Gabriella D'AgostinoParker House rolls are a classic American dinner roll that is soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet. They are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to formal dinners. The dough is made with a combination of bread flour and all-purpose flour, which gives it a chewy texture. The rolls are then brushed with butter and baked until golden brown.
Parker House rolls are said to have originated at the Parker House Hotel in Boston in the mid-19th century. The hotel’s head baker, John Coates, is credited with creating the rolls. Coates was inspired by a type of French bread called pain maison, which is also known as “house bread.”
Ingredients for Parker House Rolls
- 3 cups (360g) bread flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (105-115F/40-46C)
- 2 tablespoons (28g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons (6g) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick/113g) unsalted butter, softened
Instructions for Making Parker House Rolls
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes, until the yeast is foamy.
- Add the bread flour and salt to the bowl and mix on low speed until a dough forms.
- Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Shape the dough pieces into balls and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375F/190C.
- Brush the rolls with melted butter.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let the rolls cool on a wire rack before serving.
Here are some tips for making the best Parker House rolls:
Tips for Making Parker House Rolls
- Use bread flour for the best results. Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which gives the rolls a chewier texture.
- Make sure the milk is warm, but not hot. Hot milk will kill the yeast and prevent the rolls from rising.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This will help the rolls to develop a good structure.
- Let the rolls rise in a warm place. This will help them to double in size and become light and fluffy.
- Don’t overbake the rolls. They should be golden brown, but not too dark.
- Brush the rolls with butter before baking. This will give them a nice shine and help them to brown evenly.
- Let the rolls cool on a wire rack before serving. This will help them to stay crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parker House Rolls
Q: What is the best way to store Parker House rolls?
A: Parker House rolls can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze the rolls, place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, remove the rolls from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for several hours.
Q: Can I make Parker House rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make Parker House rolls ahead of time. To do this, follow the instructions in the recipe and then let the rolls rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, take the rolls out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about an hour. Then, bake the rolls according to the instructions in the recipe.
Q: What can I serve with Parker House rolls?
A: Parker House rolls can be served with a variety of dishes. They are a great addition to any soup or stew. They can also be served with grilled chicken or fish. Additionally, they can be used to make sandwiches or sliders.
Parker House rolls are a delicious and easy-to-make bread that can be enjoyed by everyone. They are perfect for any occasion, and they can be made ahead of time, which makes them a great option for busy families.
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