What do Americans call a roll?
A roll is defined as a small, usually round or oblong loaf of bread served alongside a meal. The most universally understood terms for this item across all of America are "roll" or "dinner roll." However, delve into specific regional dialects and the names become far more colorful.
Most Common National Terms
According to a 2019 survey by Hunter Research, the most commonly used names for a roll across America are:
- Roll – 57%
- Dinner roll – 18%
- Bread roll – 12%
- Bun – 5%
- Other names – 8%
So while "roll" is used by over half of all Americans, even at a national level there remain some variations. Next we explore some key regional terms that offer insights into America‘s diverse cultural and linguistic landscape.
New England and the Grinder
In New England, especially Boston, what the rest of America calls a submarine or hero sandwich is often referred to as a "grinder." Interestingly, this name also translates to the long bun used to make this stacked sandwich.
In parts of New England, particularly in the greater Boston area, the name grinder is also applied to a large sandwich on a similarly shaped, but shorter, bun.
Source: Cambridge Dictionary of American English
So when requesting a hot dog or hamburger roll, New Englanders may refer to these smaller cousin rolls as "grinders" too.
The South: Biscuits vs Rolls
The South is unique in that the term biscuit takes on an entirely distinct meaning from the rest of America. Sweet, buttery Southern-style biscuits are soft and flaky quick breads that resemble what other regions call rolls.
| Term | Southern Description | Typical Description in Other Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Biscuit | Soft, fluffy, buttery quick bread, often served for breakfast | In other regions of America, this quick bread is more likely to be referred to as a roll or bread roll |
| Roll | A yeast-leavened bread, like a dinner roll | The common name for a small round loaf of bread of both the yeast and quick/baking soda leavened variety |
So when a Southerner requests a roll, they typically mean a yeast roll rather than a baking soda-leavened biscuit.
Unique southern terms include "beaten biscuits", an old-fashioned dense biscuit popular in the Appalachians. East Tennessee boasts "donuts", puffy oven-baked rolls that resemble donut holes.
Distinctive shapes also abound: Parker House rolls with their crease down the middle remain popular served with Sunday dinners, and knot rolls adorn almost every Southern holiday table.
Amish Country and Pennsylvania Dutch Names
In Amish country, centered in Pennsylvania Dutch country, some unique German-origin names are still in use for rolls and buns:
- Philippy buns – light and fluffy individual dinner rolls
- Semmel rolls – larger baked rolls, often sliced for sandwiches
- Kaiser rolls – crusty rolls perfect for sandwiches or breakfast
Here the term biscuit is used in the way typical for most non-Southern regions, referring to baking soda-leavened quick breads.
Other Regional American Terms for Rolls
While dozens more hyper-local names exist, some other regional examples include:
- New York metro area – Split-top buns, pistol buns, hard rolls
- New Orleans – Po‘ boy rolls
- Hawaii – Dinner rolls are often topped with butter and furikake seasoning
So while the default "dinner roll" may elicit some confused looks, asking for a "Philippy bun" in Los Angeles or a "donut" in Miami is bound to totally bewilder your server!
Distinguishing American Biscuits and Rolls
For readers from other countries, it is important to note that American biscuits are an entirely distinct food from rolls and buns. Most foreign biscuits would be seen as closer to what Americans call cookies.
American biscuits are flaky, savory quick breads leavened by baking soda, unlike the yeasted yeast rolls typical in other countries. They are served as part of a meal rather than as a sweet dessert.
So if an American recipe calls for a roll, a British stotty or bap would be better substitutes than reaching for the cookie jar!
Conclusion: It‘s a Roll By Any Other Name
While America‘s regional diversity leads residents of different areas to show their local pride through food terminology, roll and dinner roll remain the most widely-understood terms across the country for referring to small loaves of bread accompaniments.
A New Yorker can feel comfortable asking for a side of Philippy buns down South. And a Southerner visiting Maine understands their request for a yeast roll will not be misunder
So no matter where you say "bread roll", "bun", "biscuit" or "cob", servers nationwide can infer you want a warm accompaniment to your meal and that you take pride in the unique food culture of your hometown.
