Copycat Italian Herb and Cheese Sub Buns
Copycat Italian Herb and Cheese Sub Buns is a medium Italian recipe that serves 5. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by Brooke Ervin on YouTube.
Prep: 1 hr 48 min | Cook: 17 min | Total: 2 hrs 20 min
Cost: $79.66 total, $15.93 per serving
Ingredients
- 0.75 cup Whole milk (Warm (about 110°F))
- 1 tbsp Granulated sugar (Standard white sugar)
- 2.25 tsp Active dry yeast (3/4 tablespoon; instant yeast works too)
- 1 piece Large egg (Room temperature)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil (Extra‑virgin preferred)
- 0.5 cup Water (Room temperature)
- 0.5 tsp Salt (Fine sea salt)
- 4 cup All‑purpose flour (Scooped, not packed; may need a little more for a sticky dough)
- 0.25 cup Shredded Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated if possible)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (Store‑bought blend)
- 1 piece Egg for wash (Beaten lightly)
Instructions
Warm the milk
Place 3/4 cup whole milk in a microwave‑safe container and heat for 50 seconds until warm (about 110°F).
Time: PT1M
Activate the yeast
Add 1 tbsp sugar and 3/4 tbsp (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast to the warm milk. Whisk vigorously and let sit on the counter for 5 minutes until frothy.
Time: PT5M
Combine wet ingredients
Stir in 1 large egg, 1 tbsp olive oil, ½ cup water, and ½ tsp salt to the yeast mixture.
Time: PT2M
Add flour and knead
Add 3½ cups all‑purpose flour to the mixer on medium speed. Mix for about 5 minutes. If the dough is very sticky, add up to ½ cup more flour until it pulls away from the bowl but is still soft.
Time: PT5M
First rise
Grease the mixing bowl, return the dough, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Time: PT1H
Shape the buns
Punch down the risen dough, divide into 5 equal pieces (200‑225 g each). Stretch each piece gently into a long oval about 8‑9 inches long, keeping the surface smooth.
Time: PT10M
Second rise
Place the shaped dough on a parchment‑lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rest for 30 minutes to puff up again.
Time: PT30M
Prepare cheese topping
In a small bowl, combine shredded Parmesan cheese with Italian seasoning. Mix until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Time: PT2M
Egg wash and add topping
Brush the tops of the buns with beaten egg. Sprinkle the Parmesan‑Italian seasoning mixture evenly over each bun.
Time: PT3M
Bake the buns
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the buns for 17 minutes, or until golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Time: PT17M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool and serve
Remove the buns from the oven, let them cool on a rack for about 5 minutes, then slice open and fill with your favorite sandwich ingredients.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 300
- Protein
- 9 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, low-calorie, low-fat
Allergens: Milk, Egg, Wheat, Parmesan cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Whole milk: Almond milk, Soy milk
- Instead of Granulated sugar: Honey (use less), Maple syrup (use less)
- Instead of Active dry yeast: Instant yeast (same amount)
- Instead of Large egg: Egg substitute (for veg)
- Instead of Olive oil: Canola oil, Vegetable oil
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt (use slightly more)
- Instead of All‑purpose flour: Bread flour (same amount)
- Instead of Shredded Parmesan cheese: Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Italian seasoning: Dried oregano + basil + thyme (1:1:1)
- Instead of Egg for wash: Milk wash (1 tbsp milk)
Equipment Needed
- Stand mixer with dough hook (or large mixing bowl)
- Microwave (to warm milk) (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Kitchen scale (optional) (optional)
- Baking sheet or cookie tray
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Pastry brush
- Oven
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Cooling rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Activate the yeast until frothy
- Knead until dough is smooth but not over‑mixed
- First rise until doubled in size
- Second rise before baking
- Bake until golden and hollow‑sounding
Chef Tips from the Video
- For an extra glossy crust, brush the buns with melted butter right after baking.
- Steam the oven by placing a pan of hot water on the lower rack during the first 5 minutes of bake for an ultra‑soft interior.
Troubleshooting
Dough didn’t rise
Check that the yeast is fresh and the milk was warm (not hot). If the kitchen is cold, place the bowl in a turned‑off oven with the light on.
Buns are dense or heavy
Do not over‑mix; ensure the dough had a full hour to double in size. Add a bit more yeast next time (1 tsp) if ambient temperature is low.
