If you’ve ever had the pleasure of sinking your teeth into Subway’s famous Italian Herb & Cheese Bread, you know it’s a deliciously soft and savory experience. This copycat recipe gives you that same irresistible flavor, right from the comfort of your own kitchen. The combination of herbs and cheese baked right into the bread creates a soft, aromatic loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or even on its own with a little butter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This homemade version of Subway’s Italian Herb & Cheese Bread brings the warmth and comfort of freshly baked bread with all the fragrant herbs and gooey cheese you love. The secret to this bread’s deliciousness is the unique combination of Italian herbs like oregano and basil, paired with Parmesan cheese. It’s simple to make, but the flavors are bold and satisfying. Whether you’re making sandwiches or enjoying it as a side, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
You’ll find the full list of ingredients with measurements below.
Directions
Activating the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir to combine, then let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
Making the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, along with the olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
Kneading the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shaping the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape the dough into a long, oval loaf that’s about 12 inches in length. Place the shaped loaf onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Second Rise
Cover the dough with a towel again and let it rise for another 30 minutes, allowing it to puff up and become airy.
Preparing the Egg Wash and Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Beat the egg and brush it over the top of the dough for a golden, glossy finish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the loaf.
Baking the Bread
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let it cool slightly before slicing.
Serving
Serve the bread warm with your favorite sandwich fillings or simply enjoy it with butter.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil or oregano on hand, you can substitute them for the dried herbs for an even more aromatic flavor.
- Cheese Variations: For a stronger cheese flavor, try adding a bit of Asiago or Romano cheese to the dough along with the Parmesan.
- Bread Flour: For an even chewier texture, you can use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Steam the Oven: To achieve a crispier crust, place a small pan of water in the bottom of the oven while baking. This creates steam that helps the bread rise and develop a nice crust.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Garlic Herb Bread: Add a little more garlic powder and some dried rosemary for an extra punch of flavor.
- Vegan Option: Replace the egg wash with a mixture of water and cornstarch for a shiny, egg-free top.
- Gluten-Free: You can try using a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this bread. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Italian Herb & Cheese Bread is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with:
- Sandwiches: Use it for your favorite subs or sandwiches, like turkey, ham, or classic Italian subs.
- Soup: Serve alongside a hearty tomato soup, minestrone, or creamy potato soup for a cozy meal.
- Dipping: Slice it and serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping, or pair it with a warm marinara sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh longer, freeze slices of the bread in a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply toast the slices or warm the whole loaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature and rise before baking.
Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
A: Yes! Active dry yeast works well in this recipe. Just be sure to activate it in warm water before using.
Q: Can I use a bread machine to make this?
A: Absolutely! You can use the dough setting on your bread machine to mix and knead the dough, then continue with the rest of the recipe.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Simply shape it, wrap it tightly, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it thaw and rise before baking.
Conclusion
Making your own Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread is easier than you think, and the result is absolutely worth it. This warm, flavorful bread is perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying on its own. With its soft texture, fragrant herbs, and cheesy topping, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any meal. Enjoy every bite of this homemade bread!
Print
Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves (8 servings) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian, American
Description
This Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread recipe lets you recreate the famous soft and flavorful Italian herb bread at home. With a blend of savory herbs and a crispy, cheesy top, this homemade version will have you enjoying Subway-style sandwiches right from your kitchen. Perfect for subs, sandwiches, or as a standalone bread with dipping sauces.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, garlic powder, oregano, basil, rosemary, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
- Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Mix to form a dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the tops of the loaves with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Brush the baked loaves with melted butter and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Serve with your favorite sandwich fillings or enjoy as a side.
Notes
If you want a more pronounced cheese flavor, you can mix in extra cheese into the dough before baking. You can also use Italian seasoning instead of the individual dried herbs for a quicker option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg