| Prep: 2hrs 30 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 10g | 6g | 58g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 2g | 9g | 0.4g |
About Parker House Roll
Meet the Parker House Roll, a tender and flavorful bread that marries a delicate interior with a gloriously buttery exterior. This delightful concoction, best enjoyed fresh from the oven, has a unique fold-over shape that is both eye-catching and palate pleasing. Crafted from everyday pantry staples like milk, water, yeast, sugar, eggs, flour, and butter, this bread’s unassuming ingredients belie the baking chemistry that transforms them into the airy, crusty, pull-apart Parker House Roll you know and love.
The History of this Timeless Treat
Believed to have originated from the iconic Parker House Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts back in the 19th century, the Parker House Roll gained acclaim for its soft texture and incomparable buttery flavor. Despite the simplicity of its ingredients, baking this bread is truly an art form, requiring precise temperature control and attention to detail to yield the perfect roll. (source)
Compatible Culinary Companions
Given its flexible flavor profile, this bread pairs beautifully with various meals. Whether you’re getting fancy with a hearty roast beef dinner, opting for a comforting potato soup, or even just spreading a bit of jam for a quick-and-easy snack, Parker House Rolls prove a wonderful complement.
It’s also worth noting that you can draw parallels between this roll and other distinguished dough-based dishes. For example, consider the French Brioche, known for its rich, buttery flavor and soft interior not unlike our beloved roll. Devotees of Southern cuisine might also recognize a kinship with buttermilk biscuits, given the shared soft and flaky texture.
In conclusion, Parker House Roll is more than just a roll. It’s a culinary experience, a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into something truly special. No matter what it accompanies, it makes any meal feel like an occasion.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup warm water (105-110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- Additional melted butter for brushing on top
Method
Step One
First, heat the whole milk in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s warm to the touch. Then remove it from the heat.
Step Two
Now, pour the warm water into a large bowl and slightly sprinkle it with yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it starts to froth. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to be used.
Step Three
Add the warm milk, sugar, and the egg to the yeast mixture. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
Step Four
In a different bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Gradually add it into the yeast mixture, and mix until a soft dough forms.
Step Five
Next, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic once you’re finished kneading. Then place it in a greased bowl and cover with a towel. Let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, which will take about 1-2 hours.
Step Six
After the dough has risen, punch it down to get rid of the air bubbles. Divide it into small portions and shape them into rolls. Place the rolls on a greased baking sheet, cover them with a towel again, and let them rise until they double in size for about 45 minutes to an hour.
Step Seven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly brush melted butter on the top of the rolls, then bake them in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Once removed from the oven, brush the top of the rolls with additional melted butter for added flavor and a glossy look.
Step Eight
Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade Parker House Rolls that are soft, buttery, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for any meal!
