If you are on the hunt for a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth bread experience, look no further than the Best Parker House Rolls with Garlic Butter Recipe. These rolls strike the perfect balance between soft, fluffy interiors and buttery, golden crusts kissed with fragrant garlic. Every bite delivers a rich warmth and buttery garlic goodness that feels both timeless and indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply craving a cozy treat, this recipe is your go-to for unforgettable rolls that practically dance off the plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you — each one plays a crucial role in giving these rolls their signature softness, flavor, and irresistible aroma.
- 3 ¼ – 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that creates the perfect chewy, tender texture; add a little more if needed to handle stickiness.
- 1 packet instant quick rise yeast (2 1/4 tsp): The magic that makes these rolls rise beautifully and get that airy crumb.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup whole milk (warmed): Adds richness and moisture to keep these rolls utterly soft.
- 3 tablespoons honey: A touch of natural sweetness that caramelizes slightly during baking for that beautiful crust.
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (softened): Integrates into the dough, making the rolls tender and flavorful right from the start.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Acts as a binder and adds to the golden hue of the rolls.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Combined with garlic to make the irresistible garlic butter spread.
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced or grated): Offers fresh, punchy flavor that infuses the butter and the rolls.
- 12 leaves sage: A fragrant herbal touch that adds an unexpected sophistication on top of the rolls.
- ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top to finish with a delicate crunch and flavor burst.
How to Make Best Parker House Rolls with Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish. This simple prep ensures that your rolls won’t stick and will bake evenly with a gorgeous golden finish.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In the bowl of your stand mixer, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt, creating the dry base for your dough. Gradually add the warm milk, honey, egg, and softened butter, mixing with the dough hook until smooth and combined—around 4 to 5 minutes. If it feels sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour. Then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for at least 15 minutes or even longer if you need the time; this helps the dough relax and develop flavor.
Step 3: Whip Up the Garlic Butter
While your dough rests, blend together the softened unsalted butter and fresh garlic in a small bowl for that signature savory spread. The fresher your garlic, the more vibrant your rolls will taste.
Step 4: Roll and Shape the Dough
Dust your work surface lightly with flour to prevent sticking. Punch down the dough to release the air, then divide it in half. Roll each half into a 12-inch square about a quarter-inch thick. Even thickness means your rolls bake uniformly and have that tender crumb we love.
Step 5: Spread the Garlic Butter
Generously spread the garlic butter all over each square of dough, reserving some for brushing on the finished rolls. This step infuses every bite with deep garlicky richness that’s impossible to resist.
Step 6: Cut and Roll
Slice each square into six strips, then carefully roll each strip into a spiral shape. Place each spiral roll seam side down into the greased baking dish. These spiraled shapes create layers that are incredibly soft and a little bit flaky.
Step 7: Rise and Add Sage
Cover the baking dish and let the rolls rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes, until they’re puffed and airy. Just before baking, tuck a single sage leaf on top of each roll. The herb lends a subtle earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with garlic butter. If you prefer to prep ahead, you can let the rolls rise slowly in the fridge overnight for even deeper flavor complexity.
Step 8: Bake and Finish
Slide your rolls into the oven and bake for 18 to 25 minutes, until golden brown on top. Once baked, immediately brush the rolls with the remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Pull them apart while warm, letting that buttery garlic drip down in every bite.
How to Serve Best Parker House Rolls with Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Top your rolls with a fresh sage leaf before baking for a fragrant, classy touch. After baking, a final sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances texture and flavor. For a festive look, you can add a bit of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives right after brushing with garlic butter.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair beautifully with hearty soups, smoky barbecues, or classic Thanksgiving spreads. Think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite glazed ham. Their buttery garlic notes complement savory mains perfectly without overpowering.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rolls warm in a rustic wooden basket lined with a cozy cloth napkin to keep them soft longer. For a party, serve mini rolls individually wrapped in wax paper tied with twine for an adorable and practical presentation. You could even slice them and use as the base for garlic butter sliders, adding a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover rolls in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to preserve their softness. Stored at room temperature, they will keep fresh for up to 2 days, perfect for if you just can’t finish them all at once.
