlic Butter: In the meantime, mix the softened butter and garlic.
4. Form the Rolls: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Divide it in half, then roll each half into a square. Spread the garlic butter on both sides before cutting the dough into 6 strips. Shape each strip into a spiral, then place them seam-side down in the baking dish.
5. Second Rise: Place a sage leaf on top of each roll. Cover them with plastic or a damp kitchen towel, and let your garlic butter rolls rise for 30 minutes.
6. Bake: Bake these Parker House rolls until they’re nice and golden brown. When they’re done, brush the tops with leftover garlic butter and sprinkle with salt.

Substitutions & Variations

• All-Purpose Flour: Substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture or whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. If using whole wheat flour, replace only half to keep the rolls soft.
• Instant Yeast: If you only have active dry yeast, proof it in the warm milk (110 degrees Fahrenheit) with the honey for 5-10 minutes until foamy before mixing.
• Whole Milk: For a dairy-free version, try 2% milk, almond milk, or oat milk. For extra richness, use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream.
• Honey: Feel free to swap honey with granulated or brown sugar, maple syrup, or agave.
• Butter: For a dairy-free option, use your favorite plant-based butter or margarine. Ghee or clarified butter can also work if you prefer the flavor.
• Fresh Sage: If fresh sage isn’t available, you could also experiment with fresh thyme or rosemary for a different herbal touch.
• Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar between the folds of the dough before baking.
• Seeded Topping: Top the rolls with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning before baking for added crunch and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

These Parker House rolls store and freeze beautifully. I highly recommend preparing and freezing the dough or keeping a baked batch in your freezer for when the holidays arrive.

• Fridge: Store baked rolls in an airtight container or resealable bag in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving for best results.
• Freezer: You can freeze the dough or the baked rolls for up to 3 months. For dough, assemble the rolls through step 5, then cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and freeze. For baked rolls, let them cool completely, then store them in a sealed container or bag.
• Reheating: Reheat baked rolls in a 325-degree Fahrenheit oven for 10 minutes until warm. If reheating from frozen, thaw first and then warm as directed.

Expert Tips

• Use Fresh Yeast: Check your yeast, as expired yeast won’t rise properly. You can do this by checking the expiry date or letting it bloom in warm milk and honey. If it becomes bubbly and foamy after 5-10 minutes, it means the yeast is still alive.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use a kitchen scale or spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Overpacking the flour can result in dense rolls!
• Don’t Skip the First Rise: Let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for developing the soft, airy texture Parker House rolls are known for.

FAQs

More Holiday Recipes

Let’s get to cooking! Serve these garlic butter rolls with a holiday dinner spread featuring some classics like these.

• Grilled Flank Steak
• Miso Butter Glazed Carrots
• Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
• Wild Mushroom And Sausage Stuffing

Did you try these soft and buttery Parker House rolls? Let me know what you think, and leave a comment below! Don’t forget to also take a picture of your recreation and tag me on Instagram. I love to see all of your photos!