Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Texture: Achieves a balance between softness and structural integrity, making them ideal for substantial fillings without falling apart.
Flavorful: Utilizes whole milk and butter to impart a rich flavor to the bread.
Homemade Satisfaction: Baking these rolls from scratch allows you to enjoy fresh bread with no preservatives, enhancing your sandwich experience.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup whole milk (245g), warmed to 90°F
2½ tablespoons granulated sugar (30g)
2 teaspoons active dry yeast (11g)
3 cups bread flour (450g)
2 teaspoons fine sea salt (12g)
2 large eggs, beaten
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42g), cold and cubed
1 egg white, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

Directions

Bloom the Yeast:
- In a medium bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk mixture. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.
Prepare the Dough:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the bread flour and fine sea salt.
- Add the bloomed yeast mixture and beaten eggs to the flour mixture.
- Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed for 3 to 5 minutes until a shaggy dough forms, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Incorporate Butter:
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dough.
- Continue mixing on low speed for about 8 to 10 minutes until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
First Rise (Bulk Fermentation):
- Lightly oil a large bowl.
- Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat all sides with oil.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Rolls:
- Gently deflate the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
- Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a ball by folding the edges into the center and rolling it between your hands to form a smooth ball.
- Place the dough balls seam-side down on a lightly floured surface.
- Cover them with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let them rest for 10 minutes.
Second Rise (Proofing):
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- After the dough has rested, gently shape each ball into an oval, about 6 inches long.
- Place the shaped rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for expansion.
- Cover the rolls with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let them rise for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy.
Apply Egg Wash:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and water.
- Gently brush the tops of the risen rolls with the egg wash to give them a golden finish.
Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
- If desired, brush the tops with additional melted butter immediately after baking for extra softness and flavor.
Cool:
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- Transfer the rolls to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 sub rolls
Prep Time: Approximately 30 minutes (excluding rising times)
Cook Time: 15 to 18 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours (including rising times)

Variations

Storage: Store the cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the whole milk with a plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk) and use dairy-free butter.
Whole Wheat Option: Replace half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor and texture.

Conclusion

These Handmade Sub Rolls elevate any sandwich with their soft texture and rich flavor. Whether you’re crafting classic sub sandwiches, hearty meatball subs, or any other creation, these rolls will provide the perfect base. By making them at home, you get fresh, preservative-free bread that takes your sandwich experience to the next level. Enjoy these homemade sub rolls with your favorite fillings for a truly satisfying meal.

Handmade Sub Rolls

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These Handmade Sub Rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfectly designed to hold hearty sandwich fillings like meatballs. With a rich flavor from whole milk and butter, they strike the ideal balance between tenderness and structure. Made from scratch, these rolls elevate any sandwich, offering a fresh, preservative-free alternative that will take your meal to the next level.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: Approximately 30 minutes (excluding rising times)
Cook Time: 15 to 18 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours (including rising times)
Yield: 6 sub rolls
Category: Bread, Sandwich Rolls
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Bloom the Yeast:
- Combine warm milk and granulated sugar in a medium bowl, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.
Prepare the Dough:
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine bread flour and fine sea salt.
- Add the bloomed yeast mixture and beaten eggs to the flour mixture.
- Using a dough hook, mix on low speed for 3 to 5 minutes until a shaggy dough forms.
Incorporate Butter:
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dough and mix on low for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise (Bulk Fermentation):
- Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat all sides.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
Shape the Rolls:
- Deflate the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface.
- Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces, shaping each into a smooth ball by folding the edges into the center.
- Let them rest for 10 minutes under a damp cloth.
Second Rise (Proofing):
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape each ball into an oval (about 6 inches long) and place on a prepared baking sheet.
- Let them rise, covered, for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy.
Apply Egg Wash:
- Whisk together egg white and water. Brush the tops of the risen rolls with the egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, until golden brown.
- Optionally, brush with melted butter for extra softness and flavor after baking.
Cool:
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

Storage: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter for a vegan-friendly version.

Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.