Herby Garlic Skillet Dinner Rolls Recipe

Name: Herby Garlic Skillet Dinner Rolls
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 165 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus more for skillet; 1 generous pinch Kosher salt, or to taste; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 2 Tablespoons finely minced flat-leaf parsley; 1 Tablespoon finely minced fresh rosemary; 18 frozen dough balls, thawed, but still firm; 1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was designed for 18 servings. Ingredient amounts adjust automatically, but cooking times and steps remain consistent. Not all recipes scale perfectly.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing skillet
A generous pinch kosher salt, or to taste
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons finely minced flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon finely minced fresh rosemary
18 frozen dinner roll dough balls, thawed but still firm
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat a 10-inch cast iron skillet by brushing it generously with melted butter.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining melted butter with salt, garlic, parsley, and rosemary to create a fragrant herb butter mixture.
Gently toss the thawed dough balls in the herb butter until each piece is fully coated. Arrange them carefully in the prepared skillet. Reserve any leftover herb butter.
Lightly brush a sheet of plastic wrap with melted butter and cover the rolls, buttered side down. Set the skillet in a warm, draft-free spot to let the rolls rise until doubled in size, about 2 to 3 hours.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Remove the plastic wrap and drizzle any remaining herb butter over the rolls. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven until they turn lightly golden, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Once baked, allow the rolls to cool in the skillet for 3 to 5 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the aromatic, buttery goodness.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 155
Total Fat: 10g (13% DV)
Saturated Fat: 5g (24% DV)
Cholesterol: 19mg (6% DV)
Sodium: 189mg (8% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 13g (5% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% DV)
Total Sugars: 2g
Protein: 3g (6% DV)
Vitamin C: 1mg (1% DV)
Calcium: 19mg (1% DV)
Iron: 1mg (3% DV)
Potassium: 101mg (2% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient data may not be available for all ingredients. Consult a healthcare professional for medically restrictive diets.

The History of Herby Garlic Skillet Dinner Rolls

The herby garlic skillet dinner roll is a modern American twist on the classic yeast roll, which dates back centuries in European baking traditions. While simple bread rolls have existed for hundreds of years, the practice of enhancing them with butter, garlic, and fresh herbs became popular in mid-20th century America. Home cooks and restaurants alike began experimenting with flavored rolls to complement hearty dinners, particularly during holiday meals and Sunday family gatherings. The use of a cast-iron skillet adds a rustic touch, echoing traditional methods of baking bread in open hearths.

Regional Characteristics

This recipe is particularly popular in the Southern and Midwestern United States, where comfort food and rich, buttery flavors are highly appreciated. In these regions, dinner rolls often accompany meats like roast chicken, turkey, or ham, and are frequently served alongside mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The skillet method, rather than baking on a flat sheet, ensures a soft interior with a golden, slightly crisp exteriora texture favored in these culinary traditions. Herbs such as rosemary and parsley are commonly used in the American South to elevate simple breads into aromatic, flavorful accompaniments.

Difference from Similar Dishes

Unlike standard dinner rolls, which are typically baked plain, herby garlic skillet rolls are coated in a rich mixture of melted butter, garlic, and herbs before baking. This process creates a deeper flavor and aroma that permeates the bread. Compared to garlic knots or focaccia, these rolls are smaller, individually portioned, and fluffier, with a distinctive pull-apart texture. Topping the rolls with Parmesan cheese adds a savory complexity, distinguishing them from plain or buttered rolls commonly found in most American homes.

Typical Serving Occasions

Herby garlic skillet dinner rolls are often served warm as a side dish during family dinners, holiday feasts, and potlucks. They pair exceptionally well with soups, stews, roasted meats, and festive spreads. In restaurants, these rolls are frequently offered as complimentary starters or bread baskets, enhancing the dining experience with their inviting aroma and soft, buttery texture. Their visually appealing golden crust also makes them a centerpiece for special occasions.

Interesting Facts

Using a cast-iron skillet not only improves heat distribution but also imparts a subtle, rustic flavor to the rolls that is hard to achieve with modern baking sheets.
The combination of fresh herbs and garlic was inspired by Mediterranean baking traditions, adapted to American tastes for richer, buttery breads.
Skillet rolls are versatile; leftover rolls can be transformed into garlic bread, bread pudding, or croutons, minimizing food waste.
Despite their gourmet flavor, these rolls are surprisingly easy to make using frozen dough, making them accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.
The Parmesan topping adds a salty, nutty note that caramelizes slightly in the oven, giving the rolls a signature golden finish.

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FAQ about Herby Garlic Skillet Dinner Rolls Recipe

Yes, you can use fresh dough instead of frozen. However, if using fresh dough, you might need to reduce the rise time, as fresh dough usually rises faster than frozen dough. Keep an eye on the rolls to make sure they don't overproof.

Yes, you can prepare the rolls and refrigerate them before baking. After you coat the dough with the garlic and herb mixture and place them in the skillet, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

To store leftover rolls, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Yes, you can freeze the rolls. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh. Generally, use 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary.

If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Asiago. Alternatively, for a dairy-free option, you can try nutritional yeast.

If your rolls don't rise as expected, ensure that the dough was properly thawed but still firm. Additionally, make sure the area where the rolls are rising is warm but not too hot. You can also check the yeast by making sure it’s fresh and hasn’t expired.

While a cast iron skillet is recommended for even heat distribution, you can use any oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Just make sure it’s large enough to hold all the dough balls and allows for even baking.