Parkerhouse Rolls

Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

Soft, buttery Parkerhouse rolls with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for family dinners, holidays, or special gatherings. Fluffy texture and classic appeal.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heaping shortening
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 packages dry yeast

Instructions

  1. Mix together boiling water, sugar, shortening, and salt. Cool; set aside.
  2. Beat the eggs.
  3. Dissolve the yeast in the 1/2 cup warm water; cool.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your water is just boiling before mixing with sugar and shortening. You can substitute the shortening with butter for a richer flavor. If you have only active dry yeast, you can use it in place of instant yeast by activating it in warm water first. Make sure to cool the mixture to avoid cooking the eggs when added.

Serving Suggestions

Parkerhouse rolls are perfect served warm alongside a hearty soup or salad, such as Seven Cup Salad. They also complement main dishes like roasted chicken or beef well. For a sweet touch, serve them with honey butter or jam. These rolls make a delightful addition to any meal, especially during family gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Parkerhouse rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap them in aluminum foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them for 15-20 seconds for a quick fix, but the oven method keeps them soft.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Parkerhouse Rolls contains roughly 429 calories, with 4g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1836mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).

429 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.9g 8% DV
Total Fat 31.2g 40% DV
Carbs 37.8g 14% DV
Fiber 5.8g 21% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 1836mg 80% DV
Potassium 381mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 19.4mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 43.6mg 48% DV
Calcium 50.1mg 4% DV
Iron 1.2mg 6% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Egg

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 ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise. Simply shape the rolls and place them in a greased baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Allow them to come to room temperature before baking to ensure they rise properly.

What should I do if my rolls don't rise?

If your rolls don't rise, check the temperature of your yeast. If the water was too hot when activating the yeast, it could kill it. Alternatively, ensure you’re using fresh yeast and give the rolls ample time to rise in a warm, draft-free environment.

Can I freeze Parkerhouse rolls?

Absolutely! After baking, let the rolls cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their softness.

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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