Craving warm, fluffy rolls but dreading the hours of kneading and rising from scratch? You’re in luck! Frozen Parker House rolls offer the perfect shortcut to homemade taste with minimal effort. These convenient, ready-to-bake delights are a staple for busy hosts and home cooks alike, transforming simple frozen dough into golden, soft bread that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether it’s a grand holiday feast, a cozy weeknight dinner, or a special gathering with loved ones, learning how to bake these rolls from frozen will become your favorite kitchen hack. Forget complex baking techniques; our easy-to-follow method ensures you can serve bakery-style rolls right from your own oven, or even an air fryer, bringing comfort and warmth to every meal.
Serving soft, fresh bread has never been simpler thanks to the magic of frozen Parkerhouse rolls. These classic yeast rolls deliver that irresistible fluffy texture and a lightly crisp, golden brown exterior without demanding hours of your precious time. They are the ultimate solution for those demanding days when you want to minimize cooking time yet still enjoy the comforting aroma and taste of freshly baked goods. From casual family dinners to elaborate holiday spreads, this straightforward guide empowers you to effortlessly present warm bread at every meal. You can bake them conventionally in the oven, utilize the speed of an air fryer, or even employ quick thawing methods for incredibly fast results. Regardless of your preparation choice, these Bridgford Parker House rolls promise to create a cozy, homemade ambiance that will delight everyone at your table. Keep a stash of these reliable bread rolls in your freezer, and you’ll always be prepared to serve dinner yeast rolls that taste just as exquisite as those made entirely from scratch.
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Why These Frozen Dinner Rolls Are a Must-Try
There are countless reasons why baking frozen Parker House rolls should be in every home cook’s repertoire. They offer an unparalleled blend of convenience and quality that elevates any meal without the typical time commitment of traditional bread making. Here’s why we absolutely adore this method:
- Incredible Time Savings: The bustling holiday season or even just a busy weekday can make extensive meal preparation daunting. Utilizing frozen dough eliminates the lengthy processes of mixing ingredients, kneading, and initial proofing. Simply arrange them on a baking sheet, let them rise, and bake! It drastically cuts down on active cooking time, allowing you more freedom to focus on other dishes or, more importantly, enjoy time with your family and guests.
- Homemade Flavor, Effortless Execution: The most remarkable aspect is that the taste and texture are virtually indistinguishable from rolls made entirely from scratch. You get that authentic, comforting homemade flavor and satisfyingly soft interior with a golden crust, all without the exhaustive labor. It’s the ultimate hack for achieving bakery-quality results right in your kitchen.
- Consistent Results Every Time: Frozen dough offers a consistency that can be challenging to achieve with homemade dough, especially for novice bakers. Each roll is perfectly formed, ensuring a beautiful presentation and uniform cooking.
- Versatility for Any Meal: Whether served alongside a hearty roast, a light soup, or as part of a sandwich spread, these rolls adapt perfectly. Their neutral yet rich flavor complements a wide array of dishes.
- Stress-Free Hosting: For dinner parties or holiday gatherings, having a batch of frozen rolls ready to go significantly reduces pre-event stress. You can prepare them in advance and bake them just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven experience.
The Bridgford Advantage: Why We Love Their Frozen Dough
It’s no secret that we consistently turn to store-bought Bridgford Ready-Dough® and frozen Parker House rolls dough for our baking needs. Our website, The Feathered Nester, boasts over a dozen frozen bread dough recipes, a testament to our enduring affection for these products.
Bridgford takes care of all the initial preparation, providing high-quality, non-GMO ingredients that you can trust. This commitment to quality, combined with their incredible convenience, makes them a go-to choice in our kitchen.
We incorporate frozen Parker House and Ready-Dough into our meals all year round, not just for special occasions. It’s incredibly convenient to simply take a few frozen dough pieces from the bag and allow them to thaw and rise throughout the day. Then, when dinnertime approaches, pop them into the oven. In minutes, you’ll have old-fashioned, freshly baked dinner rolls, just like grandma used to make, ready for your dinner table. This simplicity ensures that even on the busiest days, the warmth and joy of homemade bread are always within reach.
Essential Equipment for Baking Frozen Rolls
Baking delicious frozen dinner rolls requires minimal specialized equipment. Most of these items are likely already in your kitchen, making this recipe even more accessible. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Rimmed Baking Sheet or Casserole Dish: Essential for arranging your rolls and ensuring even baking. A rimmed sheet prevents any melted butter from dripping.
