Homemade Italian Herb Bread Rolls Recipe

If you’ve ever bitten into those soft, delicious sandwich rolls from your favorite deli and wished you could make them at home, you’re in for a treat. This Homemade Italian Herb Bread Rolls Recipe is my absolute favorite way to whip up those iconic sub rolls right in my own kitchen. Soft, light, and bursting with Italian herbs and a cheesy topping that makes my family go wild, these rolls are not just bread—they’re the start of a great meal or a stand-alone snack you’ll cherish. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through how to make these beauties from scratch, no fancy tools required.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Homemade Italian Herb Bread Rolls Recipe is there for a reason. When paired together, they create a dough that’s easy to work with and yields a bread that’s soft on the inside with just enough crisp on the outside. Shopping tip? Use good-quality bread flour and fresh spices for the best flavor and texture.

• Warm Water: Activates the yeast; make sure it’s not too hot or you’ll kill the yeast.
• Dry Active Yeast: This is your bread’s rising power. I find fresh yeast always works better.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps yeast feed and adds subtle sweetness.
• Oil: I use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for moistness without overpowering flavor.
• Salt: Essential for flavor balance and yeast regulation.
• Eggs: Add richness and help the rolls brown beautifully.
• Instant Mashed Potato Flakes (optional): This is my secret weapon! They keep the bread soft and fresh longer.
• Bread Flour: Gives the bread structure and chewiness thanks to its higher protein content.
• Italian Herb Seasoning: Oregano, garlic powder, and dried parsley bring that classic Italian sub roll vibe.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth and a subtle cheesiness.
• Shredded Cheese (Colby and Monterey Jack): For that melty, golden topping I can’t resist.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Homemade Italian Herb Bread Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to swap herbs, cheeses, or add some extra flavor hits, the dough is forgiving and adaptable.

• Herb Mix Swap: I once swapped the parsley and oregano for fresh rosemary and thyme, which gave a lovely earthy aroma that my guests adored.
• Cheese-Free Version: If you’re avoiding dairy, skip the shredded cheese topping and sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds instead for a different crunch.
• Whole Wheat or Multi-Grain: For a nuttier flavor, replace part of the bread flour with whole wheat – just keep an eye on the dough’s hydration as it may need a bit more water.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the herb blend for a subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds.

How to Make Homemade Italian Herb Bread Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate and Mix Your Ingredients

Start by whisking the dry active yeast into your warm water. I remember the first time I tried this recipe—having the water too hot instantly killed my yeast, so feel for a temperature that’s warm but comfortable on your wrist. Next, add sugar, oil, salt, eggs, and if you’re using, the instant mashed potato flakes. These flakes are my secret divide between good rolls and bakery-quality—they keep the crumb moist and soft for days. Once all liquids are combined, add the bread flour gradually and knead on low speed with your stand mixer dough hook for about 6 minutes. If you’re kneading by hand, go for a solid 10-minute session to develop that gluten network.

Step 2: First Rest and Shape the Dough

After kneading, give the dough about 10 minutes of rest—it lets the flour fully hydrate and makes it way easier to handle. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and divide it into four equal pieces. Then, cut each of those into halves again so you have eight pieces altogether. Gently pat each piece into a rough rectangle and roll into a 12-inch log shape—the elongated shape is key for that classic sub roll look. When rolling, try not to press too hard; the dough should retain some air bubbles for that tender crumb.

Step 3: Herb Coat and Proof

Lightly spray the tops of your rolled dough logs with water to help the herb blend stick. Then dredge each roll evenly in the Italian herb seasoning blend—this coats the rolls in all those aromatic spices and parmesan goodness. Place them onto silicone sub roll mats if you have them, or a parchment-lined baking tray works too. Score the tops with 3 to 4 shallow slashes—this allows the rolls to expand nicely during proofing and baking. Let them rise in a warm spot until they’re tripled in size. This proofing stage can take up to an hour, but you’ll know they’re ready when you gently poke and your finger leaves a slow-filling indentation.

Step 4: Cheese Topping and Bake

Once your rolls have fully proofed, it’s time for the best part. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese on top. I love how these cheeses melt into a bubbly, golden crust that adds the perfect finishing touch. Bake the rolls at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-18 minutes until nicely browned on top. Let them cool in the molds before removing—it helps keep the shape intact and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve Homemade Italian Herb Bread Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple by brushing melted butter over the rolls right after baking to add shine and richness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little extra parmesan or fresh chopped parsley for color and that fresh, herby pop. You might like to pair with garlic butter or serve alongside olives and pickles for a more Italian antipasto vibe.

Side Dishes

These rolls are incredibly versatile—perfect as a base for hearty sandwiches or alongside simple meals like a crisp Caesar salad, tomato basil soup, or even a rich pasta dish. My family’s favorite pairing is a classic Italian sub with salami, provolone, and loads of veggies. The rolls hold up well and soak up all those flavors without getting soggy.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like slicing these rolls into smaller pieces and serving “slider” style sandwiches arranged on a large platter with various fillings. Another favorite is serving the rolls with flavored butters—think sun-dried tomato or basil pesto butter—letting guests spread as they please. Their Italian herb crunch and cheese topping always spark compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to keep leftover rolls in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. The instant potato flakes really help keep the bread soft. If you notice a slight dry edge, a quick sprinkle of water and brief heating in the oven or microwave refreshes them beautifully.

Freezing

These rolls freeze really well! Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you want a fresh roll, thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours. Freezing doesn’t affect their soft crumb or flavor, which is a huge win in my book.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftover or thawed rolls by wrapping them in foil and warming them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked warmth and aroma without drying out the bread. For a quick fix, a 15-20 second zap in the microwave with a slightly damp paper towel works too, but the oven gives the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Homemade Italian Herb Bread Rolls Recipe turns out every time. It’s become a staple in my kitchen—not just for sandwiches but anytime I want that warm, comforting bread that tastes like it belongs in a charming Italian bakery. When I first tried making these, I was blown away by how simple ingredients and a little patience could produce something this wonderful. I hope you have as much fun making and sharing these rolls as I do—they really bring people together. Give this recipe a go and trust me, you’ll never buy sandwich rolls from the store again!

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