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Easy Skillet Dinner Rolls - Nothing beats warm, super soft, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth homemade dinner rolls. No more store-bought rolls!

Nothing beats warm, super soft, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth homemade dinner rolls. No more store-bought rolls!

Easy Skillet Dinner Rolls - Nothing beats warm, super soft, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth homemade dinner rolls. No more store-bought rolls!

reasons to make skillet dinner rolls

  • So soft, so darn fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness
  • Easy, simple, straight-forward recipe, perfect for beginners and home bakers
  • Great for sopping up the last bits of sauce, soups and stews
  • Leftovers make for killer sandwiches
  • Amazingly freezer-friendly both before and after baking
Easy Skillet Dinner Rolls - Nothing beats warm, super soft, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth homemade dinner rolls. No more store-bought rolls!

tips and tricks for success

  • Use warm milk. The warm milk will help activate the yeast to help the dough rise. If the milk is too hot (120°F), the yeast can start to die, preventing the bread from rising.
  • Use whole milk. Using nonfat or skim milk will result in less rich flavors. Whole milk contains more fat, and will add richness, body, flavor and texture.
  • Fresh herbs are best. Although you can certainly substitute dried herbs, fresh herbs are ideal here, delivering the best kind of flavor. This is also a great time to use up all the leftover herbs from your holiday turkey or leg of lamb.
  • Use the Post-It note trick. The dough should feel slightly tacky to the touch, similar to the back of a Post It note, indicating good gluten development with the right amount of moisture.
  • Make whole wheat rolls. These rolls can easily be made whole wheat by substituting some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. The rolls will be a little denser but heartier and still so fluffy.
  • Mix it up. Add leftover fresh herbs such as rosemary or sage, roasted garlic or freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Easy Skillet Dinner Rolls - Nothing beats warm, super soft, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth homemade dinner rolls. No more store-bought rolls!

freezing and storage

Storage

Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Placing rolls in the fridge may dry them out, making them stale and hard.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered in aluminum foil until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Freeze before baking

Once the rolls are shaped, place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper, freezing for 1 hour until solid. Transfer the dough balls to an airtight, resealable freezer bag. Label, date and freeze up to 1 month. To bake, place the dough balls into the prepared skillet, cover and thaw overnight in the fridge. Rise for about 1 hour and bake as directed.

Freeze after baking

Let the rolls cool completely. Transfer the rolls to an airtight, resealable freezer bag. Label, date and freeze up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered in aluminum foil until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Easy Skillet Dinner Rolls - Nothing beats warm, super soft, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth homemade dinner rolls. No more store-bought rolls!

Easy Skillet Dinner Rolls: Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No stand mixer, no problem! It will take a little bit of elbow grease but the dough can be kneaded by hand on a lightly floured surface, kneading for about 10-15 minutes.

Can I use dried herbs instead?

Absolutely! But because dried herbs are often more potent/concentrated than fresh herbs, you need less when using dry. The correct ratio is 1 tablespoon fresh herbs to 1 teaspoon dried herbs.

Can I substitute whole wheat flour for the all-purpose flour?

Yes! We recommend substituting about 3/4 – 1 cup of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour, about 25% of the all-purpose flour.

What can I use instead of a cast iron skillet?

Any oven-safe skillet or 9 x 13 baking dish can be used instead.

How do you know when the rolls are ready?

The rolls should be a deep golden brown color and feel firm and dry. An instant-read thermometer can also be used to check for doneness, and the internal temperature should reach 190-200°F.

Are dinner rolls freezer-friendly?

Dinner rolls are very freezer-friendly, and can be frozen both before or after baking for convenience.

Easy Skillet Dinner Rolls

Easy Skillet Dinner Rolls

Nothing beats warm, super soft, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth homemade dinner rolls. No more store-bought rolls!
4.7 stars (21 ratings)

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup whole milk, 105-110 degrees F
  • 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
  • cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, divided
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  • Combine milk, yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in a small bowl; let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter, 1 tablespoon rosemary, salt and remaining 1 tablespoon sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in egg until well combined. Beat in yeast mixture and 1 1/2 cups flour until a smooth batter forms.
  • Using the dough hook, gradually add remaining 1 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft, smooth ball of dough is formed. The dough should feel elastic and slightly tacky to the touch. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 3 minutes.
  • Lightly oil a large bowl or coat with nonstick spray; place dough in bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a clean dishtowel and let stand in a warm spot until dough has doubled in size, about 30 to 45 minutes.
  • Gently deflate dough by punching down. Roll into a 10-inch rope; cut into 10 1-inch pieces, pressing each piece into a disk, then shaping into a ball.
  • Lightly oil a 10-inch cast iron skillet or coat with nonstick spray. Place dough balls into the prepared skillet; brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon rosemary. Cover with a clean dishtowel and let stand in a warm spot until dough has doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place into oven and bake until golden brown, about 20-24 minutes.
  • Serve warm.

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