Parker House Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 envelope active dry yeast
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 11/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 31/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
• Canola oil (for bowl)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• Flaky sea salt
• 13x9-inch baking dish

Directions

• 1.

  Whisk yeast and ¼ cup warm water (110°-115°) in a small bowl; let stand 5 minutes.

• 2.

  Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium until just warm. Combine shortening, sugar, and kosher salt in a large bowl. Add warm milk; whisk to blend, breaking up shortening into small clumps (it may not melt completely). Whisk in yeast mixture and egg. Add 3½ cups flour; stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until dough forms. Knead dough with lightly floured hands on a lightly floured surface until smooth, 4–5 minutes. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl; turn to coat. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let stand at room temperature until doubled, about 1½ hours.

• 3.

  Preheat oven to 350°. Melt butter in a small saucepan. Lightly brush baking dish with some melted butter. Punch down dough; divide into 4 equal pieces. Working with 1 piece at a time, roll out on a lightly floured surface into a 12x6" rectangle.

• 4.

  Cut lengthwise into three 2"-wide strips; cut each crosswise into three 4x2" rectangles. Brush half of each (about 2x2") with melted butter; fold unbuttered side over, allowing a ¼-inch overhang. Place flat in 1 corner of dish, folded edge against short side of dish. Add remaining rolls, shingling to form 1 long row. Repeat with remaining dough for 4 rows. Brush with melted butter, loosely cover with plastic, and chill at least 30 minutes or up to 6 hours.

• 5.

  Bake rolls until golden and puffed, 25–35 minutes. Brush with butter; sprinkle sea salt over. Serve warm.