If you are looking for a warm, herb-infused bread that feels both rustic and cozy, this Italian Herb Skillet Bread Recipe is going to become your new kitchen obsession. Imagine soft, pillowy rolls infused and topped with fragrant Italian herbs, garlic, a hint of spice, and a crispy, buttery parmesan crust baked right in a cast iron skillet. It’s a simple recipe that transforms frozen dinner rolls into something extraordinary and perfect for sharing with family or impressing guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Italian Herb Skillet Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity, using basic ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Each one plays a crucial role: from the frozen dinner rolls providing the fluffy base, to the blend of herbs and parmesan cheese delivering deep flavor and irresistible aroma.
- 7 Rhodes frozen dinner rolls: Their soft texture creates the perfect bread base that rises beautifully in the skillet.
- ¼ teaspoon basil: Adds an earthy, sweet herb note that is quintessentially Italian.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Brings just enough subtle spice to balance the other flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon oregano: Offers a warm, slightly bitter flavor to deepen the herbal profile.
- ¼ teaspoon rosemary: Infuses the rolls with a piney, aromatic kick.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Gives that essential savory garlic punch without overpowering.
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle heat that livens up each bite.
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted: Used to brush on top, ensuring a golden, rich crust.
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty, salty finish that crisps perfectly while baking.
How to Make Italian Herb Skillet Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Skillet and Arrange the Rolls
Begin by spraying a small iron skillet with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the 7 frozen Rhodes dinner rolls in the skillet with plenty of space between them. This is important as it allows each roll room to rise fully, creating that light, airy texture we crave.
Step 2: Let the Rolls Rise
Cover the skillet and let the rolls rise undisturbed for several hours. This slow rise is key to achieving soft, fluffy rolls with that perfect doughy inside. The process usually takes around 4 hours, but you can keep an eye on them until they’ve doubled in size and fill the skillet nicely.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Once the rolls have risen, preheat your oven to 350ºF. A moderate temperature ensures they bake evenly without drying out, giving you that golden-brown crust you want.
Step 4: Add the Herb Butter and Cheese
Uncover the rolls and mix all your dried herbs with the melted butter. This vibrant blend is what makes this Italian Herb Skillet Bread Recipe truly shine. Brush half of the herb butter mixture gently over the tops of the rolls, then sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over them. This combo will melt and crisp in the oven to create a succulent, flavorful topping.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes until the tops are a deep golden brown. The parmesan will create a slightly crunchy, cheesy crust that pairs perfectly with the soft interior. Once out of the oven, brush the rolls with the remaining herb butter for an extra luscious finish and serve right in the skillet for a charming presentation.
How to Serve Italian Herb Skillet Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of more grated parmesan right before serving adds a fresh, vibrant touch and enhances the visual appeal. You can also drizzle a little good quality olive oil or even a balsamic reduction on top for a gourmet feel.
Side Dishes
This Italian Herb Skillet Bread pairs beautifully with just about any hearty meal. It’s a fantastic companion to pasta dishes, hearty soups, salamis and cheeses, or a comforting stew, soaking up sauces and adding a burst of herby flavor to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bread family-style right in the skillet to keep it warm and cozy at the table. You could also pull apart the rolls to offer a casual, interactive experience that invites everyone to savor the flavors. For a dinner party, place on a rustic wooden board alongside bowls of olive oil and seasoned butter for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Herb Skillet Bread will stay fresh for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping it sealed helps retain moisture so it doesn’t dry out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, the bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual rolls or the entire skillet portion tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 1 month without losing its delicious texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes. Covering loosely with foil prevents the tops from getting too crispy, while restoring that homemade freshly-baked warmth and softness you love from this Italian Herb Skillet Bread Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Using fresh herbs will give your bread an even brighter flavor. Just increase the quantity slightly—about one tablespoon combined—and finely chop before adding to your melted butter for brushing.
Do I have to use Rhodes frozen dinner rolls?
While Rhodes frozen dinner rolls work perfectly due to their consistent rise and soft texture, you can substitute with any frozen or fresh dinner rolls that you love. Just ensure they fit comfortably in your skillet and have enough time to rise before baking.
What type of skillet is best for this recipe?
A small cast iron skillet is ideal because it distributes heat evenly and creates a nice crust. If you don’t have cast iron, a heavy oven-safe dish or skillet will work fine as well.
Can I add other toppings to this bread?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella before baking to customize your loaf.
How long will the bread stay fresh after baking?
Once baked, this bread is best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days for optimal softness and flavor. After that, the texture may start to harden, but reheating helps revive it nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Herb Skillet Bread Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that turns everyday ingredients into something truly special. It’s the perfect mix of comforting, flavorful, and visually inviting that makes sharing with others even more delightful. I encourage you to try it soon and watch how quickly it disappears at your table!
Print
Italian Herb Skillet Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Herb Skillet Bread recipe features soft Rhodes frozen dinner rolls infused with aromatic herbs and garlic, baked to a golden perfection topped with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a flavorful side for any meal, it combines an easy preparation with a slow rise for fluffy, herbaceous rolls baked in a cast iron skillet.
Ingredients
Rolls and Herbs
- 7 Rhodes frozen dinner rolls
- ¼ tsp basil
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp rosemary
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes
Butter and Cheese
- 3 Tbsp butter, melted
- 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet: Spray a small iron skillet with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place 7 frozen dinner rolls inside the skillet, ensuring there is ample space between them to allow for rising and expansion.
- Let rolls rise: Cover the skillet with a lid or plastic wrap and allow the rolls to rise for several hours at room temperature. This recipe requires about 4 hours for the rolls to fully rise and become fluffy.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and allow it to fully preheat before baking the rolls.
- Prepare herb butter and brush rolls: In a small bowl, mix the dried basil, pepper, oregano, rosemary, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes with the melted butter. Uncover the risen rolls and brush them generously with half of this herb-infused melted butter. Then sprinkle the tops evenly with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake rolls: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rolls achieve a deep golden brown color on top, indicating they’re cooked through and crusty on the exterior.
- Finish and serve: After baking, brush the tops with the remaining herb butter for extra flavor and richness. Serve the rolls warm directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
Notes
- Make sure to give the rolls enough time to fully rise to achieve the perfect fluffy texture.
- A cast iron skillet is preferred for even heat distribution and a crispy crust, but an oven-safe skillet of similar size can work.
- You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- If you want a stronger garlic flavor, add a bit more garlic powder or fresh minced garlic to the butter mixture.
- These rolls are best served warm but can be reheated gently in the oven.
