Soft Italian Sub Rolls

If you’re looking for the perfect bread to elevate your sandwiches, then these Soft Italian Sub Rolls are just what you need! There’s something incredibly comforting about homemade bread, especially when it’s soft, fluffy, and perfectly shaped for your favorite subs. This recipe has been a family favorite for years because it brings everyone together around the dinner table. Whether you’re planning a busy weeknight meal or a fun family gathering, these rolls are sure to impress!

Imagine sinking your teeth into a fresh sub filled with your favorite ingredients, all nestled in a soft roll that melts in your mouth. You can enjoy them warm from the oven or slice them open for a variety of fillings. Let’s dive into why this recipe is one you’ll want to keep close!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have delicious rolls ready for any occasion.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love these soft rolls! They are perfect for sandwiches that everyone will enjoy.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them in advance and freeze for later use—ideal for busy days!
• Delicious Flavor: The soft texture and slightly sweet flavor make these rolls irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Soft Italian Sub Rolls is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients. You probably have most of these in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 ½ cups bread flour
• 1 ¼ cups water
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup vegetable oil

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize the rolls to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add herbs: Mix in dried oregano or basil into the dough for an aromatic twist.
• Cheese it up: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
• Stuffed rolls: Before baking, fill each roll with your favorite sandwich toppings like roasted peppers or olives.
• Whole wheat option: Substitute half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier roll.

How to Make Soft Italian Sub Rolls

Step 1: Knead the Dough

Start by adding all your ingredients into a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, using a bread machine, or mixing by hand in a large bowl. Kneading is crucial here—it develops gluten and gives the dough its structure. Aim for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and stretchy. Use the windowpane test to check if it’s ready: stretch a small piece of dough thinly; if it holds together without breaking, you’re good to go!

Step 2: First Rise

Now it’s time for the dough to rise! Place it in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. This step allows the yeast to work its magic and helps create that delightful texture we’re after. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—about an hour.

Step 3: Rest

Once your dough has risen beautifully, gently deflate it and divide it into 8 equal pieces—using a kitchen scale can help ensure uniformity here! Loosely shape each piece into logs and let them rest under plastic wrap at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This little break makes shaping much easier.

Step 4: Shape

Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and dusting it with cornmeal (this adds flavor!). Now comes the fun part: shape each log into an oval roll by gently stretching the dough. Smooth out any bumps by pinching the ends underneath to create that lovely seam-free surface. Place them on your baking sheet with enough space between each roll.

Step 5: Second Rise

Brush melted butter on top of each roll using a pastry brush—this gives them that golden sheen while they bake! Cover them again with greased plastic wrap so they don’t stick as they rise one more time. Let them puff up in warmth for about 45 minutes while preheating your oven to 425°F.

Step 6: Bake with Steam

When everything is ready, pour water onto preheated metal baking sheets at the bottom of the oven—this creates steam which helps achieve that crispy crust we all adore! Then quickly place your rolls in the oven and bake until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom—around 15-19 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove those beautiful rolls from the oven and cool them on a wire rack. Patience pays off here; let them cool completely before slicing. Enjoy these Soft Italian Sub Rolls within two days or freeze some for later—they’re perfect whenever you’re craving something delicious!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Italian Sub Rolls

Baking bread can be a delightful experience, and with a few extra tips, you can elevate your soft Italian sub rolls to perfection!

• Use bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which helps develop gluten and gives your rolls that perfect chewy texture. It can truly make a difference in the final result.
• Check your yeast: Always ensure your instant yeast is fresh for the best rise. If you’re unsure, you can proof it in warm water with a pinch of sugar; if it bubbles up, you’re good to go!
• Knead thoroughly: Kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic is crucial for structure. A well-kneaded dough will trap air during the rise, resulting in light and fluffy rolls.
• Don’t rush the rising time: Allowing the dough to rise until it’s doubled in size ensures that your rolls are airy and soft. Patience here pays off with delectable rolls!
• Steam during baking: Creating steam while baking helps achieve that scrumptious crust on your rolls. It also keeps them moist on the inside, making each bite irresistible.

How to Serve Soft Italian Sub Rolls

These soft Italian sub rolls make for an incredible sandwich base and can be presented in various delicious ways!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkling chopped basil or parsley on top adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that enhances your sandwiches.
• Olive oil drizzle: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving adds richness and complements any fillings beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty subs.
• Chips or Crisps: Pairing your subs with crunchy potato chips or veggie crisps gives a satisfying crunch that balances the softness of the rolls.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring warmth and sweetness, creating a wholesome meal when served alongside your subs.
• Soup: A bowl of hearty vegetable soup makes for a comforting side that pairs perfectly with the soft rolls, ideal for dipping!

Enjoy these soft Italian sub rolls as part of a delightful meal that’s sure to please family and friends alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Italian Sub Rolls are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, ensuring you have fresh, delicious rolls on hand for quick lunches or family dinners.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If they begin to harden, you can wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for a few seconds to soften.

Freezing

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Unwrap the rolls and place them directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Soft Italian Sub Rolls.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour for Soft Italian Sub Rolls?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different. Bread flour gives these rolls their signature chewy texture.

How long do Soft Italian Sub Rolls last?

When stored properly at room temperature, these rolls will last up to 2 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.

Can I make Soft Italian Sub Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it before the second rise. Just thaw and let it rise when you’re ready to bake.

What kind of sandwiches can I make with Soft Italian Sub Rolls?

These rolls are incredibly versatile! Fill them with your favorite deli meats, veggies, or spreads. They also work well for meatball subs or veggie sandwiches.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Soft Italian Sub Rolls as much as I do! They’re not just delicious; they’re a wonderful way to elevate any sandwich. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week or sharing them with family and friends, these rolls will surely bring smiles all around. Happy baking!