Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread? Then look no further! This Parker House Rolls recipe, inspired by the ever-talented Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman), will transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with the delicious scent of buttery, fluffy rolls. These aren't just any rolls; they're melt-in-your-mouth perfection, perfect for any meal, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special holiday gathering. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe and experience the joy of homemade cooking at its finest. This is a delicious dish, perfect for healthy meals, and one of the best recipes you'll find for a quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions:
Step 1: Activating the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, resulting in perfectly risen rolls.
Step 2: Combining Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter, egg, and sugar to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Incorporating Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook until a soft dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky.
Step 4: Kneading the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. A warm oven (turned off) is a great place for this!
Step 6: Shaping the Rolls
Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 3-inch circle. Fold each circle in half, pressing the edges to seal. Place the rolls seam-side down in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
Step 8: Baking
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 9: Cooling and Serving
Brush the warm rolls with melted butter and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Parker House Rolls:
- Don't over-knead the dough: Over-kneading can result in tough rolls.
- Use a kitchen thermometer: Ensure your milk is the correct temperature for activating the yeast.
- Let the rolls rise properly: Adequate rising time is crucial for achieving fluffy, light rolls.
- Don't overcrowd the baking pan: Give the rolls enough space to rise during baking.
Variations:
- Garlic Herb Rolls: Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (such as Italian seasoning or rosemary) to the dough.
- Sweet Rolls: Increase the sugar to ¼ cup and add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough. A delicious glaze could enhance the sweetness further!
- Cheese Rolls: Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the dough.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
- Calories: 150-180
- Fat: 6-8g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
These Parker House Rolls are a simple pleasure, a testament to the magic of homemade cooking. They're incredibly versatile and perfect for enhancing any meal. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this easy recipe guarantees delicious results. Enjoy the process, and savor every bite of these fluffy, buttery rolls!