Freezing
To enjoy these rolls later, freeze them after baking by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen rolls will maintain flavor and texture well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Warm your rolls in a preheated oven at 300ºF for 10 to 15 minutes, wrapped in foil to preserve moisture. Alternatively, microwave them briefly with a damp paper towel to steam them soft again. Re-brushing with a little melted garlic butter after reheating brings back that fresh-from-the-oven magic.
FAQs
Can I use regular yeast instead of instant quick rise yeast?
You can substitute regular active dry yeast but be sure to proof it in warm water first and allow extra rising time. Instant yeast accelerates the process but traditional yeast will also yield delicious results.
Is it necessary to use whole milk, or can I substitute another type?
Whole milk enriches the rolls for tenderness and flavor, but you can use 2% or even non-dairy milks like almond or oat with minor adjustments. Keep in mind texture may be slightly different.
Can I make these rolls garlic-free for picky eaters?
Absolutely! Simply omit the garlic from the butter and perhaps swap in herb butter or plain softened butter to keep the rolls tender without the garlic punch.
How long should the dough rise before shaping the rolls?
The recipe calls for resting dough at room temperature for at least 15 minutes, which allows it to become more pliable. The final rise after shaping is about 30 minutes until puffy. Longer rising times, even overnight in the fridge, can deepen flavor.
What’s the best way to get soft, fluffy rolls every time?
Use warm (not hot) milk, don’t over-flour your dough, and ensure your dough is properly kneaded and rested. The step of brushing with garlic butter after baking also seals in softness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like biting into warm, fluffy rolls brushed with garlicky butter that just melt in your mouth. The Best Parker House Rolls with Garlic Butter Recipe brings classic comfort food straight to your kitchen with simple ingredients and a foolproof method. Give these rolls a try for your next meal and watch them disappear faster than you can say “pass the butter!” Your friends and family will thank you for this delicious treat they’ll want again and again.
Print
Best Parker House Rolls with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus up to several hours rising time if desired)
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Best Parker House Rolls are soft, buttery, and flavorful dinner rolls made with tender dough enriched by honey, milk, and eggs, then brushed with a savory garlic butter and topped with fresh sage. Perfect for holiday dinners or any special meal, their light spiral shape and flaky sea salt finish deliver a delicious homemade touch.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ¼ – 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
- 1 packet instant quick rise yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup whole milk (warmed)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
Garlic Butter
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced or grated)
Toppings
- 12 leaves sage
- ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent the rolls from sticking during baking.
- Mix Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, yeast, and kosher salt. Add the warm milk, honey, egg, and softened salted butter. Mix on medium speed until the dough comes together and no dry flour remains, approximately 4-5 minutes. If the dough is sticky, gradually add up to 1/4 cup more flour. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for at least 15 minutes to allow gluten to relax and yeast to activate.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, mixing well to blend the flavors thoroughly. This mixture will be spread over the dough to infuse the rolls with a rich garlic aroma.
- Shape Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough. Gently punch it down to release air bubbles. Divide the dough in half. Roll each half into a 12-inch square about 1/4-inch thick to create even layers for rolling.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the prepared garlic butter evenly across each square of dough, ensuring full coverage to impart flavor throughout the rolls.
- Cut Strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice each garlic butter-coated square into 6 equal strips for a total of 12 strips.
- Form Rolls: Roll each strip tightly into a spiral, resembling classic Parker House roll shapes. Arrange them seam side down in the greased baking dish with a little space for expansion.
- Proof Rolls: Cover the baking dish with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let rolls rise in a warm location for about 30 minutes, until puffy and doubled in size. Optionally, for better flavor development, refrigerate the rolls overnight before baking.
- Add Sage: Place one fresh sage leaf on top of each risen roll for a subtle herbal note and decorative appeal.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 18-25 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the hot rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top for a flavorful finish. Pull the rolls apart and serve warm, optionally with more butter.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the milk is warm to activate the yeast but not too hot to kill it (about 100-110ºF).
- If you cannot find flaky sea salt, use coarse sea salt or kosher salt as a substitute.
- Do not add excessive flour when mixing the dough; slight stickiness helps rolls stay soft.
- The overnight refrigeration step is optional but enhances flavor and allows flexibility in preparation timing.
- The sage leaves are optional but add a lovely fragrant aroma and enhance visual appeal.
