These rapid-rise skillet rolls are the perfect go-to when you’re short on time but still want soft and fluffy dinner rolls on the table. These are easy to make and while you certainly could use a stand mixer, it’s not required! All you need is a bowl, a spoon, and a little bit of muscle to put this dough together. A cast iron skillet adds a crispy bottom crust, but if you don’t have one, a regular 9×13 pan works just as well!
For other delicious and easy breads try our Jalapeño Cheese Bread or Rustic Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread.
Why Our Recipe
- Ready in just an hour, these rolls are a perfect alternative if you need dinner rolls on the table fast!
- A little honey is used to add sweetness and help make the tops golden brown.
- No stand mixer is required, plus you can bake them in a skillet or a 9×13 pan.
Our Best Homemade Dinner Rolls Ever have been made in millions of homes across the globe. They are absolutely heavenly, but we understand that sometimes you just don’t have three hours to make dinner rolls! If that’s the case for you, this is a quick yeast roll recipe that will get you delicious rolls on nights when you might not have as much time.
Ingredient Notes
- Instant yeast: The best yeast to use in this recipe is instant dry yeast, but it might also be called rapid-rise yeast, quick yeast, or instant yeast in the stores.
- Warm water: Be sure that you use warm water not hot water, otherwise the heat could kill your yeast. If the water is too hot for you to touch, it’s too hot for the yeast!
- Honey: The honey adds flavor, but you could also use regular granulated sugar in the same amount.
- Butter: Make sure the butter is melted for easier incorporation into the dough.
- All-Purpose Flour: Start with 2 1/2 cups and add more as needed. The exact amount may vary based on humidity and how you measure flour, but aim for a soft dough that’s tacky, but not sticky enough to stick to your hands. You can also use bread flour.
Instant Dry Yeast
Instant dry yeast is very similar to active dry yeast. They can be used interchangeably in recipes, but instant dry yeast has a smaller granule and doesn’t need to be dissolved in water before using it. It will begin to work in the recipe instantly, which cuts down on the rising time. That makes instant dry yeast ideal for easy bread recipes like these rolls!
Use a 9×13 Instead of a Skillet
If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, no worries! A 9×13 pan will still give you beautifully baked, soft, and fluffy rolls. Simply shape the dough into 12 rolls and arrange them evenly in a lightly greased 9×13 pan.
The rolls may not get as crispy on the bottom as they would in a cast iron skillet, but they will still bake up perfectly golden brown on top and soft inside. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking since different pans can result in slightly different bake times. A light aluminum or glass 9×13 pan might require an additional few minutes, while darker pans may not need any additional time.
Proofing Your Bread
This recipe does not require you to proof your bread, but it may come in handy during winter months and cooler weather where your house may not be ideal enough for a rapid rise. The rising time, however, may increase beyond 20 minutes if your house runs on the cooler side.
Since this is a smaller recipe, you can proof your bread quickly by microwaving a cup of water until it is steaming, and then adding the dough to the microwave. Try to get it into the microwave quickly so the steam doesn’t escape, and don’t open the door until it’s finished proofing.
If you’re making a larger bread recipe, or if you have a smaller microwave, you can proof your bread in the oven. Just heat your oven to 150 degrees, then turn your oven off and place the dough in the oven and close the door. That first blast of heat will help your dough rise quickly, and the oven will continue to stay warm long enough for your dough to rise.
Storage Instructions
Let your rolls cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
I found that while I liked the ease and flavor, my rolls. Were sticky , even after using 3 cups of flour .
I agree. I added almost 1/2 cup more.
I used 3 cups flour, were still sticky. But I butter my hands before rolling.
I needed to add more flour as well. They rose beautifully baking now. ? Can you substitute regular sugar for the honey?
I used almost four. When it formed a still sticky ball, I turned it out and just kneaded in flour for a few minutes until it was the right consistency, though still a bit sticky. I put them in a 10in cast iron skillet and they came out beautifully, though did need to run a knife at the margins because the pan really was too small. I will be doing these again, maybe experimenting with some seasonings.
Can I replace the flour with almond flour?
I would not recommend substituting almond flour.
Absolutely the best dinner roll..and made and baked in a hour. We slathered with garlic butter and was a great alternative to the typical garlic bread. Will most certainly make over and over plus turn them into cinnamon rolls one morning!
I have made these several times, and they come out beautifully every time!
Yes can I make these the night before put them in the fridge and bake them the next afternoon
One word. Delicious! Okay, another word. Fluffy! I had a little extra time so cut the yeast in half and let them rise near the wood stove for an hour or so. I had run out of butter so I substituted virgin coconut oil and sea salt. I’m making these again today and have subbed half of the flour for whole wheat. Looking forward to the results. Thanks for a wonderful recipe 🙂
Clear easy to follow instructions
This is the first time in my life I ever made dinner rolls cause I turn right off when I hear the word yeast. They were absolutely delicious and easy to make. Turned out great. Cant wait to invite friends over to make them again.
Best roll recipe ever. My family loved them and there was none left. Thank you for this recipe life saver for me.
Hi- Just confirming- We are supposed to use both salted butter and salt?
yes