Garlic-Herb Pull-Apart Parker House Rolls: Bakery Magic!

Tired of store-bought dinner rolls that taste like cardboard and disappear into the background of your meal? Say hello to these Garlic-Herb Pull-Apart Parker House Rolls that will have everyone reaching for seconds! These pillowy-soft, butter-brushed rolls deliver that irresistible fresh-from-the-bakery magic right in your own kitchen.

Hi, I’m Emma, the heart behind GusRecipes! As someone who believes that bread is the soul of any memorable meal, I’ve spent years perfecting these Parker House rolls to achieve that perfect balance of soft interior and slightly crisp, herb-infused exterior. There’s something truly special about the moment when guests pull apart these fragrant rolls at the dinner table it instantly creates that warm, homey feeling I treasure.

In this recipe guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the best ingredients, the foolproof mixing and rising process, and how to achieve that signature fold that makes Parker House rolls so distinctive. Whether you’re a bread-making novice or seasoned baker, these rolls will elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary!

Why These Garlic-Herb Pull-Apart Parker House Rolls Work

These aren’t just any dinner rolls they’re a game-changer for your bread basket:

• Uses simple pantry ingredients but delivers bakery-quality results
• The iconic fold creates perfect pull-apart sections
• Herbs and garlic infuse throughout for incredible aroma and flavor
• Can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving
• Perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Parker House Rolls

Flour Selection for Pull-Apart Rolls

For the perfect Parker House rolls, all-purpose flour works wonderfully, but bread flour will give you that extra chewiness and structure. Look for unbleached flour for the best flavor, and make sure it’s fresh—old flour can yield dense rolls.

Yeast Considerations

Active dry yeast or instant yeast both work in these pull-apart rolls, though instant will save you the proofing step. Always check your yeast expiration date outdated yeast is the number one cause of bread that refuses to rise.

Quality Butter Makes a Difference

Use unsalted butter for these Parker House rolls so you can control the salt level. European-style butter with higher fat content will create exceptionally rich rolls, but any good quality butter will produce delicious results.

Ingredients & Prep for Garlic-Herb Pull-Apart Rolls

Roll Dough Essentials

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 cup milk, warmed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs, room temperature

Garlic-Herb Butter

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Parker House Rolls

Pre-Baking Prep for Parker House Rolls

1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk (110°F), sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add eggs and ¼ cup melted butter, whisking to combine.
3. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead by hand for 8-10 minutes or with a stand mixer for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-1½ hours until doubled.

Shaping Parker House Rolls

1. Punch down risen dough and divide into 24 equal pieces.
2. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into a 3-inch oval.
3. Brush each oval with garlic-herb butter.
4. Fold each oval in half, allowing the top half to slightly overlap the bottom half (this creates the signature Parker House shape).
5. Place rolls in a buttered 9×13 baking dish, slightly overlapping to create pull-apart sections.
6. Cover and let rise again for 45 minutes until puffy.

Baking Parker House Rolls

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Brush the tops of the rolls with remaining garlic-herb butter.
3. Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.
4. Brush hot rolls with more butter immediately after baking.

Cooling and Serving Parker House Rolls

Let the rolls cool in the pan for 5 minutes before serving warm. For the ultimate experience, pull apart rather than slice these rolls to preserve their fluffy texture.

Pro Tips for Perfect Parker House Rolls

Avoiding Dense or Dry Rolls

• Don’t add too much flour—the dough should be soft and slightly sticky
• Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements
• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment
• Don’t overbake—pull them out when just golden

Tools for Success

• Stand mixer with dough hook for effortless kneading
• Instant-read thermometer to check milk temperature
• Bench scraper for dividing dough
• Pastry brush for applying butter

Make-Ahead Options

• Prepare rolls through the shaping stage, then refrigerate overnight
• Let cold rolls sit at room temperature for 1 hour before baking
• Baked rolls freeze beautifully for up to 3 months reheat wrapped in foil

Looking for more delicious bread inspiration? Check out my Pinterest board where I share all my favorite bread recipes and techniques!

Flavor Variations for Garlic-Herb Pull-Apart Rolls

Sweet Options

• Cinnamon-sugar filling for breakfast-style rolls
• Orange zest and cardamom for a Scandinavian twist
• Honey butter in place of garlic herb butter

Savory Alternatives

• Parmesan and cracked black pepper
• Sun-dried tomato and basil
• Caramelized onion and gruyere

Serving Suggestions for Parker House Rolls

These Garlic-Herb Pull-Apart Parker House Rolls are versatile enough to complement almost any meal:

• Serve with compound butter or high-quality olive oil for dipping
• Perfect alongside hearty soups and stews
• Essential for holiday meals from Thanksgiving to Easter
• Ideal for sopping up pasta sauce or gravy
• Make mini sandwiches with leftover holiday meats

FAQs About Parker House Rolls

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then allow them to come to room temperature and complete their second rise before baking.

Why didn’t my rolls rise properly?

This could be due to expired yeast, liquid that was too hot (which kills yeast), or a kitchen that’s too cold. Make sure your yeast is fresh and your rising environment is warm (around 75-80°F).

How do I store leftover rolls?

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a resealable bag for up to 3 months.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Use 1 teaspoon dried herbs for each tablespoon of fresh herbs called for in the recipe. The flavor won’t be quite as vibrant, but they’ll still be delicious.

Conclusion

These Garlic-Herb Pull-Apart Parker House Rolls are more than just bread they’re an experience that transforms any meal into something special. The soft, pillowy texture combined with the aromatic herbs and savory garlic creates an irresistible combination that will have everyone at the table reaching for just one more.

I hope you’ll give these rolls a try in your own kitchen! They’ve become a signature recipe at all my family gatherings, and there’s something truly magical about the way homemade bread brings people together. Remember, baking is an act of love, and these rolls are the perfect way to show it.

Happy baking!

Garlic-Herb Pull-Apart Parker House Rolls: Bakery Magic!

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• Author: Emma Emma
• Total Time: 2 hrs (including rise time)
• Yield: 15–18 rolls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Soft, buttery Parker House rolls brushed with garlic-herb butter and baked until golden the ultimate pull-apart dinner rolls for holidays or any special meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp salt

3/4 cup whole milk, warmed (110°F)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs, room temperature

For the garlic-herb butter:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp chopped rosemary or thyme

1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.

2. Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs; mix until combined.

3. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.

4. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

6. Punch down the dough and divide into 15–18 equal pieces.

7. Shape each piece into a ball and arrange in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

8. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.

9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

10. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, rosemary, and salt.

11. Brush half the mixture over the rolls before baking.

12. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown.

13. Brush with remaining garlic-herb butter immediately after baking.

14. Serve warm.

Notes

You can make the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight.

Use dried herbs if fresh aren’t available — about 1/3 the amount.

These freeze beautifully; reheat in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Parker House rolls, garlic herb dinner rolls, pull-apart bread, holiday rolls