The Secret To Making Crusty Hoagie Rolls At Home: A Step-by-step Guide
What To Know
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- To reheat frozen rolls, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Add a little more water to the dough, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it becomes slightly sticky.
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon (5g) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, whisk together the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour at a time. If it’s too dry, add a little water.
4. First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Punch Down and Shape:
Punch down the dough to release the air bubbles. Divide it into 6 equal pieces and shape them into hoagie rolls.
6. Second Rise:
Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they are slightly puffy.
7. Score and Bake:
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Using a sharp knife, score the tops of the rolls diagonally. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Transfer the hoagie rolls to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. They are perfect for sandwiches, subs, or simply enjoying with a bowl of soup.
Tips for Crusty Rolls:
- Use high-quality flour for the best flavor and texture.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure.
- Don’t over-rise the dough, as this can make the rolls dense.
- Score the rolls before baking to allow the steam to escape and create a crispy crust.
- Bake the rolls at a high temperature to ensure they develop a golden brown crust.
Storing and Freezing:
- Hoagie rolls can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To freeze the rolls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
- To reheat frozen rolls, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Hoagie Roll Variations:
- Garlic Hoagie Rolls: Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the dough before kneading.
- Italian Herb Hoagie Rolls: Add 1 tablespoon of dried Italian herbs to the dough before kneading.
- Sesame Hoagie Rolls: Sprinkle sesame seeds on the rolls before baking.
- Whole Wheat Hoagie Rolls: Substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Why are my hoagie rolls not crusty?
A: The rolls may not have been baked long enough or at a high enough temperature. Try baking them for an additional 5-10 minutes, or increasing the oven temperature to 475°F (245°C).
Q: How can I make the rolls softer?
A: Add a little more water to the dough, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it becomes slightly sticky.
Q: Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, bread flour has a higher protein content, which can result in a chewier roll. However, it may require a little less water.