Name: Handmade Sub Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Cup Whole Milk (90℉); 2 ½ Tablespoons Granulated sugar (30g); 2 Teaspoons, or 1 Packet Active Dry Yeast (11g); 3 Cups Bread Flour; 2 tsp Fine Sea Salt (12g); 2 Eggs (Beaten); 3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Cold, Cubed); 1 Egg White (Beaten); 1 Tablespoon Water

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 10 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Handmade Sub Rolls Recipe because these rolls have become a cherished staple in my kitchen. The moment I bit into one, I knew this soft yet crusty bread would elevate any sandwich or meal. The process of making the dough from scratch is so satisfying, and the results? Fluffy, flavorful rolls perfect for stuffing with your favorite fillings. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just want to enjoy fresh bread at home, this recipe never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Handmade Sub Rolls Recipe

What really draws me to this Handmade Sub Rolls Recipe is the balance of flavors and textures. The crust has just the right amount of crispness to give a satisfying crunch without being too hard, while the inside stays wonderfully soft and tender. The richness from the butter and eggs produces a subtle, comforting flavor that reminds me of the best bakery rolls, but homemade. Each bite feels cozy and surprisingly fresh even a day later.

Another aspect I adore about these rolls is how approachable the recipe is. Even though it involves a few rises and kneading steps, it’s not complicated at all, making it a great project to enjoy on a weekend or when you have a little extra time. The ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet the outcome feels special enough for holidays or parties. Whenever I serve these rolls, I get compliments, and honestly, it makes me proud to say I made them myself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three golden brown bread rolls lie side by side on a white marbled textured surface. Each roll has a smooth top with three diagonal slashes revealing a soft, lighter inner crumb that looks fluffy and airy. The rolls show a shiny, glazed crust with a gentle gradient of color from deep golden brown on the raised tops to a lighter beige near the bottom edges. The texture appears soft but firm, with slight cracks and wrinkles giving a fresh, homemade look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create such delightful sub rolls. Each component plays an important role — from the warm milk that activates the yeast to the cold butter that adds richness and tenderness to the dough.

Whole Milk (90℉): Warm milk helps bloom the yeast, ensuring lively dough fermentation.
Granulated Sugar (2 ½ tablespoons): Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
Active Dry Yeast (2 teaspoons or 1 packet): The essential agent that makes the dough rise beautifully.
Bread Flour (3 cups): Gives structure and chewiness thanks to its higher protein content.
Fine Sea Salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances flavor and strengthens dough gluten.
Eggs (2, beaten): Adds richness and contributes to a soft crumb.
Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons, cold, cubed): Incorporates moisture and flavor, making the rolls tender.
Egg White (1, beaten) and Water (1 tablespoon): For the beautiful, glossy egg wash finish.

Directions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the warm whole milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and fragrant; this indicates your yeast is perfectly activated.

Step 2: While the yeast mixture blooms, mix together the bread flour and sea salt in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.

Step 3: Pour the yeast mixture and beaten eggs into the flour and salt mixture. Knead on low speed for 3 to 5 minutes until you see a shaggy dough forming. Don’t forget to scrape the sides of the bowl occasionally for even mixing.

Step 4: Add the cold, cubed butter pieces to the dough and continue kneading for another 8 to 10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic, and feel wonderfully pliable. At this point, your dough ball should weigh around 880 grams.

Step 5: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a tight ball. Make sure the surface isn’t too floured; just enough to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it once to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Step 7: Once risen, punch the dough down gently and divide it into six equal portions, around 140 grams each. Roll each piece loosely into a ball.

Step 8: Take each ball and, using a rolling pin, roll it into a rectangle approximately 9 inches wide and 5 inches tall, with a thickness between ¼ and ½ inch. Starting from the longer side, roll the dough tightly into a loaf shape, making sure to pinch the seams firmly closed. Place the loaves seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 9: Cover the dough loaves with a damp cloth or another baking sheet, letting them rise again for about 30 minutes. This second proof ensures a light, airy crumb.

Step 10: Preheat your oven to 400°F while the rolls are proofing.

Step 11: Mix the beaten egg white and water to create an egg wash. Gently brush this over the tops of each loaf to achieve that perfect golden shine.

Step 12: Using a sharp knife or bread lame, score each loaf with three shallow, ¼-inch deep slashes along the top. This gives them their signature look and allows steam to escape during baking.

Step 13: Bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes or until they’re a deep golden color. You can check doneness by internal temperature if you have a thermometer—it should read between 195°F and 200°F. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing to avoid crumb compression.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes six generously sized sub rolls, perfect for sandwiches or serving alongside meals. Prep time is around 20 minutes, with a total rise time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Baking takes about 15 to 20 minutes, bringing the total time to roughly 2 hours and 10 minutes. I recommend allowing the rolls to fully cool before slicing, which adds about 20 to 30 minutes resting time but is well worth the wait for the best texture.

