If you’re searching for that perfect, buttery, and tender bread to accompany any meal or make your dinner table shine, this Garlic & Herb Parker House Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. These rolls balance a fluffy interior with a slightly crisp, golden exterior, all infused with the irresistible aroma of fresh garlic and fragrant herbs. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday feast, a family dinner, or just a cozy night in, these rolls are always a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these rolls begins with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a soft, flavorful dough and the perfect herb-infused buttery topping. Each element plays a key role in delivering taste, texture, and that inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.
- All-purpose flour (4-3/4 to 5-1/4 cups): Provides structure and chewiness to the rolls, adjusted slightly for dough consistency.
- Sugar (1/3 cup): Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory herbs and to feed the yeast for the perfect rise.
- RapidRise Yeast (2 envelopes / 4 ½ teaspoons): The magic behind the fluffiness and rise of these rolls in less time than traditional yeast.
- Salt (1-1/2 teaspoons): Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Milk (3/4 cup) & Water (3/4 cup): The warm liquids activate the yeast and create a tender crumb texture.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup + 5 tablespoons melted): Provides richness inside the dough and for that irresistible garlic herb butter glaze.
- Egg (1): Adds softness and color to the dough, giving the rolls a beautiful golden hue.
- Fresh garlic (3 cloves, finely minced or grated): Infuses the butter with bright, aromatic flavor that defines this recipe.
- Dried basil, thyme, and parsley (¼ teaspoon, ¼ teaspoon, and ½ teaspoon respectively): These herbs add depth and a garden-fresh fragrance to the butter.
- Sea salt (to sprinkle): Adds a final savory touch and texture on the finished rolls.
How to Make Garlic & Herb Parker House Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by combining 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in your mixer bowl. Warm up the milk, water, and ¼ cup butter until nicely warm but not hot. Pour this liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and beat at medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl to incorporate everything well. Add the egg and half a cup of flour, then beat at high speed for another 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining flour to form a soft dough, then knead it on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes, until it feels smooth and elastic. After this, cover and let it rest for 10 minutes. If you prefer, refrigerate the dough in a greased bowl for 12 to 24 hours for a slow rise that develops even more flavor.
Step 2: Create the Garlic Herb Butter
While the dough rests, gently melt the 5 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove it from heat as soon as it’s melted and stir in the minced garlic. Let this garlic infuse in the warm butter for about 3 minutes, then strain to remove the garlic solids. Stir in the dried basil, thyme, and parsley, then set this fragrant herb butter aside to cool slightly and solidify as you work with the dough.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
Divide the rested dough in half and roll each portion into a 12-inch square about a quarter-inch thick. Cut each square into 6 long strips, then each strip into 3 rectangles. Brush these rectangles with some of the melted herb butter, ensuring every piece gets that glossy, flavorful coating. Using a dull knife or dough blade, gently crease each rectangle off-center and fold it at the crease for that signature Parker House roll shape. Place them on greased baking sheets with the folded side down, spacing the rows about a quarter-inch apart for room to rise. Cover and let the rolls rise in a warm spot until they double in size, roughly 30 minutes. Meanwhile, allow the remaining herb butter to solidify again.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the rolls have risen beautifully, bake them for 13 to 15 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Remove the rolls from the baking sheets and cool on wire racks. Warm the remaining herb butter again over low heat and brush the rolls generously right after baking, finishing them off with a sprinkle of sea salt. This last buttery layer seals in moisture and adds a little savory crunch that’s ridiculously good.
How to Serve Garlic & Herb Parker House Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
These rolls are delicious on their own, but a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a quick brush of extra melted garlic butter just before serving elevates their flavor and adds a nice rustic finish. Fresh chopped parsley or chives tossed on top also bring a fresh pop of color and mild herbal brightness.
Side Dishes
Garlic & Herb Parker House Rolls go wonderfully with soups, stews, or hearty salads. Think creamy chicken soup, beef stew, or a vibrant mixed greens salad with tangy vinaigrette. They’re perfect for mopping up gravies or dipping into warm, melted cheeses and spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these rolls in a woven basket lined with a cozy linen napkin to keep them warm and inviting. For special occasions, serve them alongside a trio of compound butters—think herb truffle butter, honey cinnamon butter, and classic garlic butter—for a fun, shareable twist that’ll wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and fresh for 2 to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy them later without losing that homemade magic.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully both before and after baking. After shaping, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can also freeze baked rolls wrapped tightly. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked goodness anytime by warming them up straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your rolls in a warm oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. For frozen rolls, allow them to thaw at room temperature first or reheat a little longer. A final brush with warmed garlic herb butter will bring them back to their freshly baked glory.
