There’s something irresistibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread drifting through your kitchen—warm, golden, and filled with the scent of herbs and butter. This sourdough garlic herb skillet bread turns that cozy moment into a centerpiece-worthy treat. Made with a bubbly sourdough starter, aromatic rosemary, and a finishing sprinkle of sea salt, each roll bursts with flavor and texture. Whether you’re planning Thanksgiving dinner or simply want to elevate a weeknight meal, this skillet rolls recipe delivers homemade bread with sea salt that tastes like pure comfort in every bite.
The Heart of Sourdough Garlic Herb Skillet Bread
A personal story behind the dough
The first time I made sourdough garlic herb skillet bread was during a cool November evening when the kitchen windows fogged up from the oven’s warmth. I had been dabbling in sourdough baking for weeks, slowly learning the rhythm of feeding my starter and waiting for the dough to rise. That night, I wanted to make something special—something that combined the rustic charm of sourdough with the fragrant pull of garlic butter and herbs.
I melted butter in a cast-iron skillet, the garlic sizzling gently as rosemary released its piney aroma. The moment the homemade bread with sea salt came out of the oven—its crust golden and its edges crisp—I knew I had stumbled upon a recipe that would stay in my kitchen forever. The soft interior and buttery herbs reminded me of cozy gatherings and dinners filled with laughter. From that evening on, this skillet rolls recipe became my go-to for holidays and quiet Sundays alike—a small ritual of comfort and connection.
These rolls are everything you crave in homemade bread—fluffy inside, crisp at the edges, and bursting with the flavor of roasted garlic and fresh herbs. Compared to store-bought rolls, which often lack depth and texture, this sourdough garlic herb skillet bread brings a wholesome richness that only real ingredients and care can deliver. The sourdough base adds a slight tang that balances the savory butter, while the sprinkle of sea salt provides a finishing crunch that makes every bite memorable.
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Sourdough Garlic Herb Skillet Bread with Sea Salt Butter Rolls
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Description
Warm, golden skillet rolls made with bubbly sourdough starter, garlic, rosemary, and a finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. In a large bowl combine sourdough starter, warm water, and 2 tablespoons melted butter.
2. Stir in minced garlic and chopped rosemary until evenly distributed.
3. Add flour and salt, mix until a shaggy dough forms, then rest for 30 minutes.
4. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 4–6 hours until doubled.
6. Butter a 10-inch cast-iron skillet generously and preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
7. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a smooth ball.
8. Arrange dough balls in the skillet, cover, and proof for 1–2 hours until puffy.
9. Brush tops with remaining melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and extra rosemary.
10. Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and crisp on the edges.
11. Brush hot rolls with additional butter and let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
12. Serve warm, directly from the skillet, with sea salt butter if desired.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: bread
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
Keywords: sourdough, garlic herb skillet bread, skillet rolls recipe, homemade bread with sea salt, thanksgiving skillet rolls, garlic herb skillet rolls, sea salt bread
What makes this recipe truly special is how simple it feels despite its artisanal results. There’s no need for special equipment or complicated techniques—just patience, warmth, and a good skillet. These garlic herb skillet rolls fit beautifully on any table, whether served beside a Thanksgiving turkey or a hearty bowl of soup. They’re the kind of bread that invites everyone to reach for seconds, reminding you that comfort can often be found in something as simple as golden, freshly baked rolls still steaming in the pan.
Ingredients & Tools for Homemade Bread with Sea Salt
Essential ingredients for garlic herb skillet rolls
Every great loaf—or in this case, every irresistible roll—starts with high-quality ingredients. This sourdough garlic herb skillet bread relies on a few simple staples that transform into something extraordinary once they come together in the pan. Below you’ll find a quick guide to exactly what you’ll need to bring your skillet rolls recipe to life:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sourdough starter | 1 cup | Active and bubbly; the heart of your bread’s rise and tangy flavor |
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups | Substitute up to 1 cup with whole wheat for a nuttier taste |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 3 | Use fresh cloves for the best aroma and flavor depth |
| Butter | 4 tbsp | Melted; adds richness and helps brown the crust |
| Fresh rosemary | 1 tbsp | Finely chopped; thyme or oregano can also be added |
| Flaky sea salt | To taste | For finishing; adds texture and a burst of flavor |
Sourdough starter: This living mixture of flour and water gives the rolls their signature depth. The active cultures create natural fermentation, resulting in a soft crumb and ever-so-slight tang. If you feed your starter regularly, you’ll get beautifully airy and flavorful rolls every time.
Flour: All-purpose flour keeps the dough light and elastic. Combining it with whole wheat adds structure and a hint of nuttiness for rustic flair.
Garlic: Mincing and gently sautéing the cloves before mixing them into the dough infuses every bite with warmth. You can use roasted garlic for a mellower flavor.
