There’s something magical about pulling a golden, buttery roll straight from a hot skillet—the sizzle, the aroma of herbs mingling with rich melted butter, and that pillowy-soft texture that begs to be pulled apart and devoured. These skillet rolls with herbs and butter are the kind of comforting, foolproof recipe you'll keep coming back to, especially when you need something quick yet impressive. Whether you're hosting a cozy dinner, contributing to a potluck, or simply craving fresh bread with your soup or stew, this is the best dinner roll recipe to keep in your back pocket. They’re warm, aromatic, and make use of pantry staples. Oh, and did I mention? They’re done in just about an hour, putting them right up there with one hour dinner rolls and even those classic 30 minute rolls everyone raves about.
Golden Skillet Rolls with Herbs and Butter
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Brunch, Side Dish
Cuisine American
10- or 12-inch cast iron skillet This gives the rolls their signature crispy edge and beautiful crust.
Mixing bowls One large for mixing and proofing the dough, and a smaller one for melting the herb butter.
Whisk and wooden spoon (or stand mixer with dough hook) For mixing and kneading.
Pastry Brush For spreading that glorious herb butter evenly.
Clean towel or plastic wrap To cover the dough while it rises.
For the Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for kneading
- 2 ¼ tsp instant dry yeast 1 packet
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm whole milk about 110°F
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
For the Herb Butter
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or 1 tsp dried
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ½ tsp salt
Optional Add-ons
- A drizzle of honey for brushing before serving great if you want a honey yeast rolls vibe
- Grated parmesan for a crispy cheese top
Activate the Yeast
Warm your milk to around 110°F (lukewarm but not hot). In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy on top. If there’s no foam, your yeast might be inactive—start over.
Make the Dough
Stir in the melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually add flour, about 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 8 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a dough hook until smooth and elastic.
First Rise (Quick!)
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and set it in a warm place for 20–30 minutes. The dough should double in size. This short rise keeps it in the territory of quick homemade rolls and is perfect for anyone who’s wanted to know how to make rolls in under an hour.
Shape and Second Rise
Lightly flour a surface and divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll them into balls and place them evenly spaced in your buttered skillet. Cover again and let them rise for another 15 minutes.
Make the Herb Butter
While the rolls rise, melt butter and stir in herbs, garlic, and salt. Set aside.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brush the tops of the rolls generously with herb butter and bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
Final Touch
As soon as they’re out of the oven, brush with remaining herb butter and, if desired, a drizzle of honey. The result? Buttery, soft, and fragrant rolls that are perfect on their own or alongside any meal.
What to Serve These Rolls With
These rolls are a versatile sidekick. Here are a few pairing ideas:
- Soups: Creamy tomato soup, roasted garlic potato soup, or chicken noodle. They soak up broth beautifully.
- Roasts and Stews: Serve them with slow-cooked beef stew or roasted chicken. Their herby kick complements savory mains.
- Salads: A fresh Caesar or warm quinoa and veggie salad pairs beautifully with the richness of these rolls.
- Breakfast Spread: Leftovers? Split and toast them the next morning with a fried egg and cheese. Trust me.
Looking for a sweet twist? Take inspiration from a bisquick cinnamon rolls recipe and add cinnamon-sugar butter to the tops instead of herbs—yes, these can even moonlight as a sweet rolls recipe easy enough for a weekday breakfast.
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you’ll need to proof it in warm liquid first and give the dough a slightly longer rise. Instant yeast is what makes this feel like a 30 minute rolls miracle.
2. Can I make these without yeast?
Technically yes. For homemade rolls without yeast, you can sub in baking powder and buttermilk for a biscuit-style texture, but they won’t be quite the same as fluffy homemade yeast rolls.
3. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
No problem. Use dried herbs—just remember they’re more concentrated. Use about ⅓ of the fresh amount. Dried Italian seasoning also works well in a pinch.
4. Can I use bisquick?
If you're looking for bisquick recipes or trying out a homemade bisquick blend, you can make a version of these as drop biscuits. You’ll get more of a quick, rustic texture similar to honey butter biscuits.
5. Do these rolls freeze well?
Yes! After baking, let them cool completely. Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to revive that fresh-baked feel. This makes them an ideal addition to your easy dinner rolls arsenal.
