Name: Copycat Rosemary Parmesan Sub Rolls
Ingredients: 3–3½ cups bread flour — provides the structure and chew characteristic of a great sub roll.; 1 cup warm water — hydrates the dough and helps activate the yeast.; ½ cup warm whole milk — enriches the dough, contributing to its soft, tender texture.; 2 tbsp honey — feeds the yeast and adds a subtle touch of sweetness.; 3 tbsp butter, softened — adds richness and helps create a soft, pillowy crumb.; 1 tbsp instant yeast — leavens the dough, creating the rise needed for light, fluffy rolls.; 1 tbsp nonfat dry milk powder, optional — enhances the softness and slight sweetness of the dough.; 1½ tsp salt — essential for flavor and for regulating the yeast’s activity.; 1 egg, beaten, for egg wash — helps the topping adhere and gives the rolls their beautiful golden shine.; ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese — delivers the classic salty, nutty flavor central to this recipe.; 1½ tsp dried rosemary — adds the signature fragrant, herby flavor.; ½ tsp garlic powder — reinforces the savory, deli-style flavor profile.; Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling — adds a final touch of flavor and satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

3–3½ cups bread flour — provides the structure and chew characteristic of a great sub roll.
1 cup warm water — hydrates the dough and helps activate the yeast.
½ cup warm whole milk — enriches the dough, contributing to its soft, tender texture.
2 tbsp honey — feeds the yeast and adds a subtle touch of sweetness.
3 tbsp butter, softened — adds richness and helps create a soft, pillowy crumb.
1 tbsp instant yeast — leavens the dough, creating the rise needed for light, fluffy rolls.
1 tbsp nonfat dry milk powder, optional — enhances the softness and slight sweetness of the dough.
1½ tsp salt — essential for flavor and for regulating the yeast’s activity.

For the Topping 🌿🧀

1 egg, beaten, for egg wash — helps the topping adhere and gives the rolls their beautiful golden shine.
¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese — delivers the classic salty, nutty flavor central to this recipe.
1½ tsp dried rosemary — adds the signature fragrant, herby flavor.
½ tsp garlic powder — reinforces the savory, deli-style flavor profile.
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling — adds a final touch of flavor and satisfying crunch.

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Add the warm water, warm milk, honey, and yeast to a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and let stand for approximately 5 minutes, until slightly foamy, which indicates the yeast is active.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add 3 cups of bread flour, dry milk powder if using, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then add the softened butter and continue mixing until incorporated. If the dough is very sticky, gradually add some of the remaining flour until you have a soft, slightly tacky dough.

Step 3: Knead

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 7–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel soft and supple rather than stiff.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until noticeably doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Sub Rolls

Gently punch down the dough and divide it into 6–8 equal portions, depending on the size of rolls you want. Shape each piece into a smooth ball, then roll it into an elongated oval approximately 6–8 inches long. Pinch the seam underneath and place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover loosely and let the rolls rise for approximately 30–45 minutes, until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 7: Add the Rosemary Parmesan Topping 🌿

Brush each roll generously with egg wash. In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan, dried rosemary, and garlic powder, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the tops. Finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Step 8: Bake 🔥

Bake for approximately 15–20 minutes, depending on the size of your rolls. The tops should be golden brown and the rolls should sound lightly hollow when tapped.

Step 9: Cool & Serve

Transfer the rolls to a wire rack and let them cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. For extra softness, lightly brush the warm rolls with melted butter immediately after baking.