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breakfast

Homemade Sub Rolls

By Grandma Millie

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Freshly baked sub rolls on a wooden table with flour and ingredients around.

Sub rolls turn everyday meals into something special, and this easy recipe shows just how simple it is to bake soft, golden sandwich buns at home. As the dough rises and bakes, your kitchen fills with the comforting aroma of fresh bread and warm crusts. Light and tender inside yet sturdy enough for hearty fillings, these rolls are made with pantry staples and a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra lift. Perfect for sharing, they bring homemade magic to every sandwich moment.

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 18 mins
Total: 2 hrs 3 mins
Serves: 6 servings
Calories: 150

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Homemade Sub Rolls

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Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
18 mins
resting
1 hr 30 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 3 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Bread, Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients

  • 3.5 cups all-purpose flour (for a soft texture)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (helps the rolls rise)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (adds a hint of sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (enhances flavor)
  • 1 cup warm water (activates the yeast)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (keeps rolls moist)

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowlFor mixing the dough.
  • 1 Baking sheetFor baking the rolls.
  • 1 ClothTo cover the dough while it rises.

Method

  1. 1

    In a bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons of yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in 1 cup of warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

  2. 2

    Stir in 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add 3 cups of flour to form a dough.

  3. 3

    Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

  4. 4

    Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

  5. 5

    After rising, punch down the dough. Divide it into 6 equal portions and shape each into a roll. Place them on a baking sheet.

  6. 6

    Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

  7. 7

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the rolls are rising.

  8. 8

    Bake the rolls for 15–18 minutes until they are golden brown.

  9. 9

    Let the rolls cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade sub rolls!

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories150
Fat3g
Protein5g
Carbs28g

Why You’ll Love This Sub Rolls

  • Soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Perfect for any filling, from meats to veggies.
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients you already have.
  • Customizable to suit your taste—add herbs or spices!

Ingredients

Get ready to make the fluffiest sub rolls! Gather these simple ingredients.

Ingredients for sub rolls arranged on a rustic kitchen table.
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour – for a soft texture
  • 1 packet active dry yeast– helps the rolls rise
  • 1 tablespoon sugar – adds a hint of sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon salt – enhances flavor
  • 1 cup warm water – activates the yeast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil – keeps rolls moist

How to Make Sub Rolls

Making sub rolls is a delightful experience! With a preparation time of about 15 minutes, a cooking time of 15–18 minutes, and a resting time of 1 hour and 30 minutes, you’ll have soft and fluffy rolls ready to enjoy.

Illustration of the complete process for making Sub rolls, from yeast activation and dough mixing to kneading, proofing, shaping, baking, and cooling.

Step 1: Dissolve Yeast

In a bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons of yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in 1 cup of warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

Stir in 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add 3 cups of flour to form a dough.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

After rising, punch down the dough. Divide it into 6 equal portions and shape each into a roll. Place them on a baking sheet.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the rolls are rising.

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

Bake the rolls for 15–18 minutes until they are golden brown.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the rolls cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade sub rolls!

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategoryBread
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time18 minutes
Extra Time90 minutes (resting)
Total Time123 minutes
DietaryVegetarian
Serves6
Best ServedFreshly baked with your favorite fillings!

Pro Tips for Making Sub Rolls

  • Use bread flour for a chewier texture.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm place for best results.
  • Shape the rolls gently to keep them fluffy.
  • Brush with melted butter for a golden crust.
  • Store in a paper bag to maintain softness.

How to Serve this Sub Rolls

  • Fill with your favorite deli meats and cheeses for a classic sub.
  • Layer on fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for crunch.
  • Spread a zesty aioli or mustard for an extra kick.
  • Make a hearty veggie sub with hummus and roasted peppers.
  • Serve with a side of homemade potato chips or a crisp salad.
  • Toast the rolls lightly for a warm, crispy texture.
  • Try a breakfast sub with scrambled eggs and cheese.
  • Pair with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade for a perfect meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Store your delicious sub rolls with these simple tips:

Storing Sub Rolls Leftovers

  • Let the rolls cool completely before storing.
  • Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
  • Place wrapped rolls in an airtight container or a resealable bag.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Sub Rolls

  • Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap.
  • Place wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
  • Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • For best quality, avoid stacking rolls directly on top of each other.

Reheating Sub Rolls

  • For frozen rolls, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
  • For a softer texture, wrap in foil while reheating.
  • Enjoy warm for the best taste and texture!

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a soft, fluffy sub roll that you made yourself! Whether you’re crafting a classic Italian hoagie or a veggie delight, these rolls are sure to bring smiles to the table. So roll up your sleeves, get baking, and enjoy the delicious rewards of your efforts. Happy sandwich making!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

What kind of bread is a sub roll?
Sub rolls are a type of bread that is soft and slightly chewy, making them perfect for holding a variety of fillings. They are typically longer and wider than regular sandwich bread, allowing for generous portions of meats, cheeses, and vegetables. The texture is often fluffy on the inside with a slightly crusty exterior, which helps to keep the fillings contained while adding a delightful bite.
What’s the difference between a hoagie and a sub roll?
While both hoagies and sub rolls are similar in that they are used for sandwiches, the main difference lies in the regional terminology and the types of fillings used. A hoagie is often associated with a specific style of sandwich that includes Italian meats and cheeses, while a sub roll can be filled with a wider variety of ingredients. Essentially, all hoagies can be made with sub rolls, but not all sub sandwiches are hoagies!
Why are they called sub rolls?
The term ‘sub roll’ is derived from the word ‘submarine,’ which refers to the shape of the sandwich that resembles a submarine boat. This name is particularly popular in the northeastern United States. The elongated shape of the roll makes it ideal for stuffing with various fillings, hence the association with the submarine sandwich. It’s a fun and fitting name for such a delicious creation!
What to put in a sub roll?
Sub rolls are incredibly versatile and can be filled with a wide range of ingredients. Popular choices include deli meats like turkey, chicken, or roast beef, along with cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and condiments like mayonnaise or mustard. You can also get creative with vegetarian options, using grilled vegetables, hummus, or avocado. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to customize your sub roll to suit your taste!

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

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