- Basting Brush: Perfect for applying melted butter to your warm rolls for that desirable golden sheen and extra flavor.
- Plastic Wrap: Crucial for covering the rolls during thawing and rising, keeping them moist and protected.
- Non-stick Cooking Spray or Parchment Paper: To prevent the rolls from sticking to your baking vessel and to the plastic wrap.
Mastering Easy Yeast Rolls from Frozen Dough
Transforming frozen dough into delightful, warm yeast rolls is a remarkably straightforward process, often broken down into three key stages: thawing, rising, and baking. Like many home cooks, we’re constantly searching for clever strategies to save time, especially when preparing holiday feasts or daily family dinners. This method perfectly fits the bill, delivering exceptional results with minimal fuss.
How to Properly Thaw Frozen Parkerhouse Rolls
One of the most common questions is how long frozen dough takes to thaw. The answer can vary, but with the right approach, it can be as quick as 1-2 hours! Alternatively, for maximum convenience, you can allow them to thaw and rise overnight in the refrigerator. We’ll cover both traditional methods and a speedy thawing technique below.
Overnight Refrigerator Thawing:
This is our preferred method for minimal morning effort, allowing the rolls to slowly thaw and begin their rise.
- Prepare your baking vessel: Lightly spray an oven-safe casserole dish or a rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper.
- Arrange the rolls: Place the frozen dinner roll dough pieces onto the prepared dish, ensuring they are spaced about 1 inch apart. This provides room for them to expand without sticking together too much.
- Cover properly: Spray one side of a piece of plastic wrap with non-stick cooking spray. This is a critical step! Do not skip this, or the rising dough will stick to the plastic wrap, creating a sticky mess and potentially deflating your rolls when removed. Place the sprayed side down, covering the rolls tightly.
- Refrigerate: Let the rolls defrost in the refrigerator overnight, or for approximately 8-10 hours. By morning, the dough will be fully thawed and should have about doubled in size, ready for the final rise.
Countertop Thawing:
If you forgot to take them out the night before, thawing on the countertop offers a quicker alternative.
- Prepare your baking vessel: Similar to the overnight method, place the frozen rolls in an oil-sprayed casserole dish or on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
- Cover properly: Cover the rolls with plastic wrap, ensuring the side facing the dough is sprayed with cooking oil. Again, this prevents sticking and protects the dough.
- Thaw at room temperature: Allow them to defrost on the countertop for 1-2 hours. The rolls should still feel cool, but be soft and pliable to the touch. They will start to expand during this time.
Perfecting the Rise: Bridgford Parker House Rolls
Once thawed, the dough needs a proper rise to achieve that coveted light and airy texture. This is where the yeast truly gets to work, producing the gasses that make the rolls fluffy.
- Final Rise: Place your thawed dough (prepared as per the previous steps) in a warm, draft-free location on your countertop. Let them rise for an additional 1-2 hours, or until they have visibly doubled in size. A warm kitchen environment, ideally around 75-85°F (24-29°C), is perfect for this process.
🎯 Pro Tip: Expedited Thawing & Rising
In a pinch for time? Your oven can act as a fantastic proofing box. Arrange your frozen Parker House rolls on your prepared baking sheet or casserole dish.
Then, set your oven to its lowest temperature, typically around 100°F (38°C). Keep a close eye on them, checking every 30 minutes. The dough is thawed when it feels softened but still cool to the touch. Once thawed, turn off the oven and let the rolls continue to rise in the residual warmth for another 1-2 hours until they have doubled in size. This method significantly speeds up the entire process!
Baking Your Parker House Rolls to Golden Perfection
Once your rolls have beautifully risen, they are ready for their final transformation in the oven. The baking process is quick and simple, culminating in that irresistible golden-brown crust and soft interior.
- Preheat and arrange: Ensure your oven is preheated to the specified temperature (check recipe card for details). If you haven’t already, prepare a baking sheet or baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. Evenly space the risen dough about 1-2 inches apart to allow for continued expansion during baking and even heat circulation.
- Bake until golden: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-14 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are a beautiful golden brown. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
- Butter and serve: Immediately after removing them from the oven, generously brush the tops of the hot rolls with melted butter or margarine. This adds shine, flavor, and an incredibly tender crust. Serve them warm and enjoy!
