Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade hoagie roll recipe is surprisingly easy to make and will elevate your sandwich game. The rolls are soft and slightly chewy on the inside with a perfect golden crust on the outside. You can customize the size and shape of the rolls, making them ideal for everything from classic hoagies to burgers or hot dogs. The best part? These rolls are made with simple ingredients that you likely already have at home. Plus, the dough can be made in a stand mixer or by hand, making it adaptable to your preferred method of baking.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast or instant yeast (2 1/4 tsp = 1 packet)
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp kosher salt (use less if using table or sea salt)
- 1 1/3 cups warm water (divided) (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
How to make the Hoagie Roll Dough
- Activate the Yeast: Dissolve 2 1/4 tsp of active dry yeast in 1/3 cup warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it foams and slightly increases in volume, which ensures the yeast is active. If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip this step and simply add the yeast directly in step 2.
- Kneading with a Mixer: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 3 1/2 cups flour, sugar, salt, remaining warm water, and the yeast mixture. Stir with a spoon to bring everything together. Attach the dough hook and knead the dough until it becomes tacky and no longer sticks to the walls of the mixer, about 10 to 20 minutes on medium-low speed. Do not overknead, as this can break the gluten network and lead to dense rolls.
- Knead by Hand: If you’re kneading by hand, combine all ingredients except for the butter in a large bowl. Stir with a spoon to bring the mixture together. Then, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 15-20 minutes, or until it becomes tacky and stretchy. Add the room temperature butter and knead until fully incorporated.
- Proofing: Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl and cover with a clean tea towel. Allow the dough to proof in a warm (85°F to 100°F), draft-free place for 45 minutes to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shaping the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured or oiled surface. Divide it into 6-8 equal pieces, or 4 if you want XL rolls. Shape each piece into a smooth, tight ball and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a 6″ x 4″ rectangle. Then, roll each rectangle tightly into a hoagie shape, pinching the ends to seal. Place the rolls seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Cover with a towel and allow to proof for 30-45 minutes in a warm place.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Score each roll lengthwise with a serrated knife, about 1/4 inch deep. If desired, brush the tops with a lightly whisked egg white for a glossy finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top and the internal temperature reaches 200°F.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool on a wire rack for at least 20-30 minutes before cutting into them, or until they are at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 rolls
- Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
- Different Shapes: Shape the dough into round rolls for burgers or smaller sizes for hot dog buns.
- Flavored Hoagie Rolls: Add herbs, garlic, or cheese to the dough to infuse additional flavor into your hoagie rolls.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version of these rolls.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store hoagie rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze the rolls, wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw and bake at 375°F for about 5-10 minutes.
- Reheating: To refresh the rolls, warm them in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 375°F to restore the crust.
FAQs
1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, active dry yeast works fine for this recipe. Just be sure to activate it in warm water before using, as described in the instructions.
2. How can I tell if the dough has been kneaded enough?
The dough should be tacky to the touch but not sticky. It should also be stretchy when you pull it apart.
3. Can I make these rolls smaller for hot dogs?
Absolutely! Simply divide the dough into smaller pieces and adjust the baking time accordingly, reducing it to about 10-12 minutes.
4. How do I know when the hoagie rolls are done baking?
The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and the internal temperature reaches 200°F.
5. Can I use a bread maker to make this dough?
Yes, you can use a bread maker! Follow the instructions for the dough cycle and add the butter after the initial mixing phase, as noted in the recipe.
6. How long should the dough be left to proof?
Let the dough proof for about 45 minutes to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size. The exact time will depend on the temperature of your kitchen.
7. Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after shaping it into rolls. Just place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
8. Why are my rolls too dense?
Overkneading the dough can cause the rolls to be dense. Be sure to stop kneading when the dough is smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky.
9. Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can knead the dough by hand. It will take a bit longer, but the result will be the same.
10. Can I add cheese to the dough?
Yes, you can fold cheese into the dough for extra flavor. Try adding shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese to make cheesy hoagie rolls.
Conclusion
Making homemade hoagie rolls is easier than you might think, and the results are well worth the effort. These soft, golden, and slightly chewy rolls are perfect for hoagies, burgers, or hot dogs, and they’re sure to elevate any sandwich you create. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is a great way to make fresh, homemade bread that will impress your friends and family every time.
Hoagie Roll Recipe (It’s Easier Than You Think)
- Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade hoagie roll recipe creates soft, fluffy rolls with a golden, slightly crispy exterior. Perfect for hoagies, burgers, or hot dogs, these rolls are easy to make and sure to elevate any sandwich.
Ingredients
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast or instant yeast (2 1/4 tsp = 1 packet)
3 1/2 to 4 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
2 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tsp kosher salt (use less if using table or sea salt)
1 1/3 cups warm water (divided) (110°F)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
Instructions
- Dissolve 2 1/4 tsp of active dry yeast in 1/3 cup warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 10-15 minutes until foamy.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 3 1/2 cups flour, sugar, salt, remaining warm water, and yeast mixture. Stir to combine, then knead using a dough hook on medium-low for 10-20 minutes until tacky and no longer sticky.
- If kneading by hand, combine ingredients in a large bowl, stir, then knead on a floured surface for 15-20 minutes. Add butter and knead until incorporated.
- Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover with a tea towel, and proof in a warm place (85°F to 100°F) for 45 minutes to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface, divide into 6-8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6″ x 4″ rectangle, then roll tightly into a hoagie shape. Place seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and proof for 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Score each roll lengthwise with a serrated knife. Optional: brush with egg white for a glossy finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F.
- Cool on a wire rack for 20-30 minutes before cutting.
Notes
Different Shapes: Shape into round rolls for burgers or smaller ones for hot dogs.
Flavored Hoagie Rolls: Add herbs, garlic, or cheese to the dough for extra flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Freezing: Freeze shaped dough before baking by placing it on a parchment-lined sheet, then storing it in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the time.
Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