Cheese topping sank
Mix the cheese with the seasoning thoroughly and press it lightly onto the dough before the egg wash so it adheres better.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months; reheat in oven before serving.
Room temperature: Best eaten the same day; can sit uncovered for up to 4 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dough can be refrigerated after the first rise for up to 24 h; bring to room temperature before shaping.
- Parmesan‑Italian seasoning topping can be mixed up to 2 days ahead and stored in a sealed container.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Copycat Italian Herb and Cheese Sub Buns in Italian cuisine?
Copycat Italian Herb and Cheese Sub Buns echo the tradition of Italian soft rolls that have been served in street markets and family tables for centuries. While the exact modern sub bun is a newer adaptation, its roots lie in regional Italian breads like ciabatta and focaccia, which were prized for their airy crumb and flavorful crust. These buns embody the Italian emphasis on simple, high‑quality ingredients and communal sharing of meals.
What are the traditional regional variations of Italian herb and cheese sub buns in Italy?
In Italy, soft rolls are often flavored differently by region: in the north, herbs like rosemary and sage are common, while the south favors oregano and fennel seeds. Some regions incorporate local cheeses such as pecorino or mozzarella instead of Parmesan. The Copycat Italian Herb and Cheese Sub Buns blend these influences by using Italian seasoning and Parmesan, creating a hybrid that reflects multiple Italian locales.
What is the authentic traditional way Copycat Italian Herb and Cheese Sub Buns are served in Italian households or eateries?
Authentically, Italian herb‑infused rolls are served warm, split open, and filled with cured meats, provolone, and fresh vegetables, often drizzled with olive oil. They are also enjoyed plain as a side to soups, stews, or antipasto platters. The Copycat Italian Herb and Cheese Sub Buns can be used the same way, offering a versatile base for classic Italian sandwich fillings.
What occasions or celebrations is Copycat Italian Herb and Cheese Sub Buns traditionally associated with in Italian culture?
Soft, herb‑flavored rolls are a staple at family gatherings, picnics, and festive holidays such as Ferragosto and Christmas Eve dinner in Italy. They are also popular at casual weekend lunches and street‑food festivals where they accompany grilled meats and salads. Using the Copycat Italian Herb and Cheese Sub Buns for these events brings an authentic Italian feel to any celebration.
How does Copycat Italian Herb and Cheese Sub Buns fit into the broader Italian bread tradition?
Italian bread tradition celebrates variety, from rustic loaves to delicate rolls, each highlighting regional flavors. The Copycat Italian Herb and Cheese Sub Buns represent the softer, enriched side of this tradition, similar to panini rolls, and showcase the Italian love for aromatic herbs and cheese. Their yeasted, airy texture complements the broader spectrum of Italian breads used for meals and sandwiches.
What are common misconceptions about Copycat Italian Herb and Cheese Sub Buns in Italian cuisine?
A frequent misconception is that Italian sub buns are a recent American invention, when in fact Italy has long produced soft, herb‑spiced rolls for sandwiches. Another myth is that Parmesan must be the only cheese used; many Italian regions incorporate local cheeses for different flavors. The Copycat Italian Herb and Cheese Sub Buns honor both the classic Parmesan topping and the broader Italian tradition of cheese variety.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Copycat Italian Herb and Cheese Sub Buns at home?
The most common errors include using milk that is too hot, which can kill the yeast, and under‑kneading the dough, leading to a dense crumb. Over‑proofing can cause the buns to collapse, and skipping the final brush of olive oil and Parmesan will result in a dull crust. Follow the temperature guidelines and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic for the best results.
Why does the Copycat Italian Herb and Cheese Sub Buns recipe use warm milk and active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Warm milk activates active dry yeast more reliably, giving a consistent rise and a tender crumb, which is important for soft sub buns. The milk also adds richness and flavor that plain water would lack. While instant yeast could work, the recipe’s warm milk step ensures the yeast is fully awakened, producing the fluffy texture characteristic of Italian herb rolls.
What does the YouTube channel Brooke Ervin specialize in and how does it relate to this Copycat Italian Herb and Cheese Sub Buns recipe?
The YouTube channel Brooke Ervin specializes in approachable, home‑cooked comfort food with clear step‑by‑step instructions, often focusing on classic American and Italian dishes. Brooke Ervin’s style emphasizes technique, ingredient quality, and practical tips, which are evident in the detailed walkthrough of the Copycat Italian Herb and Cheese Sub Buns, making the recipe accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