FAQs
Can I use regular yeast instead of RapidRise yeast?
Yes! If you only have regular yeast, just keep in mind the rising times will be longer. Allow your dough to rise until doubled, which might take about an hour or so for each rise. The texture will still be delicious, just a bit more time is needed.
Can I substitute fresh herbs instead of dried for the garlic herb butter?
Absolutely. Fresh herbs bring a vibrant flavor. Use about three times the amount of dried herbs to fresh, so adjust accordingly — for example, use about ¾ teaspoon fresh basil instead of ¼ teaspoon dried. Just chop them finely before adding to the butter.
Are these rolls good for sandwiches?
Definitely! Their soft, pillowy texture and rich flavor make them fantastic for dinner sandwiches, sliders, or even breakfast rolls with eggs and cheese. Just slice gently to keep their fluffiness intact.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
With some substitutions, yes. Use plant-based milk and vegan butter alternatives, and replace the egg with a flax egg or another egg substitute. The flavor will be slightly different but still wonderful.
Why do I need to brush with butter twice?
Brushing before baking locks in moisture and adds flavor to the dough surface, while brushing right after baking gives a glossy, rich finish and infuses the rolls with fresh garlic herb aroma. This two-step buttering is key to the iconic Parker House roll experience.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic & Herb Parker House Rolls Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it brings such a comforting, buttery, and flavorful touch to any meal. Once you try them fresh from the oven with that garlicky herb butter glaze, you’ll understand why these rolls are a timeless classic. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these rolls make any day feel like a special occasion. Go ahead and bake a batch—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Garlic & Herb Parker House Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 rolls
Description
These Garlic & Herb Parker House Rolls are soft, buttery, and infused with a fragrant blend of garlic and herbs. Perfectly fluffy with a golden crust, these rolls combine classic Parker House shapes with a flavorful twist, making them an ideal side for any dinner or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4–3/4 to 5-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 envelopes Fleischmann’s® RapidRise Yeast (4 ½ teaspoons)
- 1–1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 egg
Garlic Herb Butter
- 5 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic (finely minced or grated)
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Sea salt (for finishing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, undissolved yeast, and salt in a large mixer bowl. Heat the milk, water, and 1/4 cup butter until very warm (between 120 to 130 degrees F). Stir this warm liquid mixture into the flour mixture. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl occasionally. Add the egg and 1/2 cup flour, then beat on high speed for 2 minutes. Gradually stir in enough of the remaining flour to create a soft dough.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes. Alternatively, place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours for a slower rise.
- Make Garlic Herb Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until just liquid. Remove from heat and add the minced garlic, letting it steep for 3 minutes. Strain the garlic out through a fine mesh strainer. Stir in the dried basil, thyme, and parsley. Set aside to cool as you prepare the dough.
- Roll and Cut the Dough: Divide the rested dough into two equal halves. Roll each half into a 12-inch square about 1/4-inch thick. Cut each square into 6 strips measuring 12 by 2 inches, then cut each strip into 3 rectangles of 4 by 2 inches.
- Shape the Rolls: Brush each rectangle generously with the melted herb butter. Crease each rectangle slightly off-center with the dull side of a knife or dough blade, then fold along the crease. Place the rolls on greased baking sheets with the short folded side down, arranging them in rows with 1/4-inch space between rows. Cover the rolls and let them rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 30 minutes. Allow the remaining herb butter to solidify.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Bake the risen rolls for 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and transfer rolls to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Finish with Herb Butter and Season: Gently warm the remaining herb butter over low heat until melted. Brush the warm rolls with the herb butter once again, then sprinkle with sea salt to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For best texture, make sure your liquid ingredients are between 120-130°F to activate the yeast properly.
- You can refrigerate the dough overnight for improved flavor and convenience; just allow extra time to come to room temperature before shaping.
- If the herb butter starts to solidify during shaping, gently rewarm it over very low heat.
- Use a fine mesh strainer to ensure no garlic pieces remain in the butter for a smooth finish.
- These rolls are best served fresh but can be wrapped and stored for up to 2 days, then reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
