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Skillet Bread
5 from 234 votes

Skillet Bread

Skillet Bread is a simple yeast bread kneaded and risen before baking in a cast iron skillet. The dough is soft and smooth, and slits cut on top help control expansion. The result is a rustic loaf with a golden crust, optionally brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with sea salt for extra flavor and a softer crust.

Prep Time
12 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Additional Time
1 hr 5 mins
Total Time
1 hr 29 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 165 kcal
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups water 105-115 degrees, warm
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 ½ - 4 cups bread flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt

Instructions

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  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, stir the water, honey, and yeast together.
  2. Let mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
  3. Add 2 ½ cups of flour, olive oil, and salt.
  4. Knead on low, continuing to add flour 1/4 cup at a time until it forms a soft, smooth dough that clears the sides of the bowl.
  5. Once it forms the dough, continue to knead for 5 minutes on low.
  6. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
  7. Form the dough into a tight ball and place in a cast iron skillet. I use a 12" skillet.
  8. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
  9. Toward the end of the second rising time, set your oven rack to the lower middle position and preheat oven to 400F.
  10. Just before you place the bread in the oven cut two slits width-wise and one lengthwise.
  11. Bake for 12-20 minutes. The bread will brown quickly toward the end of the baking time, so keep an eye on it.
  12. OPTIONAL: I brush a little melted butter over the baked bread and sprinkle sea salt on top.

Notes

  • Water temperature should be warm (105-115°F)–warm to the touch but not hot–to properly activate yeast without killing it.
  • Olive oil can be replaced with a neutral oil if preferred without affecting the recipe significantly.
  • All-purpose flour can be used instead of bread flour, though texture might be slightly different.
  • Cast iron skillet ensures even baking and browning; other oven-safe heavy skillets could be experimented with cautiously.
  • Brushing the baked bread with melted butter and sea salt adds softness and flavor to the crust but is optional.
  • Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 165kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 30g (10%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 3g (5%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 293mg (12%) Potassium 44mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 3g (6%) Calcium 6mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 165

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 165kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 30g 10%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 3g 5%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 293mg 12%
Potassium 44mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 3g 6%
Calcium 6mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.