Skillet Dinner Rolls with Garlic-Herb Butter: An Easy No-Knead Recipe
Discover soft, golden bread with a tender crumb and rich, savory finish.
Skillet Dinner Rolls with Garlic-Herb Butter
Few things are as inviting as the aroma of fresh bread rising from the kitchen, and these skillet dinner rolls with garlic-herb butter deliver homemade comfort with impressive ease. Designed for those seeking flavor and simplicity, this recipe requires no kneading and utilizes the rustic charm of a cast-iron skillet for professional-looking, golden-brown rolls that are perfect for any meal—from a weeknight pasta to a festive holiday spread. The crowning touch? A luscious garlic-herb butter brushed on top while the rolls are hot, ensuring each bite is rich, fragrant, and utterly irresistible.
Why Skillet Dinner Rolls?
Choosing a skillet for this recipe creates rolls with beautifully crisp edges, a plush interior, and a dramatic presentation. The cast iron holds heat evenly, allowing the dough balls to puff up and form a stunning pull-apart bread wreath that makes every gathering feel special. Best of all, this easy method requires no kneading, advanced techniques, or specialty equipment—just basic pantry staples and a little patience as the dough rises.
What Makes These Rolls Unique?
- No Kneading: Save time and effort compared to traditional bread recipes.
- Soft, Fluffy Texture: Thanks to a rich dough base and gentle rising.
- Infused Garlic-Herb Butter: Brushed on fresh from the oven for maximum fragrance and flavor.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for both everyday dinners and holiday occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole milk | 2 cups |
| Vegetable oil | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 4 1/2 cups |
| Active dry yeast | 1 (1/4-ounce) packet |
| Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Kosher salt | 1 tablespoon |
| Salted butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves (grated) | 2 |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Sage leaves (chopped) | 4 |
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Wet Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, vegetable oil, and sugar. Stir gently to mix. Heat over medium until it just begins to boil—you’ll see bubbles around the edges. As soon as it reaches this stage, immediately remove the pan from heat. Allow the mixture to cool until lukewarm (about 90–110°F). This ensures the environment will encourage the yeast to activate, but isn’t so hot that it kills the yeast.
Step 2: Initiate the Dough
When the mixture is lukewarm, stir in 2 1/2 cups of the flour and the yeast packet. Mix until combined. Next, add the remaining 2 cups of flour and gently work it in until a sticky dough forms. Cover the saucepan with a clean towel and set aside somewhere warm for about an hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Step 3: Add Leavening and Salt
After the dough has risen, add the baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Stir until they are thoroughly incorporated. This step will ensure the rolls are light and well-flavored.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Pinch off pieces of dough (about the size of a golf ball, or 2 inches in diameter) and gently roll between your palms to form smooth balls. You should get around 24 rolls. Nestle each dough ball closely into a 12-inch cast-iron skillet—start from the outside edge and spiral inwards to fill the pan. Cover the skillet with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm spot until they’re visibly puffed and roughly doubled in size, about another hour.
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Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the skillet on the center rack and bake for 17–20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top and the bottoms feel firm when gently lifted.
Step 6: Make and Apply Garlic-Herb Butter
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, grated garlic, parsley, and sage.
- Microwave until melted and fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir to blend the herbs throughout.
- As soon as the hot rolls come out of the oven, brush the tops generously with the melted garlic-herb butter for a glossy finish and rich aroma.
Pro Tips for Perfect Skillet Rolls
- Proof Carefully: Allowing the dough to rise fully both times creates lighter, airier rolls.
- Check Temperature: Use a thermometer for the milk mixture if you’re new to working with yeast—it should be just warm to the touch, not hot.
- Herb Variations: Swap in rosemary, thyme, or chives based on what’s on hand, or double the garlic for even punchier flavor.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough in advance; after shaping, you can refrigerate overnight and bake fresh the next day. Just let the chilled dough warm and rise before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- With Soups & Stews: These rolls are the ultimate tool for sopping up brothy dishes or hearty chilis.
- Holiday Dinners: Place the warm skillet in the center of your table as an eye-catching bread course.
- Crispy Reheat: If you have leftovers, split rolls and toast lightly before serving again, or use for mini sandwiches the next day.
Recipe Variations
| Variation | How to Make |
|---|---|
| Cheesy Garlic Rolls | Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded parmesan or mozzarella on top of the dough balls before the final rise. |
| Sweet Rolls | Skip the garlic and herbs, and brush finished rolls with melted butter and honey, or cinnamon sugar. |
| Herb Ranch Rolls | Add 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning to the garlic-herb butter for extra tang and flavor. |
Ingredient Swaps
- Milk alternatives: Use unsweetened oat or almond milk for dairy-free rolls (texture may vary).
- Oil: Canola oil or melted coconut oil can be used in place of vegetable oil.
- Butter: Olive oil brushed on finished rolls works for a lighter, vegan option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes. Substitute the same amount of instant yeast. You can skip the activation step and add it directly with the flour, but ensure your milk mixture is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
Q: What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?
A: Any heavy ovenproof pan, cake pan, or even a Dutch oven will work. The important thing is that the rolls are nestled together so they rise into each other’s sides for that signature pull-apart effect.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Yes. After shaping, cover the skillet with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to overnight. Before baking, let the skillet sit at room temperature until the rolls have doubled in size.
Q: My dough seems sticky—should I add more flour?
A: A sticky dough makes for light, fluffy rolls. Add flour only if the dough is too difficult to handle, and do so sparingly — just until you can shape it comfortably.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per roll)
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 240mg
(Values may vary based on size and ingredients swapped.)
Final Thoughts
No-knead skillet dinner rolls are a game changer for both novice and seasoned bakers. They simplify the bread-baking process while achieving soft, golden results that are simply irresistible when topped with garlic and fresh herbs. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or just want a wholesome, scratch-made touch to your table, these rolls are bound to become a favorite in your home kitchen.
More Bread Recipes to Try
- Classic No-Knead Dinner Rolls
- Herbed Focaccia
- Sweet Strawberry Rolls
- Crispy Buttermilk Biscuits
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a34272519/skillet-dinner-rolls-with-garlic-herb-butter-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doABTuQp8rI
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11296/pw-dinner-rolls-no-kneading-required/
- https://takethemameal.com/recipes/side-dishes/all/pioneer-woman-dinner-rolls/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a9510/buttered-rosemary-rolls/
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