Easy Gluten-Free Sub Rolls Recipe

These Gluten-Free Sub Rolls are delicious, versatile, and easy to make. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or cooled and sliced for your favorite submarine sandwiches. They are perfect for casual lunches, gourmet dinners,  and breakfast or brunch.

Gluten-Free Sub Rolls – The Texture

Light and Airy:

Despite being gluten-free, these rolls have a wonderfully light and airy texture, thanks to the combination of rice flour, tapioca, and potato starches. These ingredients help create a texture that is soft and fluffy inside.

Crisp and Golden Crust:

When baked, the rolls develop a beautiful, crisp crust. Brushing the tops with a beaten egg or milk before baking gives them an attractive golden finish.

Tender Crumb: 

The interior crumb is tender and slightly chewy and will hold up well to various sandwich fillings. The xanthan gum helps mimic the elasticity usually provided by gluten, ensuring the rolls don’t crumble easily.

Gluten-Free Easy Sub Rolls Recipe: Step-By-Step Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the rice flour, tapioca flour, potato starch, yeast, xanthan gum, baking soda, and salt.

Prepare Wet Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, lightly whisk the eggs, olive oil, sweetener (honey or sugar), and apple cider vinegar. Add the warm water and mix to combine.

Combine and Mix:

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Using the flat paddle of your mixer, mix until smooth. If you don’t have a mixer, you can use a wooden spoon, but be prepared for a bit of extra work. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and set aside for 30 minutes. This resting period allows the rice flour to absorb the moisture, making the dough easier to work with.

Shape the Dough:

Transfer the dough onto a floured working surface. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and shape each portion into a cylindrical shape, about 6 inches long. Use any gluten-free flour as needed to prevent sticking. Place each piece on a baguette pan and brush the top with water.

Let the Dough Rise:

Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 40 minutes or until they have almost doubled in size.

Preheat and Bake:

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Once the rolls have risen, remove the plastic wrap. For a shiny finish, you can brush the tops of the rolls with a beaten egg or use milk for a bit of color. Bake for 25 minutes or until the rolls sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you prefer a more golden crust, place the rolls briefly under a broiler for about 1 minute.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps the dough mix more evenly and gives it a better rise
• Warm Water: Ensure your water is about 115°F to activate the yeast properly.
• Resting Time: Don’t skip the 30-minute resting time for the dough; it’s crucial for the right texture.
• Rising Environment: Find a warm, draft-free spot for the dough to rise. An oven with just the light on can be a good spot.
• Uniform Size: Ensure the rolls are of uniform size for even baking and a consistent look.
• Extra Toppings: Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top before baking for an extra touch of flavor and texture.

Why Add Baking Soda to Yeasted Gluten-Free Dough

Tenderizing the Dough:

The alkaline nature of baking soda can help to break down the proteins in the rice flour, resulting in a more tender crumb in the rolls. This can make them softer and less chewy.

Leavening Boost:

While yeast is the primary leavening agent in yeasted rolls, baking soda can provide an additional lift, especially in recipes that include acidic ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, as the acid reacts with the baking soda to produce carbon dioxide, contributing to the dough’s rise.

It’s important to use baking soda in the right proportion, as too much baking soda can impart a soapy taste and negatively affect the dough’s structure.

Serving Suggestions for Gluten-Free Sub Rolls

These gluten-free sub rolls are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to inspire you:

Classic Sandwiches

1. Italian Sub: Fill with layers of salami, ham, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and a drizzle of olive oil and vinegar. Add a sprinkle of oregano for an authentic touch.
2. Vegetarian Delight: Stuff with hummus, roasted red peppers, cucumber slices, spinach, and feta cheese. A sprinkle of sunflower seeds adds a nice crunch.
3. Tuna Salad: Combine canned tuna with mayo, diced pickles, and red onions. Add some lettuce and tomato for a light, protein-packed lunch.

Gourmet Options

1. Steak and Cheese: Fill with thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and melted provolone or cheddar cheese. For extra flavor, add some horseradish sauce or aioli.
2. Caprese Sub: Layer fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil for a fresh and flavorful sandwich.
3. Meatball Sub: Fill with homemade meatballs or store-bought gluten-free meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Toast the filled roll until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
4. BBQ Pulled Pork: Pile on juicy pulled pork, coleslaw, and a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce. The tender crumb of the roll soaks up the flavors beautifully.

Breakfast and Brunch Ideas

1. Breakfast Roll: Fill with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon or sausage, and a slice of cheddar cheese. A bit of hot sauce or ketchup can add a kick.
2. Avocado and Egg: Spread mashed avocado on the roll, top with a fried or poached egg, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce for a hearty breakfast.

Garlic Bread

Split the rolls, spread with garlic herb butter, and toast until golden. Serve as a side with pasta such as our gluten-free lasagna roll ups or soup such our famous Gluten Free Rustic French Onion Soup.

Be sure all the ingredients are gluten-free.

More Gluten-Free Rolls To Explore

Gluten-Free Parker House Rolls

Gluten Free Milk Rolls

Easy Gluten-Free Butter Rolls

Gluten-Free Potato Pan Rolls

Gluten Free Portuguese Rolls

Our Best Best Gluten Free Pull-Apart Soft Rolls

Recipe Review

These gluten-free sub rolls are a game-changer for anyone seeking delicious, homemade bread without gluten. The combination of rice flour, tapioca, and potato starch creates a light, airy texture with a crisp crust, perfect for submarine sandwiches or as a versatile bread for any meal. Easy to make and adaptable for various dishes, from casual lunches to gourmet dinners, these rolls are a must-try addition to any gluten-free baking repertoire.