Skillet Dinner Rolls

Ingredients

Dough

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar, divided
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs

Garlic-Herb Butter

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• Zest of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
• Pinch of flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast — Combine warm milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Stir and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough — Add remaining tablespoon sugar, salt, softened butter, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Add flour 1 cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic (or use a stand mixer with dough hook for 6–7 minutes).
3. First rise — Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
4. Shape the rolls — Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a smooth ball by pulling the edges underneath and rolling on the counter. Arrange in a greased 10–12 inch cast iron skillet with a little space between rolls.
5. Second rise — Cover and let rise 45 minutes until puffy and rolls are touching.
6. Bake — Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls 22–25 minutes until golden brown on top.
7. Add herb butter — While rolls bake, stir together melted butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, and salt. Brush generously over the hot rolls as soon as they come out of the oven.

Notes

• Make-ahead dough — Let it cold-proof in the refrigerator overnight for the first rise; bring to room temperature before shaping.
• Pan options — A cast iron skillet gives the best bottom crust; a 9×13 baking pan works as an alternative.
• Freeze leftovers — Leftover rolls freeze beautifully; thaw at room temp and reheat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

Nutrition (per roll)

Tags: #recipe #bread #rolls #sidedish #thanksgiving #dinnerrolls