Frequently Asked Questions
What are Buttery Herb Parker House Rolls?
They are soft, rich dinner rolls made with butter and milk, shaped into balls, creased for a traditional look, and topped with various herbs and seeds.
How long does it take for the yeast to activate?
The yeast should sit in the warm water and sugar mixture for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
What temperature should the water be for the yeast?
The water should be warm, specifically between 105 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of unsalted butter; if you use salted, you may want to slightly reduce the added salt in the dough.
What is the role of milk in this recipe?
Milk adds richness to the dough and helps create a softer, more tender crumb compared to water-only breads.
Why does the recipe use both bread flour and all-purpose flour?
Bread flour provides the structure and chewiness, while all-purpose flour is added gradually to achieve the perfect slightly sticky consistency.
How much salt is needed for the dough?
The dough requires 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher or sea salt.
How long should I knead the dough?
The dough should be kneaded for 5 to 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
What should the dough look like after kneading?
It should be a smooth and elastic dough ball that is only slightly sticky.
How long is the first rise?
The dough should rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
What size baking pan is recommended?
A greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan is ideal for this recipe.
How many rolls does this recipe make?
The recipe makes approximately 20 equal-sized rolls.
How should the rolls be arranged in the pan?
The rolls should be arranged in 5 rows within the prepared baking pan.
How long is the second rise?
The second rise takes approximately 45 minutes, or until the rolls have doubled in size.
What is the spatula used for in this recipe?
After the second rise, a spatula is used to make a deep crease down the center of each roll.
Should I brush the rolls with butter before or after baking?
You should brush the tops generously with 2 tablespoons of melted butter right before they go into the oven.
How long do the rolls need to bake?
Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
How do I know the rolls are finished baking?
The rolls are done when they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
What are the suggested herb toppings?
Suggested toppings include toasted poppy seeds, toasted sesame seeds, Parmesan cheese, and a mix of dill weed, kosher salt, and sugar.
Can I use a stand mixer?
Yes, the instructions specifically suggest using a heavy-duty mixer with a dough hook.
How do I prepare the dill topping?
Mix dill weed, kosher salt, and a bit of sugar to create the flavorful herb topping.
Do I need to grease the bowl for the first rise?
Yes, transfer the dough to a greased or buttered bowl and turn it to coat the dough in butter.
What type of yeast is used?
The recipe uses 2 1/2 teaspoons (one package) of active dry yeast.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky during kneading?
Gradually add more all-purpose flour until it reaches a smooth and elastic consistency.
Should the rolls rest after being creased?
Yes, let the rolls rest covered for an additional 15 minutes after making the crease.
How should I serve these rolls?
They are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven, topped with your choice of seeds or cheese.
Is the milk heated separately?
The milk is added to the melted butter and then heated until the combined mixture is lukewarm.
Can I skip the sugar in the dough?
The 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar help feed the yeast and provide a slight sweetness to the roll.
Is bread flour necessary for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of bread flour to provide the necessary protein content for the roll's structure.