Easy Stovetop Skillet Bread

There’s something magical about the aroma of fresh bread wafting through your kitchen. But what if we told you that you could enjoy homemade bread without turning on your oven? This Easy Stovetop Skillet Bread recipe is a game-changer! Perfect for beginners, it requires minimal ingredients, no special equipment, and delivers a soft, fluffy texture with a golden, crispy crust.

Whether you’re facing a hot summer day, don’t have an oven, or simply want a quick way to make bread, this stovetop method is here to rescue you. With this recipe, you’ll make bakery-quality bread right on your stovetop in under an hour. Plus, the recipe is highly versatile—you can pair it with soups, salads, or even enjoy it with a smear of butter and jam.

If you love this stovetop bread, be sure to try our No-Knead Artisan Bread for a rustic loaf or Quick Garlic Flatbread for a flavorful side dish.

Ingredients for Easy Stovetop Skillet Bread

Here’s what you’ll need to make this soft and fluffy bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
• ¾ cup warm water (around 100°F – 110°F)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for dough and skillet)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
• Shredded cheese (parmesan or cheddar works well)
• Crushed garlic for a savory twist

Ingredient Notes:

• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Don’t have olive oil? Use melted butter or vegetable oil instead.
• Check out our Guide to Choosing the Best Flour for Bread for more tips.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Stovetop Skillet Bread

1. Activate the Yeast (if using active dry yeast):
   • Combine the warm water and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. (Skip this step if using instant yeast.)
2. Mix the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture (or instant yeast) and olive oil. Stir until the mixture comes together into a shaggy dough.
3. Knead the Dough:
   • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also knead in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 5 minutes.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
   • Lightly oil the bowl and place the dough inside, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 30–40 minutes or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Dough:
   • Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into a round disc, about 1 inch thick.
6. Heat the Skillet:
   • Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-low heat. Add a teaspoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom.
7. Cook the Bread:
   • Place the dough in the skillet, cover it with a lid, and cook for 10–12 minutes on one side. Flip the bread using a spatula and cook for another 8–10 minutes on the other side. The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
8. Cool and Serve:
   • Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool slightly. Slice and serve warm with your favorite spreads or as a side dish!

Pro Tip: For an extra golden crust, brush the dough with olive oil or melted butter before cooking.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

• Temperature Control: Keep the heat on medium-low to avoid burning the bread. A heavy skillet helps distribute heat evenly.
• Add Toppings: Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or flaky sea salt on the dough before cooking for added texture and flavor.
• Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave for a fresh taste.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked bread for up to a month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
• For more tips on bread storage, check out USDA’s Guidelines on Freezing Food.

FAQs about Easy Stovetop Skillet Bread

1. Can I make this bread vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan if you use olive oil. Just ensure your add-ins, like cheese, are plant-based.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! Substitute up to 50% of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bread. You may need to add a little more water since whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.

3. What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?
No problem! Any heavy-bottomed skillet with a lid will work. If using a thinner pan, keep the heat extra low to avoid burning.

4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it in foil. Reheat slices in a skillet or pop them in a toaster for a quick refresh.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and cooking.

Closing Thoughts

There you have it—an easy, foolproof recipe for Easy Stovetop Skillet Bread that’s soft, golden, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Pair it with soups, stews, or even your morning coffee.

If you try this recipe, leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us. For more easy bread recipes, check out our Homemade Garlic Naan or 3-Ingredient Flatbread.

Happy cooking!

Easy Stovetop Skillet Bread

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• Total Time: 1 hour 28 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

2 tsp instant yeast

3/4 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)

2 tbsp olive oil

Optional Add-Ins:

1 tsp dried herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme)

2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Knead the Dough:

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour.

Let It Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Shape the Dough:

Punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf, or divide it into smaller portions for flatbreads.

Cook on the Stovetop:

Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or non-stick pan over low-medium heat. Lightly grease the skillet with oil or butter. Place the shaped dough into the skillet, cover with a lid, and cook for 8-10 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.

Flip and Finish:

Carefully flip the bread and cook the other side for another 6-8 minutes, until the bread is cooked through. Tap the bread gently—it should sound hollow when done.

Cool and Enjoy:

Remove from the skillet and let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Serve with butter, jam, or your favorite spreads.

• Author: Lillian
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 18 minutes