Boarding House Rolls

Prep: 240 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Soft, buttery Parker House style rolls with a tender crumb and golden crust, perfect for breakfast, dinner, or special occasions, appealing to bread lovers of all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup lukewarm water
  • 1 package yeast
  • 2 cups milk lukewarm
  • 3 tablespoons Crisco
  • 4 tablespoons sugar
  • 6 cups plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon salt

Instructions

  1. Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water.
  2. Put Crisco into milk and melt.
  3. Add sugar to the milk mixture.
  4. Combine the yeast mixture with the milk mixture.
  5. Add flour and salt, then stir together.
  6. Knead the dough until all flour is incorporated.
  7. Brush the dough with soft margarine and let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours.
  8. Punch down the dough.
  9. Roll out the dough and cut with a biscuit cutter into individual rolls.
  10. Form each into a Parker House style roll, butter each roll before placing into a pan.
  11. Let the rolls rise for another 2 hours.
  12. Bake at 450°F on the top rack for 10 to 12 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your milk and water are at the right temperature to activate the yeast. If you don't have Crisco, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. Kneading the dough well is essential for achieving the perfect texture, so don't rush this step. If you find the dough too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour as you knead.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are perfect alongside a hearty soup or stew, making them a great companion for dishes like Sweet Potato Casserole. Serve them warm with butter or honey for a delightful treat. You can also use them to soak up gravies or sauces from main courses, enhancing your meal experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, wrap rolls in aluminum foil and warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through. This will help retain their softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Boarding House Rolls contains roughly 528 calories, with 10g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value), calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1038mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).

528 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.6g 19% DV
Total Fat 13.3g 17% DV
Carbs 92.7g 34% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 55.3g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1038.1mg 45% DV
Potassium 438.6mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 7.2mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 225.6mcg 25% DV
Vitamin C 22.1mg 25% DV
Vitamin D 2mcg 10% DV
Calcium 502.6mg 39% DV
Iron 7.6mg 42% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and allowing it to rise again.

Can I freeze the rolls after baking?

Absolutely! Once baked, let the rolls cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature, then warm them in the oven to restore their freshness.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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