These Cast Iron Skillet Dinner Rolls are fluffy and soft, perfect for any meal. Made with simple ingredients, they bake to a lovely golden brown in a trusty cast iron skillet!
There’s something special about pulling hot rolls right from the skillet! I can’t resist slathering mine with butter and watching them disappear at dinner. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Milk: Use whole milk for richness, but you can substitute with almond milk or any non-dairy milk if needed. Just make sure it’s warm to activate the yeast!
Active Dry Yeast: If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead—just skip the activation step. It’s a little quicker and easier!
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness, but if you’re cutting back on sugar, you can reduce it or use honey or maple syrup instead. Adjust other liquid ingredients accordingly.
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness. You can use olive oil instead if you want to keep it dairy-free.
All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour is an excellent substitute, offering a chewier texture. If you’re gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How Do I Knead the Dough Properly?
Kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the rolls their lovely structure. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking.
- Place your dough on the surface and push it down with the palm of one hand while folding it over with the other.
- Turn the dough a quarter turn and repeat. Continue for 6-8 minutes until smooth.
If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little flour as you knead. It should be soft and supple when finished!
Cast Iron Skillet Dinner Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
For Topping:
- 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs or fresh chopped herbs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare, plus around 1 hour of rising time and 25 minutes of baking. In total, expect to spend about 1 hour 40 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with the active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir it gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes foamy!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, the remaining sugar, salt, and the egg until well combined.
3. Combine Mixtures:
Add the foamy yeast mixture to the butter mixture and stir everything together until combined.
4. Form the Dough:
Gradually add 3 cups of flour to the wet mixture while stirring. Keep mixing until a dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes soft but not sticky.
5. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 6-8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Don’t forget to flour your hands if it gets too sticky!
6. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Shape the Rolls:
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
8. Arrange in the Skillet:
Grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet and place the dough balls inside, spaced evenly apart.
9. Second Rise:
Cover the skillet loosely with a towel or plastic wrap again and let the rolls rise for another 30-40 minutes until they look puffy!
10. Preheat the Oven:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Add Toppings:
Once the rolls have risen, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle them evenly with your chosen dried or fresh herbs.
12. Bake the Rolls:
Pop the skillet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and fluffy.
13. Serve & Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the oven. Brush the warm rolls with a bit more melted butter if you like. Serve them warm with butter or honey on the side. Enjoy your fresh and delightful cast iron skillet dinner rolls!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! Using whole wheat flour will give the rolls a nuttier flavor and denser texture. However, you may need to add a bit more liquid to the dough, as whole wheat can absorb more moisture.
How Long Do I Need to Let the Dough Rise?
Typically, the dough should rise for about 1 hour until it has doubled in size. If your kitchen is cooler, you can let it rise for a bit longer. Just look for the dough to become puffy and visibly increased in size!
How Should I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven!
Can I Make These Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and place it in the fridge instead of letting it rise at room temperature. Just allow it to come to room temperature and rise before shaping and baking. This can be done a few hours in advance or even the day before!