If you want to make the perfect sandwich, the foundation starts with a great hoagie roll. In this post, we’ll walk you through an easy and authentic hoagie roll recipe that delivers soft, chewy rolls with a golden crust. These hoagie rolls are ideal for sub sandwiches, layering cold cuts, veggies, and more. Let’s dive into the steps to make the best homemade hoagie roll recipe!
What is a Hoagie Roll?
A hoagie roll is a soft, yet slightly chewy bread used for sub sandwiches. Originating from the Northeast United States, hoagies typically consist of meats, cheeses, and toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. This hoagie roll recipe combines both enriched and lean dough elements for a balanced texture—soft yet with enough structure to hold all your favorite fillings.
Ingredients for the Perfect Hoagie Roll
To achieve the ideal hoagie roll texture, this recipe uses basic bread ingredients along with some special techniques. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 260 grams of milk – warmed to about 105-110°F to activate the yeast.
- 6 grams of yeast – to help the dough rise.
- 8 grams of diastatic malt powder – promotes a golden crust and adds a bakery-like taste.
- 400 grams of all-purpose flour – the base of any great bread.
- 10 grams of honey – for a hint of sweetness.
- 20 grams of olive oil – adds moisture and subtle flavor.
- 8 grams of salt – enhances the taste.
- Cornmeal – prevents sticking and gives the rolls a classic texture.
These ingredients will help you create a truly authentic hoagie roll recipe that makes perfect sandwich bread.
Step-by-Step Hoagie Roll Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- Warm the milk and add the yeast and diastatic malt powder.
- Stir to combine and let it sit for 3-5 minutes. A foamy top should form, indicating the yeast is active.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, honey, olive oil, and salt.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until all the flour is absorbed.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 15 minutes to allow it to hydrate.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Turn the dough onto a clean surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and no longer sticky.
- Test for gluten development by stretching the dough thinly to see a translucent “window.”
Step 4: First Rise
- Place the dough in a bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size (45-60 minutes).
- After it rises, punch down the dough and divide it into four portions, about 175 grams each.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
- Shape each piece into a rectangle and roll into a tight log, sealing the seam.
- Roll each log gently to form a 10-inch cylinder.
Step 6: Second Rise
- Place the rolls on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal, cover, and let proof for 45-60 minutes until 1.5 to 2 times their original size.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat to 375°F. Place a baking pan on the lower rack to create steam.
Step 8: Final Touches
- Score each roll lengthwise with a sharp knife.
- Brush with egg white and sprinkle cornmeal on top if desired.
Step 9: Bake with Steam
- Place the rolls in the oven, add ice cubes to the heated pan for steam, and bake for 10 minutes.
- Rotate the pan and bake another 8-10 minutes until golden brown and an internal temperature of 200°F.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
- Let the rolls cool completely on a wire rack.
- For best results, store them in a plastic bag overnight for maximum softness.
Read More:
Cunetto’s Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe: Easy & Delicious
Tips for the Best Hoagie Roll Recipe
- Using diastatic malt powder is key to enhancing the flavor and giving a lovely crust.
- Egg wash adds shine and can act as an adhesive for toppings like sesame seeds.
- Creating steam helps achieve a lighter, larger roll, perfect for holding substantial sandwich fillings.
Assembling a Classic Hoagie
Once your hoagie rolls are ready, you can layer them with your favorite fillings. For a traditional hoagie, start with a layer of mayo, provolone cheese, cold cuts like turkey, mortadella, and salami, then top with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a drizzle of oil and vinegar. Sprinkle some oregano, salt, and pepper for a flavor-packed hoagie.
Making your hoagie rolls with this hoagie roll recipe elevates any sandwich experience, bringing the taste of a professional bakery right into your kitchen. Enjoy these rolls with your favorite fillings, and you’ll never go back to store-bought bread again!
