Sub Roll Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Homemade Deliciousness
Are you craving a juicy, flavourful sub sandwich but tired of store-bought rolls? This recipe will guide you through making your own incredibly soft and delicious sub rolls from scratch! These homemade rolls are perfect for your favorite sub fillings, offering a delightful textural contrast and enhancing the overall eating experience. Get ready to elevate your sub game!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 8 sub rolls. Adjust accordingly if you need more or less.
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- For Egg Wash (optional, but recommended):
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Getting Started: Activating the Yeast
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This confirms your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic! If it doesn't foam, your yeast may be dead, and you'll need a fresh packet.
Mixing the Dough:
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in olive oil and salt to the activated yeast mixture.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Kneading the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
First Rise (Bulk Fermentation):
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shaping the Rolls:
- Punch Down: Gently punch down the dough to release the air.
- Divide and Shape: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a roughly 6-inch long oval.
- Second Rise (Proofing): Place the shaped rolls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each roll. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
Baking the Rolls:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Egg Wash (Optional): Brush the rolls with egg wash for a golden-brown crust.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cooling and Serving:
- Cool: Let the rolls cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best Sub Rolls:
- Use fresh yeast: This ensures proper rising and a light, airy texture.
- Don't over-knead: Over-kneading can result in tough rolls.
- Let the dough rise properly: Adequate rising time is crucial for a soft and fluffy texture.
- Experiment with flavors: Add herbs, spices, or cheese to the dough for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
These sub rolls are incredibly versatile! Fill them with your favorite meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces to create mouth-watering subs. Consider trying:
- Italian Sub: With salami, ham, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, and Italian dressing.
- Turkey and Swiss: With roasted turkey breast, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
- Meatball Sub: With homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
Enjoy your freshly baked, homemade sub rolls! They are perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun weekend gathering. Let us know in the comments what your favorite sub fillings are!