Easy Skillet Dinner Rolls with Citrus and Herbs – Discover the secret to soft, fluffy, and aromatic dinner rolls, perfectly baked in a skillet and infused with bright citrus and fragrant herbs. This foolproof recipe simplifies yeast baking, making homemade bread a joyous and accessible experience for everyone.
There’s an undeniable magic that happens when warm, freshly baked bread emerges from the oven. For me, dinner rolls hold a special place among yeast-baked delights, rivaling even the satisfaction of a perfect homemade pizza. The aroma alone can transform any meal, making a simple dinner feel like a celebratory feast. I genuinely adore baking with yeast, and I frequently volunteer to prepare rolls for family holiday gatherings. There’s a unique joy in witnessing the dough gracefully rise and then bake into golden, pillowy perfection.
Through countless batches of my skillet focaccia, our family’s beloved pizza dough, delightful brioche buns, and rustic muffin bread, I’ve cultivated a comfortable familiarity with yeast. If the idea of baking with yeast has ever seemed intimidating, I’m here to assure you that it’s not only manageable but incredibly rewarding and fun. This recipe is designed to demystify the process, guiding you to bake irresistibly soft and flavorful dinner rolls right in your skillet.
Unlocking the Secret to Perfect Skillet Dinner Rolls
Baking delicious dinner rolls in a skillet is simpler than you might imagine, and it offers a unique advantage: the skillet conducts heat beautifully, resulting in a wonderfully crusty exterior and an exceptionally tender interior. The clustering of the rolls in the skillet also creates soft, tear-apart sides, making them perfect for sharing. Achieving these results starts with understanding yeast, which, for many, is the most daunting part of bread baking. For years, I too was apprehensive about working with yeast – it is a living organism, after all! It’s responsible for the magical rise and the complex flavor development in dough. However, once you grasp a few fundamental principles, you’ll find it an incredibly cooperative ingredient.
The primary concern for beginners is often the activation process. The most common mistake is using liquids that are too hot, which can unfortunately kill the yeast, leading to a dough that refuses to rise. Always aim for a comfortably warm liquid temperature, ideally between 100°F and 130°F. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot for your yeast. Another crucial factor is providing a warm, draft-free environment for your dough to rise. A cold draft can shock the yeast and hinder its activity. Historically, I used a microwave for this: I’d heat a cup of water until it bubbled, move it aside, then place my covered dough bowl inside and close the door. This method creates a perfectly warm, humid environment. More recently, I’ve adopted an even simpler oven method, perfected during my focaccia-baking adventures. Simply preheat your oven to 220°F, then turn it off. Place your covered bowl, skillet, or baking pan containing the dough into the warm oven, close the door, and let it rise. In just about 20 minutes, your dough will typically double in size, ready for the next step. This method has become a favorite for many who follow my recipes due to its efficiency and reliability.
Demystifying RapidRise Yeast
This particular dinner roll recipe takes convenience a step further by utilizing Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® Yeast. This innovative yeast variety significantly streamlines the baking process by eliminating the traditional “proofing” step. Typically, when working with active dry yeast, you would first activate it by sprinkling it over warm water (or another liquid) and allowing it to sit for about five minutes until a foamy layer appears on the surface, indicating the yeast is alive and active. However, with RapidRise yeast, this step is unnecessary. You simply combine the yeast directly with your dry ingredients, then mix in the liquids to form your dough. This saves valuable time and simplifies the initial stages of preparation, making it an ideal choice for busy bakers or those new to yeast baking.
After the quick rest following kneading, the dough is divided into 12 equal pieces, expertly rolled into individual balls, and then arranged in a greased cast-iron skillet. While a cast-iron skillet provides excellent heat distribution and a charming presentation, a round or square baking pan works just as effectively. It’s important to leave a bit of space between each dough ball to allow for expansion during the second rise. The covered skillet is then placed back into a warm, draft-free environment (like our preheated-then-turned-off oven) until the rolls have visibly doubled in size, typically around 20 minutes. This efficient process leads to beautifully risen, ready-to-bake rolls with minimal fuss.
Elevating Flavor: The Citrus and Herb Infusion
While classic dinner rolls are always a delight, infusing them with unique flavors can elevate them to an extraordinary level. For this recipe, I’ve chosen a combination that has captivated my senses lately: the bright, vibrant notes of citrus paired with the aromatic depth of Italian herbs. Lemon zest, with its fragrant oils, brings a sunny brightness that perfectly complements the savory, earthy tones of Italian seasoning. This flavorful mixture is thoughtfully incorporated directly into the dough, ensuring every bite is imbued with a delightful aroma and taste. To amplify this experience, a small portion of the citrus and herb blend is reserved and mixed with melted butter. This fragrant butter is then generously brushed over the rolls just before they go into the oven. The result is truly incredible: the rolls emerge with a golden-brown crust, an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen, and a nuanced flavor profile that will impress even the most discerning palates. These Citrus and Herb Skillet Dinner Rolls are not just a side dish; they are a sophisticated addition to any festive holiday table, a cozy weeknight dinner, or a special brunch. Be warned, they tend to disappear in a flash!
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
These versatile skillet dinner rolls are perfect for almost any occasion. Imagine them warm from the oven, served alongside a hearty roast chicken or a succulent pork tenderloin. Their bright citrus notes cut through richness, while the herbs complement savory meats beautifully. For a lighter meal, they are excellent with a crisp garden salad or a comforting bowl of soup. Don’t limit them to dinner—they make a fantastic addition to brunch, spread with butter and jam, or even as a base for mini breakfast sandwiches. Their visual appeal in the skillet also makes them a wonderful centerpiece, inviting everyone to tear off a piece and enjoy. The combination of easy preparation and exceptional flavor ensures they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire.
EASY SKILLET DINNER ROLLS WITH CITRUS AND HERBS
Easy Skillet Dinner Rolls with Citrus and Herbs
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet Fleischmann’s® RapidRise Yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk (whole 2%, 1% OR skim)
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons butter OR margarine
- zest of 1 small lemon
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Place ¾ cup of flour in a large mixing bowl. Add sugar, salt and yeast and whisk together.
- In a small bowl, stir together lemon zest and Italian seasoning.
- In a medium saucepan, combine milk, water and 2 tablespoons of butter. Heat up just until very warm (about 120 degrees F), the butter might not be completely melted. Remove from heat.
- With the mixer on low, add the liquids to the flour and yeast mixture, drizzling slowly on the side of the bowl. Mix well. Once all liquids are added, add ¼ cup of the remaining flour and beat the mixture on medium to high speed for 2 minutes.
- Add the remaining flour and ¾ of the citrus and herb mixture and knead the dough until it forms a ball.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6 minutes. Form into a log, cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 220 degrees F (see note).
- Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball and arrange in a greased cast iron skillet. Leave space between each ball so the dough has room to rise. Cover the skillet with a kitchen towel and place the skillet in the warm oven, until the rolls double in size (about 20 minutes).
- Remove the skillet from the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave safe dish. Stir in the remaining lemon zest and herb mixture.
- Brush rolls with melted butter mixture.
- Place in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the tops are nicely brown.
- Let the rolls cool to room temperature. Serve from a skillet or a serving plate.