Golden, pillowy, and impossibly soft—these Sour Cream and Chive Skillet Dinner Rolls are everything you dream of when the scent of freshly baked bread wafts through the kitchen. Flavored with tangy sour cream and speckled with fresh, fragrant chives, these rolls are rustic comfort with a gourmet twist. They’re the kind of bread that makes a dinner memorable and leaves everyone reaching for seconds.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe started on a cozy Sunday evening, when soup was bubbling on the stove and something warm was needed to go alongside it. I opened the fridge, spotted sour cream, some chives from the garden, and a cast iron skillet begging to be used. The result? A batch of tender rolls that felt indulgent and homey all at once. It’s a recipe that came together in a moment, but now I can’t imagine a comfort meal without them.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Dinner rolls have deep roots in traditional American home cooking, often making appearances on holiday tables or weeknight spreads. The cast iron skillet method harks back to southern kitchens, where bread was often baked in pans that retained heat beautifully and delivered a perfect crust. The addition of sour cream brings a tangy richness often found in Eastern European baking, while chives offer a nod to French flavor sensibilities. It’s a recipe with feet in many worlds and a heart full of comfort.

Why You’ll Love Sour Cream and Chive Skillet Dinner Rolls

These rolls aren’t just beautiful—they’re packed with flavor and easy to love. Here’s why:

Versatile: Serve them with soups, stews, roasts, or even on their own with butter.

Budget-Friendly: Made from pantry and fridge staples—nothing fancy needed.

Quick and Easy: No long proofing or complicated shaping.

Customizable: Add cheese, swap herbs, or brush with garlic butter.

Crowd-Pleasing: Their golden tops and fluffy insides always impress.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough can be prepped a day in advance and baked fresh.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat beautifully or use in sliders and sandwiches.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

A few tips to turn your rolls from good to unforgettable:

Use full-fat sour cream: Adds moisture and depth to the dough.
Don’t over-knead: Too much kneading makes the rolls dense.
Let them rise in a warm place: This encourages a fluffy, light texture.
Brush with butter before baking: Creates a golden, tender crust.
Use a cast iron skillet: For even heat and that perfect bottom crust.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

These rolls require just a few common kitchen items to get bakery-level results.

Mixing Bowls: For mixing and proofing your dough.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision ensures perfect texture.

Whisk and Wooden Spoon: For smooth mixing and folding.

Cast Iron Skillet (10-12 inch): Gives your rolls that rustic, crispy bottom.

Pastry Brush: Essential for buttering before and after baking.

Clean Towel or Plastic Wrap: To cover dough while rising.

Ingredients in Sour Cream and Chive Skillet Dinner Rolls

Every ingredient here brings moisture, flavor, and irresistible fluff to the table.

All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (provides structure and light chew)
Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon (helps create lift and rise without yeast)
Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon (works with sour cream to tenderize)
Salt: 1 teaspoon (balances and enhances flavors)
Granulated Sugar: 1 tablespoon (adds a hint of sweetness)
Sour Cream: 1 1/2 cups (the secret to moist, tangy rolls)
Egg: 1 large (binds and enriches the dough)
Fresh Chives: 1/4 cup, finely chopped (adds savory, oniony brightness)
Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted (brushed on top for a golden finish)

Ingredient Substitutions

Short on something? Try these simple swaps:

Sour Cream: Use plain Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-rich version.
Chives: Green onions or scallions work well in a pinch.
Butter: Olive oil gives a softer, earthier crust.

Ingredient Spotlight

Sour Cream: Its richness adds moisture and slight acidity, making the rolls fluffy inside and golden outside.

Fresh Chives: Their delicate onion flavor is a natural match for breads and spreads, adding both aroma and color.

Instructions for Making Sour Cream and Chive Skillet Dinner Rolls

Let’s turn these humble ingredients into a skillet full of golden magic.

Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your cast iron skillet generously with butter or non-stick spray.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, mix sour cream, egg, and chopped chives. Add wet to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Using floured hands, gently form 10–12 equal-sized dough balls and arrange them in the skillet, spacing slightly apart.
Assemble the Dish:
Let the formed rolls rest for 10–15 minutes at room temperature. Brush the tops with half the melted butter.
Cook to Perfection:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–28 minutes, or until tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Finishing Touches:
Immediately brush with the remaining butter once out of the oven. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt if desired.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm right out of the skillet. They’re irresistible with butter, soup, or just as they are.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These rolls are everything you want—fluffy, tender interiors with just a touch of chew, and crisp golden tops brushed with butter. The sour cream adds richness and keeps them moist, while the chives give subtle pops of onion flavor throughout. It’s rustic elegance in every bite.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make the most of every batch with these handy tricks:

Use room temperature ingredients for better blending.
Let the dough rest to hydrate fully before shaping.
Add cheese like cheddar or Parmesan for extra savory depth.

What to Avoid

Don’t let simple mistakes ruin your bake:

Overmixing: Makes the rolls tough and dense.
Skipping the butter brush: Leads to dry tops.
Using cold ingredients: Can prevent proper rise.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10–12 rolls
Calories per serving: 190

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Total Time: 48 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temp before baking. Baked rolls keep well for 2 days in an airtight container. To freeze, let them cool completely, then wrap tightly. Reheat in a low oven for best results.

How to Serve Sour Cream and Chive Skillet Dinner Rolls

These rolls are perfect alongside soups, roasted meats, or as a base for sliders. Serve with soft butter, herbed cream cheese, or even a swipe of garlic aioli. For breakfast, toast leftovers and top with scrambled eggs and cheese.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn your extra rolls into next-day delights:

Breakfast Sandwiches: Slice and fill with egg, cheese, and sausage.
Mini Sliders: Perfect for pulled chicken or BBQ jackfruit.
Croutons: Cube and toast for hearty soups and salads.

Additional Tips

Add a pinch of garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor.
Use cast iron for the best crust, but a baking dish works too.
A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning before baking takes it up a notch.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters. Serve them straight from the cast iron skillet at the table for that rustic “wow” factor. Garnish with extra chopped chives and flaky sea salt just before serving. Want to go gourmet? Top each roll with a mini pat of herbed compound butter.

Variations to Try

Cheddar & Chive: Mix in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar for savory punch.
Garlic Herb: Add minced garlic and Italian herbs to the dough.
Sweet & Savory: Brush with honey butter for a sweet finish.
Spicy Jalapeño: Add diced jalapeños to the mix for a kick.
Everything Rolls: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning before baking.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use self-rising flour?

Yes, just skip the baking powder and salt.

Q2: Can I make these ahead?

Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight and bake the next day.

Q3: Are these freezer-friendly?

Absolutely—freeze after baking and reheat when needed.

Q4: Can I make them gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for best results.

Q5: Can I use dried chives?

Yes, but fresh chives give better flavor and color.

Q6: What’s the best skillet size?

A 10–12 inch cast iron skillet is ideal.

Q7: Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt works great.

Q8: Why didn’t my rolls rise?

Baking powder may be expired or ingredients too cold.

Q9: Can I add cheese?

Definitely—cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan are delicious.

Q10: Are these rolls good the next day?

Yes, reheat in a warm oven and they’re as good as fresh.

Conclusion

Sour Cream and Chive Skillet Dinner Rolls are more than just a side—they’re the kind of comforting, flavorful bread that turns an everyday meal into something special. Rustic, quick, and filled with personality, they’ll win a spot in your regular rotation. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.