Air Frying Frozen Rolls: A Space-Saving Solution
During the holidays, oven space is often a precious commodity, monopolized by main dishes like Cajun turkey brine, hams, and roasted ducks. Don’t let a crowded oven stop you from serving warm bread! Making your frozen dinner rolls in the air fryer is an ingenious way to free up your oven this year.
Cooking these delicious rolls in the air fryer is incredibly simple and efficient:
- Preheat: Always preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s directions for optimal results.
- Arrange for airflow: Use an air fryer-safe baking pan that leaves approximately 2 inches of space on all sides within the air fryer basket. This crucial step ensures proper hot air circulation, leading to evenly baked and perfectly golden rolls.
- Air Fry: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are beautifully golden and cooked through. Keep an eye on them as air fryer temperatures can vary.
- Butter and serve: Just like oven-baked rolls, brush them with melted butter immediately after air frying for extra flavor and shine. Serve warm!
You can typically find Bridgford’s frozen bread dough products, including Parker House-style rolls, Ready-Dough, and frozen Monkey Bread, nationwide at major retailers like Walmart in the freezer section. If you’re having trouble locating them, you can often find a “where to buy” link on the Bridgford website.
Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Rolls
These homemade-tasting Parker House rolls from frozen dough are an absolutely fantastic and versatile addition to almost any meal. Their soft texture and subtly sweet flavor make them perfect for a wide range of pairings, transforming simple dishes into something special.
- Classic Comfort: Serve them warm with a generous pat of salted butter. The contrast of the warm roll and melting butter is pure bliss. They are also heavenly alongside a bowl of homemade soup or a hearty stew, perfect for soaking up every last drop.
- Sweet Indulgence: For a delightful sweet treat, drizzle your warm rolls with honey, spread your favorite fruit jam, or sprinkle them with a mix of cinnamon and sugar. This simple customization turns a dinner roll into a quick dessert or breakfast item.
- Savory Sides: Their substantial yet soft structure makes them excellent companions for snacks and appetizers. Use them to create adorable mini sandwiches, sliders, or serve them with pulled pork or chicken for a casual meal.
- Holiday Feasts: These rolls are practically mandatory for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holiday dinners. They complement roasted meats, gravies, and all the traditional side dishes beautifully.
- Everyday Elevated: Don’t reserve them just for special occasions! These convenient rolls can elevate a simple weeknight meal, making it feel more intentional and comforting. They pair well with pasta dishes, grilled chicken, or even a fresh salad.
More than just bread, these Bridgford Parker House rolls embody a touch of tradition, creating special moments and cherished memories around the dinner table. Their ease of preparation means you can enjoy that comforting feeling any time you wish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baking Frozen Rolls
To achieve a beautiful, shiny, and golden-brown crust on your rolls, an egg wash is your best friend. An egg wash is typically a simple mixture of one whisked egg with a small amount of water, milk, or heavy cream. You can customize the ratio for your desired effect: more egg white for a crispier, shinier crust, or more yolk for a richer, golden color. Simply brush the egg wash lightly over the top of the risen rolls just before baking.
The primary reason bread dough becomes soft and fluffy is the action of yeast. Yeast is a living microorganism that, when activated, consumes the sugars present in the flour. During this process, it releases carbon dioxide gas. This gas gets trapped within the elastic network formed by gluten (a protein developed in the flour when kneaded). As more gas is produced, the dough expands, creating tiny air pockets that give the bread its airy, light, and fluffy texture. Proper rising time in a warm environment allows the yeast to work effectively, maximizing the fluffiness.
Reheating previously baked dinner rolls ensures they taste almost as good as freshly baked. Here are several methods:
- Reheating in the Microwave: For a quick warm-up, lightly cover your Parker House rolls with a damp, clean paper towel. Microwave in short bursts of 15 seconds (up to a total of 45 seconds), checking frequently until they are just warmed through and soft. Be careful not to over-microwave, as they can become tough.
- Reheating in the Oven: This method works wonderfully for larger batches. Place the rolls on a sheet pan, then cover them tightly with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 7 to 10 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed.
- Reheating in an Air Fryer: For perfectly crisp-soft rolls, the air fryer is an excellent choice. If desired, brush a little extra melted butter over them before reheating. Wrap the rolls securely in aluminum foil, crimping the edges to create a sealed packet. If your air fryer has a “bake” mode, select that, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 7 minutes. The foil helps to steam them slightly, keeping them moist while the air fryer heats them through.
