Soft anchovy buns

Name: Soft anchovy buns
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 13
Ingredients: Type 0 flour 4 cups; Water 1 cup; Anchovies in oil 1.1 oz; Fresh brewer's yeast 0.5 oz; Sugar 1 tsp; Fine salt 1 tsp; Vegetable oil to taste

it de fr es br

156

Calories per serving

Lactose Free

Energy Kcal 156
Carbohydrates g 29.8
of which sugars g 1.1
Protein g 4.5
Fats g 2.1
of which saturated fat g 0.33
Fiber g 1.4
Sodium mg 154

Difficulty: Average
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Makes: 13 pieces
Cost: Low
Note + 2 hours of rising

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Costantina Vinciguerra

In Southern Italy, especially in spots like Puglia and Campania, they've got this super tasty twist on soft sandwich bread. We're talking about these tender snail-shaped rolls packed with anchovies preserved in oil. Seriously good. Perfect for an aperitivo or just a chill hangout with friends. The anchovy sandwich recipe is, you know, a real standout. Those salty, moist anchovies mixed into the dough make a flavor that's way way more interesting than your average sandwich. Each bite is savory yet light, with homemade rolls having just the perfect kind of softness—ideal for tearing and sharing. Locals stack these up next to other regional faves like rolls with cime di rapa or dried figs. It's what Southern Italy does best.

Other Italian bread rolls might mix in beer or extra olive oil to switch it up, but not these. Here’s the deal: they keep it simple and let those anchovies shine. And making bread by hand? Pretty fun. Especially when you're whipping up something that's traditional but also a surprise at the table. These are the kind of easy anchovy sandwiches you'd see passed around before dinner. Which is great. Maybe alongside some mozzarella in carrozza or a Mediterranean sandwich with roasted veggies.

The magic isn't just in the filling—these homemade sandwich rolls are golden on the outside, with a fluffy bite that soaks up all that olive oil and anchovy flavor. The soft sandwich bread is versatile, pairing well with a bit of cheese or serving as a base for your own anchovy sandwich ideas. People love to experiment—really, they do. Whether you're into classic tramezzino-style sandwiches or just want something crispy and different, these Southern Italian rolls offer a snack that's simple, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing. So... Next time you’re figuring out what to serve, think about adding a touch of Southern Italy with these tasty rolls. For sure, they’re gonna impress and have everyone reaching for more.

How to prepare Soft anchovy buns

To prepare the soft anchovy buns, start by crumbling the yeast into a bowl, pour in the room temperature water 1 and the sugar 2. Mix everything well with a fork 3.

Transfer everything into the mixer bowl. Then add the flour 4, salt 5, and anchovy fillets, or anchovies, drained from the oil 6.

Attach the hook 7 and run the mixer for about 5 minutes or until all the ingredients are well combined 8. Transfer to the work surface and knead for a few moments until you obtain a smooth ball 9.

Place the dough back into the mixer bowl and cover with plastic wrap 10, let it rise for about 2 hours, until it doubles in volume 11. Then start taking portions of 60 g each, in total you will get about 13 pieces 12.

Form a log about 8 inches 13 and then twist it tightly on itself 14 to form a snail shape 15.

Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush with some vegetable oil 16. Cover and let rest for another 15 minutes 17. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 350°F and bake the sea buns for about 20 minutes 18.