Butter: Both mixed into the dough and brushed on top, butter introduces richness and a delicate golden shine.
Fresh herbs: Rosemary pairs perfectly with sourdough’s tang, but thyme, parsley, or sage make excellent variations—especially for Thanksgiving skillet rolls.
Flaky sea salt: Adds that satisfying crunch on top and elevates the taste, turning these rolls into true homemade bread with sea salt sophistication.
Tools to make perfect sourdough skillet rolls
The right tools make baking smoother, faster, and more enjoyable. Thankfully, creating garlic herb skillet rolls doesn’t require anything fancy—just a few trusted kitchen companions:
- Cast-iron skillet: The key to evenly baked, golden rolls.
- Mixing bowl: A large, sturdy bowl for combining and proofing dough.
- Bench scraper: Ideal for dividing sticky dough and keeping mess minimal.
- Kitchen scale: Ensures accuracy and consistency in sourdough baking.
- Pastry brush: For buttery, glossy tops that make the rolls shine.
Optional upgrades include a thermometer for consistency and a proofing basket for shaping dough overnight. Combined with quality ingredients, these tools help you craft sourdough garlic herb skillet bread that’s inviting, rustic, and bursting with aroma.
Step-by-Step Skillet Rolls Recipe
Mixing, proofing, and shaping your dough
Making sourdough garlic herb skillet bread is a gentle, hands-on process that rewards patience. Combine your active sourdough starter, warm water, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until blended, then add minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and flour. The dough will look shaggy and sticky—don’t rush it. Mix until fully incorporated, then let rest 20–30 minutes for the flour to hydrate.
After resting, sprinkle sea salt and knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If sticky, dust lightly with flour—but avoid too much. Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and proof 4–6 hours in a warm spot until doubled in size.
Lightly butter your cast-iron skillet and turn the proofed dough onto a floured surface. Divide into small lemon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Arrange evenly in the skillet, leaving space to expand. Cover and allow a second proof for 1–2 hours, until the rolls nearly touch. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) as they rise.
Baking, brushing, and serving the golden garlic herb rolls
When ready to bake, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle flaky sea salt and rosemary. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden. For a deeper crust, bake an additional 5 minutes. The rolls should have crisp bottoms and soft interiors.
Remove from the oven and brush again with butter while still hot. The butter sizzles into the crust, adding shine and depth of flavor. Add another pinch of sea salt for sparkle and crunch. Let cool 5–10 minutes before serving directly from the skillet for rustic presentation.
These garlic herb skillet rolls pair beautifully with Thanksgiving dishes or simple stews. Every bite balances sourdough tang, garlic butter, rosemary freshness, and sea salt crunch. For extra indulgence, serve with sea salt butter made by mixing softened butter, salt flakes, and herbs.
Whether baked for a celebration or a quiet dinner, these Thanksgiving skillet rolls prove that homemade bread can be simple, elegant, and unforgettable. Once you taste them, you’ll see why this skillet rolls recipe has become a favorite among home bakers seeking comfort and craft in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these sourdough garlic herb skillet rolls without a starter?
Yes. Substitute the starter with 2 teaspoons of instant yeast and shorten the rise to 1–2 hours. The rolls lose sourdough’s tang but keep their buttery garlic flavor.
How should I store leftover skillet bread?
Wrap tightly or use an airtight container. Store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5. Warm at 325°F for 8–10 minutes to refresh the texture.
What herbs work best besides rosemary?
Try thyme, sage, or parsley for warmth, or basil and chives for seasonal freshness. Use about a tablespoon total for balanced flavor.
Can I freeze baked rolls?
Yes. Cool completely, wrap in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat at 325°F for 10 minutes, brushing butter on top for freshness.
How do I keep the crust soft?
Brush generously with butter right after baking. It traps steam, softening the crust. For crispier rolls, bake slightly longer and skip the final brushing.
The Comfort in Every Bite
There’s something timeless about pulling a skillet of golden rolls from the oven—the hiss of melted butter, the wafting rosemary, the joy of breaking one open to reveal its tender crumb. This sourdough garlic herb skillet bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s a ritual of comfort born from simple ingredients and patience.
Whether on a holiday table or at a casual family meal, these garlic herb skillet rolls embody homemade warmth. Tangy sourdough, fragrant herbs, and sea salt butter create harmony between rustic heartiness and refined flavor.
Each batch tells its own story—slightly different color, swirl of garlic, or hint of herbs—proof that homemade bread with sea salt is alive and wonderfully imperfect. So gather your skillet, warm your oven, and fill your home with butter and herbs. When you share these rolls, you share warmth and care, making every meal special with Sourdough Garlic Herb Skillet Bread with Sea Salt Butter Rolls.