How to Serve This Handmade Sub Rolls Recipe

A long sandwich is shown on a wooden surface, with a white soft hoagie roll sliced open. Inside, the first layer at the bottom is several thin slices of red salami with white fat specks, followed by a smooth white layer of sliced cheese. Above the cheese, there are bright red slices of tomato, topped with light green shredded lettuce, filling the top part of the sandwich. The bread has a light golden crust and a fluffy white interior. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these sub rolls, I often fill them with classic deli meats and cheeses, letting the bread shine as the perfect vessel for the fillings. Think thick slices of turkey, provolone, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and a smear of mayo or mustard. They are also fantastic for hearty meatball subs, loaded with marinara and melted mozzarella. I like to warm the rolls lightly before assembling for a soft, inviting bite.

Aside from sandwiches, these rolls are wonderful on the side during family dinners or holiday feasts. I enjoy serving them with a bowl of soup or a fresh salad, turning a simple meal into something a little more special. To add a pop of color and contrast, a sprinkling of fresh herbs or a brush of garlic butter on the rolls right out of the oven works wonders and looks beautiful on the plate.

For beverages, I gravitate towards cold craft beers or crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc when serving sandwiches, while hot cocoa or spiced cider are perfect companions for a cozy sandwich lunch. I also love serving these rolls at casual get-togethers with sparkling water flavored with fresh citrus or herbs to keep things light and refreshing.

Variations

I love experimenting with variations on this Handmade Sub Rolls Recipe. For a whole wheat version, I swap half the bread flour for whole wheat flour to add earthiness and a bit more nutrition without sacrificing softness. For those avoiding dairy, replacing the milk with a plant-based alternative and using vegan butter works beautifully, though I find the rolls are just a touch denser.

To create buns with a different twist, I sometimes add herbs like rosemary or oregano right into the dough for an aromatic flavor boost. You could even sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top before baking for an extra crunch and visual appeal. If you want to skip the oven, these doughs can also be baked on a grill or smoked for a subtly charred flavor, which I find absolutely delicious for summer barbecues.

If you’re after a gluten-free version, there are bread flour blends on the market that will work here, though you might need to adjust hydration and kneading time. I always recommend checking your flour brand’s instructions for best results. Regardless of how you tweak it, these rolls remain a satisfying, homemade treat.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover sub rolls in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature. They keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining their softness. If you want to keep the crust crisp, storing them in a paper bag inside the container works well. Avoid storing them in the fridge as it can make the bread dry out quickly.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully. Once fully cooled, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to eat, I simply thaw them overnight at room temperature or warm them gently in the oven for 10-12 minutes the next day.

Reheating

To bring your sub rolls back to life, I recommend reheating them in a preheated oven at 350°F wrapped loosely in foil for about 10 minutes for soft crust or directly on the rack for a few minutes if you prefer a crispier crust. Avoid using the microwave unless you’re in a pinch, as it can make the bread rubbery or chewy. Adding a little spray of water before warming also helps recreate that fresh-baked moisture in the crumb.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

You can swap in all-purpose flour, but your rolls might turn out slightly less chewy and structured since bread flour has more protein which helps form gluten. To improve texture with all-purpose flour, you could add a bit of vital wheat gluten if you have some on hand.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer? Can I knead by hand?

Absolutely! Kneading by hand works perfectly fine, though it may take a bit longer—around 10 to 15 minutes of kneading on a lightly floured surface until the dough feels smooth and elastic. It’s a great way to connect with the dough and truly enjoy the baking process.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size during the first rise. A good test is to gently press your finger into the dough—if the indentation remains and doesn’t spring back immediately, the dough has properly risen.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up until the first rise, then refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let the dough come to room temperature, shape the rolls, and proceed with the second rise and baking. This makes meal prep easier if you want fresh rolls for an event the next day.

Why do I need to let the rolls cool completely before slicing?

Cooling sets the crumb structure and prevents the rolls from becoming gummy or squashed when sliced. I know it’s tempting to cut right away, but waiting ensures you get those perfect, fluffy slices every time.

Conclusion

I hope you’ll love making and sharing this Handmade Sub Rolls Recipe as much as I do. There’s something truly special about the aroma of fresh-baked bread filling your kitchen and the joy of biting into a soft, golden roll that you crafted by hand. Give this recipe a try, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your favorites too – perfect for everyday meals or those moments you want to impress family and friends with homemade goodness.