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Pistolette Rolls from Louisiana

Pistolettes are small Louisiana bread rolls. Bakeries and some grocers sell them.

Updated Oct 31, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

In Louisiana, many bakeries and grocers sell them fresh or frozen. Elsewhere, look for small French bread rolls or order frozen online.

Professional insight

Louisiana cooks first ask which pistolette they need. A sandwich roll and a fried stuffed roll are different products.

Bánh mì style rolls should have a thin, crackly crust.
Rolls for stuffing should be soft enough to hollow.
Par baked frozen rolls finish best in a hot oven.
Day old rolls work for frying, not sandwiches.

Check the label

Says pistolette, or the roll style you need.
Fresh, frozen or par baked stated.
Count and roll size on the pack.
Baked on or best by date.
Allergens such as wheat, milk or egg.
Filled pistolettes list the filling and must stay frozen or chilled.

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Types

Sandwich roll

A short baguette style roll, about half a baguette. Popular in New Orleans for bánh mì.

Stuffed fried roll

A Cajun favorite around Lafayette. Fried, split and filled with crawfish, meat or cheese.

Common uses

Bánh mì and po' boy style sandwiches.
Crawfish or shrimp stuffed pistolettes.
Dinner rolls next to gumbo.
Mini sliders for parties.

Storage

Eat fresh rolls the same day or the next.
Freeze extras in a sealed bag.
Reheat in the oven to bring back the crust.
Keep filled pistolettes chilled and eat them soon.

Common questions

What is a pistolette?: A small Louisiana roll. The name covers a sandwich roll and a stuffed fried roll.
Can I use a baguette instead?: Yes, cut into short lengths. The crust may be thicker.
Are pistolettes sold frozen?: Some brands sell frozen par baked or stuffed versions.
Is a pistolet in France the same?: No. There it usually means a small round roll.