Italian herb and cheese sub buns

Ingredients

• 1 cup Whole Milk (warmed to about 110°F (43°C) in microwave for 50 seconds)
• 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar
• 1 tablespoon Active Dry Yeast (divided: 3/4 tbsp for activation, 1 tsp added later)
• 1 Large Egg (room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
• 0.5 cup Warm Water (about 110°F (43°C))
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 3.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (approximately 440 g; add gradually)
• 2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning (dry blend of herbs)
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 Egg (for wash) (beaten with a splash of water)

Instructions

1. Warm the Milk

   Place 1 cup of whole milk in a microwave‑safe container and heat for 50 seconds until warm (about 110°F / 43°C).

   Time: PT1M

2. Activate the Yeast

   Add 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 3/4 tablespoon active dry yeast to the warm milk. Whisk vigorously and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

   Time: PT5M

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

   Into the activated yeast mixture, add 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ cup warm water, 1 teaspoon additional yeast, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine.

   Time: PT2M

4. Add Flour and Knead

   With the stand mixer on medium speed and the dough hook attached, gradually add 3½ cups all‑purpose flour. Mix for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

   Time: PT5M

5. First Proof

   Grease the mixing bowl lightly, return the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

   Time: PT1H

6. Divide and Shape Buns

   Punch down the risen dough, turn it onto a lightly floured surface, and divide into 5 equal pieces (≈190 g each). Shape each piece into a smooth ball, then gently stretch or roll into a 6‑inch oval shape suitable for a sub roll.

   Time: PT10M

7. Second Proof

   Place the shaped buns onto a parchment‑lined baking sheet (or into a sub‑sandwich mold if you have one). Cover loosely and let rest for 20 minutes.

   Time: PT20M

8. Prepare Herb‑Cheese Topping

   In a small bowl, mash together 2 Tbsp Italian seasoning and 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan until evenly combined.

   Time: PT2M

9. Egg Wash and Topping

   Brush each bun lightly with beaten egg (egg wash). Sprinkle the herb‑cheese mixture over the tops. Reserve one bun without topping for picky eaters if desired.

   Time: PT2M

10. Bake

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the buns for 17 minutes, or until golden brown and sounding hollow when tapped.

    Time: PT27M

    Temperature: 350°F

11. Cool and Serve

    Remove the buns from the oven, transfer to a wire rack, and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and filling with your favorite sandwich ingredients.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

250

Protein

8 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

5 g

Fiber

2 g