How to Shape Sub Rolls Easily

Learning how to shape sub rolls can be intimidating at first. Here is an easy step by step guide to help you shape the perfect sandwich rolls every time! You can make amazing submarine sandwich rolls quickly, when you follow this 10 step guide.

Steps to Prepare the Dough for Shaping

Step 1 – Place the Bread Dough on the Counter

Place the bread dough on the counter to try to preserve some of the air pockets you created.

Step 2 – Cut the Dough into 4 Pieces

Cut the dough into four even pieces. It is okay if they are not perfectly even, but try to be as close as you can.

Step 3 – Cut Each of the Larger Pieces into 2 Pieces

Starting at a corner cut the larger pieces in half. They should be close to even, but feel free to add dough around to make them even.

Step 3.5 – Use a Scale to Create Even Pieces (Optional)

Using a kitchen scale measure out between 150-160 grams for each piece of dough to make sure they are even. Even pieces ensure that each roll bakes at the same time and helps them look the same.

You can skip this step if you want to.

Steps to Shape Sub Rolls

Step 4 – Take some Dough and Place it Smooth Side Down

Choose the pretty side and put it down on the side touching the counter. This will make sure that the top of your roll will be smooth and even.

Step 5 – Pat the Dough to Make it Even

Pat it until it is a quarter an inch (0.75 cm) thick. It doesn’t have to be even or perfect. We are flattening it enough to work with it.

Step 6 – Stretch the Dough and Fold it Over

Fold the edge toward the middle to make the roll look like a log with a smooth surface.

Step 7 – Flip the Roll so the Seam Side is Down

Place the roll seam side down. Now you are ready to seal the bottom seam.

Steps to Seal the Bottom Seam

Step 8 – Push the Log To the Left

Using the pinky side of your hand and push the dough towards the left. The dough should stick to the counter and the top should stretch as the bottom of the roll moves.

If your dough is rolling, then it is either to dry, has too much flour, or you need to practice shaping more. Rolling dough is NOT sealing the seam.

Step 9 – Push the Dough to the Right and Repeat

Using the pinky side of your hand and push the dough towards the left. The dough should stick to the counter and the top should stretch as the bottom of the roll moves.

Repeat pushing the dough to the left and right until you are happy with how the top looks.

Step 10 – Place on a Baking Pan and Flatten

Your sub roll has been shaped! If you like how it looks then place the roll onto the lined pan for baking and press it down to half an inch (1 cm) tall.

If your roll isn’t quite right, you can let it rest 10-20 minutes and then shape the roll over again.

Repeat until all your rolls are complete!

Tips for Success to Shape Sub Rolls

Avoid using flour during shaping. I recommend using water, oil, or just a clean counter top depending on how sticky your dough is. If you really feel you need flour use only enough to lightly dust your hands and the ball of dough.

Flour gets into your rolls and too much flour will prevent the roll from sticking to itself during shaping.

Keep the seam of the roll on the counter as much as possible when sealing the seam. New bakers tend to let the dough roll up during shaping. THAT WILL NOT SEAL THE SEAM. Keep the seam on the bottom and pull it towards yourself on the counter to seal the seam.

You do not have to seal the seam completely. You can seal the seam completely, but you do not have to to create a beautiful roll.

Place larger rolls on the edges and corners. Larger rolls take longer to cook than smaller rolls, so by placing them on the edges then they are finished cooking at the same time as the smaller rolls in the middle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I Shape a Dry Dough?

Dry dough can be shaped by getting the counter wet or using oil to make the dry surface wetter. It will help the dough stick to the counter, which will help follow the shaping steps listed above.

How do I Shape a Sticky Dough?

Sticky dough can be shaped using some flour or oil on the counter surface and use some on your hands. I use oil or water mostly, because adding flour during the shaping process can hinder the rolls ability to stick to itself.

How to Shape Rolls Evenly?

The biggest tip for making even rolls is to weigh out each roll of dough. This is the best way to end up with even rolls.

If you are trying to make them even by hand, then I would cut the dough ball into 4 even pieces.

Then each of those pieces into 2 more pieces exactly as I have done above. I find that they come out close to the same size and I can move the dough around to make them more even if I want.

Can I Shape the Dough into Sub Rolls More than Once?

Yes, you can shape bread dough more than once. When you finish shaping your dough and you decide to shape again. Cover the dough on the counter and let it rest for 10-20 minutes. Then follow these steps again and it will look better the second time.

What Pan is the Best for Making Sub Rolls?

I have just invested in Norpro Stainless Steel Cookie Sheets and I use these to bake my dough that is meant for sandwiches. I would recommend these pans to anyone looking for new pans!

What are your Best Tips to Shape Sub Rolls?

Let us know in the comments down below what your best tips are to shape sub rolls!

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