A great sandwich starts with the bread—and for me, nothing beats a Italian Hero Bread Recipe-Crispy Outside, Soft Inside Italian hero roll. It’s crusty on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and strong enough to hold all the meats, cheeses, and veggies you can stack inside
I used to buy these rolls from my local bakery, but once I started baking them at home, I never looked back. This recipe is simple, reliable, and gives you that authentic deli-style flavor right from your own oven.
If you’re craving a sub that’s as good as your favorite sandwich shop, you’re going to love this Italian hero bread.
How to Make Italian Hero Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours 15 minutes
- Course: Bread
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Yield: 2 large hero rolls or 4 smaller ones
📝 Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- Optional: 1 egg (for egg wash) + 1 tbsp water
🧰 Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Dough scraper (optional but helpful)
- Stand mixer with dough hook (or knead by hand)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Pastry brush (for egg wash)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🥄 Step 1: Prep Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in olive oil, salt, and gradually add flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
💪 Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes or in a mixer for about 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled.
🔥 Step 3: Shape and Rest
- Punch down the dough and divide into 2–4 pieces depending on the size of bread you want.
- Shape each piece into a long sub roll. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Cover and let rest for 30–40 minutes.
🍞 Step 4: Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Optional: Brush with egg wash for a shiny crust.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool slightly before slicing.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Make it chewy: Add 1 tbsp of vital wheat gluten if you want an extra chewy bite.
- No egg wash? You can brush with olive oil for a golden matte finish.
- Want garlic flavor? Add a pinch of garlic powder to the dough or sprinkle garlic butter on top after baking.
- Herb it up: Add dried oregano or basil to the flour for a herby aroma.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Perfect for Italian subs with salami, ham, provolone, lettuce, tomato, and vinaigrette.
- Great as a panini base—grill it with turkey and mozzarella.
- Use it as a side with soups, pasta, or dip into olive oil and balsamic.
🧾 Nutrition Info (Per Medium Roll – approx.)
- Calories: 210
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
💪 Health Benefits
- Low in sugar: There’s only a touch of sugar to activate the yeast.
- No preservatives: Unlike store-bought rolls, this bread is free from additives.
- Good carbs: Perfect fuel for active days—pair with protein and veggies for balance.
- Homemade freshness: You control the ingredients, from the flour to the salt.
❓ FAQ
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! After the first rise, shape the loaves and freeze them. Thaw and rise again before baking.
What if I don’t have bread flour?
All-purpose flour works, but bread flour gives a better chew and structure.
How do I get a crispier crust?
Place a small pan of hot water in the oven to create steam during the first 10 minutes of baking.
📝 Note
Make sure not to over-flour your dough. It should feel soft and slightly tacky, not dry. If you’re shaping longer loaves, be gentle to avoid knocking out too much air. Letting it rest and rise fully gives that nice airy interior!
🥖 Conclusion
I hope you give this recipe a try—it’s easier than you think and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Making Italian hero bread from scratch is such a rewarding experience.
The crispy crust, soft and airy inside, and that authentic flavor truly bring a taste of Italy right to your kitchen.
Whether you’re using it for sandwiches or just enjoying it fresh with a bit of olive oil, this bread never disappoints. Happy baking!
Italian Hero Bread Recipe- Homemade
I made this Italian Hero Bread recipe, and it’s everything I hoped for—crusty on the outside, soft and chewy inside, with that authentic bakery-style taste. It’s perfect for hearty sandwiches loaded with meats, cheeses, and veggies. The dough is simple, made with flour, yeast, water, olive oil, and a pinch of sugar and salt. After a slow rise, it bakes to golden perfection. I love how it holds up to juicy fillings without falling apart. Whether you’re making a classic sub or just want fresh bread at home, this recipe delivers the real Italian hero experience.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
🥄 Step 1: Prep Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in olive oil, salt, and gradually add flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
💪 Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes or in a mixer for about 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled.
🔥 Step 3: Shape and Rest
- Punch down the dough and divide into 2–4 pieces depending on the size of bread you want.
- Shape each piece into a long sub roll. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Cover and let rest for 30–40 minutes.
🍞 Step 4: Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Optional: Brush with egg wash for a shiny crust.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
Make sure not to over-flour your dough. It should feel soft and slightly tacky, not dry. If you’re shaping longer loaves, be gentle to avoid knocking out too much air. Letting it rest and rise fully gives that nice airy interior!