Who doesn’t love a hearty sandwich with soft, flavorful bread? If you’re a fan of Subway’s Italian Herb & Cheese bread, you’re in for a treat. This homemade version has the same deliciously soft, herby texture and a cheesy crust, but it’s made fresh right in your own kitchen! It’s perfect for sandwiches, as a side to soup, or simply enjoyed with butter. Let’s recreate that signature Subway taste, right from the comfort of home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

If you’ve ever had a Subway sandwich, you know that the bread is just as important as the filling. This Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread is soft, fluffy, and packed with flavor from a mix of Italian herbs and a melty cheese crust. It’s simple to make and adds a comforting, homemade touch to your favorite subs. Plus, it’s customizable—you can make it as cheesy as you like!

Ingredients

For the Dough:
bread flour
instant yeast
warm water
granulated sugar
olive oil
salt
garlic powder
onion powder
For the Herb & Cheese Topping:
shredded Monterey Jack cheese
grated Parmesan cheese
dried oregano
dried basil
garlic powder
dried

Full list of ingredients is below.

Directions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and stir gently. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. This step ensures that your yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir everything together until a dough begins to form.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Loaf

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a long rectangular shape, about 12 inches long. Carefully transfer the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Brush the top of the dough with a beaten egg to give it a golden crust as it bakes. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese on top, pressing them gently into the dough.

Step 7: Let the Dough Rise Again

Cover the loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise ensures the bread will be soft and airy.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like an extra crispy crust, you can bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes on a wire rack. Slice it into portions and serve it up with your favorite fillings, or enjoy it with a little butter.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Kneading the dough: Make sure to knead the dough well to develop gluten, which will give the bread its chewy texture.
Don’t skip the second rise: Letting the dough rise twice is key to getting that soft, fluffy interior.
Add extra herbs: If you love a more herbaceous flavor, feel free to add extra dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the dough mixture.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Cheese options: While mozzarella and Parmesan are the signature cheeses, you can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or provolone for added flavor.
Herb variations: Feel free to adjust the herb mixture depending on what you have on hand. Basil, rosemary, or even a little bit of red pepper flakes for some heat can be a great addition.
Make it garlic bread: Add extra garlic powder to the dough and sprinkle more Parmesan and garlic on top for a delicious garlic bread variation.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread is perfect for:

Sub sandwiches: Layer it with your favorite deli meats, veggies, and condiments for a delicious, homemade sub.
Side bread: Serve it alongside soups, salads, or pasta dishes for a comforting meal.
Snack: Enjoy it on its own, toasted with a little butter or dipped in marinara sauce for a snack.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it for longer, you can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before shaping it into a loaf and proceeding with the recipe.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour will work, but the texture will be denser. You can also mix whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour for a lighter result.

Can I make this bread without yeast?
This recipe relies on yeast for the soft, airy texture. If you prefer a no-yeast bread, you could try a soda bread recipe instead.

What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure your yeast is active by checking the water temperature before adding it. If the dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast, or the environment being too cold. Try placing the dough in a warmer spot to help it rise.

Conclusion

This Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread is an easy, homemade way to recreate the flavor you love from your favorite sandwich shop. With a crispy, cheesy crust and soft, flavorful interior, this bread is perfect for everything from sandwiches to side dishes. Bake it up and enjoy the delicious, fresh taste of homemade bread!

Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread: Homemade Flavor at Its Best

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Author: Lily Carter
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes + 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 3 loaves (Increase to 3-4 loaves for larger servings) 1x
Category: Bread, Copycat Recipes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

It tastes just like the real thing—maybe even better!
Perfectly soft, fluffy texture with a cheesy, herby crust.
Great for making delicious homemade Subway-style sandwiches.
Easy to make with simple ingredients.

Instructions

Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and will help the bread rise properly.
Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the Loaves
Punch down the dough and divide it into 2 equal portions. Shape each portion into a 12-inch loaf and place them on a lined baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let them rest for 30 minutes.
Add the Herb & Cheese Topping
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each loaf with melted butter, then sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack, Parmesan, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and parsley evenly on top.
Bake the Bread
Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly crispy. Let the bread cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

For extra softness, brush the hot loaves with more melted butter after baking.
If you prefer, substitute Monterey Jack with mozzarella or provolone for a different cheesy twist.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 180
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 5mg