Hoagie Buns

Hoagie Buns from Taste of Home
(printable recipe)
These homemade buns provide a excellant way to serve my Italian Meatball Subs.

SERVINGS: 18

TIME: Prep: 30 min. + rising Bake: 15 min.

Ingredients:
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
3 cups warm water (110° to 115°), divided
2 tablespoons sugar, divided
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon salt
7 1/2 to 8 cups all-purpose flour
Directions:
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Add 1 tablespoon sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. Add the remaining warm water and sugar. Beat in the oil, salt and 4 cups flour until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 18 pieces. Shape each into an oval. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. With a scissors, cut a 1/4-in.-deep slash across the top of each. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 20 minutes.
Bake at 400° for 13-18 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.