Absolutely! Baked Parker House rolls freeze exceptionally well. Once cooled completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer the frozen rolls to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, follow the reheating instructions above.
There are a few common reasons why frozen rolls might not rise. The most frequent issue is that the yeast might be inactive or “dead” due to being exposed to extreme temperatures during storage or thawing. Ensure you purchase frozen dough from a reputable source and check the expiration date. Another factor is the environment; yeast needs warmth to activate. If your kitchen is too cold or drafty, the rolls will rise slowly or not at all. Try the “oven proofing” trick mentioned in our Pro Tip, or place the rolls near a warm spot (but not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast).
Explore More Delicious Frozen Dough Recipes…
- Cinnamon Rolls from Frozen Dough
- Monkey Bread Recipe from Frozen Bread Dough
- Pumpkin Bread Bowls
- Pizza from Frozen Bread Dough Recipe
If you tried this frozen Parker House rolls recipe or any other recipe on my website, please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating and share your experience in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
Parker House Rolls Frozen
Recipe by Renae Gerhardstein
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- Rimmed baking sheet – or casserole dish
- Basting brush
Ingredients
- 25 ounces Bridgford Parkerhouse Style Rolls (thawed – see notes for thawing)
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
Instructions
- Spray a baking sheet or oven-safe casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment paper. Evenly space the frozen Parkerhouse rolls about 1″ apart. Follow directions on Bridgford Parkerhouse rolls for thawing rolls or see notes on how to defrost frozen dough.
- When rolls are thawed, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap sprayed with non-stick cooking oil on the side facing the rolls. Let rise until doubled in size, about an hour.
Oven-Baked Parkerhouse Rolls
- Preheat oven to 375º F. Bake Parkerhouse Rolls for 10-14 minutes, or until rolls are golden on top.
- Brush with melted butter and serve warm.
Air Fryer Parkerhouse Rolls
- Preheat the air fryer according to the manufacturer’s directions. Use a baking pan that allows about 2″ of space on all sides of the air fryer so that hot air can circulate.
- Air fry Parkerhouse Rolls at 350ºF for 8-10 minutes, or until rolls are golden on top.
- Brush with melted butter and serve warm.
Notes
- For fast thawing, use your oven. Place frozen Parkerhouse rolls on a prepared baking sheet or casserole. Set the oven to 100°F (38°C). Check every 30 minutes until the dough has thawed and is soft to the touch (it will still be cool).
- Allow an additional 1-2 hours for the Parkerhouse-style rolls to rise until doubled in size after thawing.
- With these simple directions, your dinner rolls will taste just like freshly baked rolls.
Thaw Frozen Dough:
- Overnight Refrigerator Thaw: Defrost frozen dough rolls effortlessly in the refrigerator overnight. Place the frozen rolls on an oil sprayed casserole dish or sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap that has been sprayed with cooking oil on the side facing the dough. Don’t skip this last step, or you’ll wind up with a sticky mess. Let defrost in the refrigerator overnight, or for 8 – 10 hours.
- Quick Countertop or Oven Thaw: For a quicker, but just as easy method, defrost the frozen rolls on your counter at room temperature or in the oven at 85º to 100ºF (30-38°C). Place the frozen rolls in an oil sprayed casserole dish or sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap that has been sprayed with cooking oil on the side facing the dough. Don’t skip this last step or you’ll wind up with a sticky mess. Let defrost for 1-2 hours. The rolls should still be cold but soft to the touch.
**This recipe can be easily adjusted to make as few as two rolls. Just adjust the butter quantity, but leave the rising and baking times the same.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheating in the microwave: Cover the Parkerhouse rolls with a damp, clean paper towel. Then, microwave in 15-second increments (up to 45 seconds total), until just warmed through.
- In the oven: Place your yeast rolls on a sheet pan, and cover tightly with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 7 to 10 minutes.
- Reheating rolls in an air fryer: If you’d like, brush a little additional melted butter over them first. Then, wrap them in foil and crimp/seal the edges closed. If your air fryer has a bake mode, select that, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 7 minutes.
Nutrition
This post was sponsored by Bridgford Foods. All views are my own and based on my personal experience using Bridgford’s products.