Copycat Italian Herb and Cheese Sub Buns

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

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Prepare cheese topping

   In a small bowl, combine shredded Parmesan cheese with Italian seasoning. Mix until the seasoning is evenly distributed.

   Time: PT2M

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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