If you love the soft, flavorful bread at Subway, this homemade version will quickly become your favorite. Infused with herbs and cheese, this bread is perfect for sandwiches, garlic bread, or simply enjoying with butter. It’s easy to make and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This bread has a soft texture with a cheesy, herb-infused crust that makes it extra special. It’s a great way to elevate your homemade sandwiches while controlling the ingredients. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make with just a few pantry staples.

Ingredients

For the Bread Dough:
cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
cups warm water (about 110°F)
tbsp granulated sugar
tbsp unsalted butter, melted
tsp salt
cup nonfat dry milk powder
tbsp olive oil
For the Herb & Cheese Topping:
cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a mix of Parmesan & mozzarella)
tsp garlic powder
tsp dried oregano
tsp dried basil
tsp dried parsley
tsp onion powder
tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)

Mixing the Dough

Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl, letting it sit until foamy. Add flour, salt, melted butter, and mix until a dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic.

First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size. This helps create that light and airy texture.

Shaping and Topping

Divide the dough into portions and shape them into loaves. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle generously with shredded cheese and dried herbs.

Second Rise and Baking

Allow the shaped loaves to rise again, then bake in a preheated oven until golden brown. The cheese will melt and crisp up beautifully, adding extra flavor.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan for a deeper flavor
Brushing with melted butter before baking enhances the softness
Let the dough rise in a slightly warm oven to speed up proofing
Sprinkle extra herbs on top for a stronger flavor

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap all-purpose flour for bread flour for a chewier texture
Use garlic butter instead of plain butter for added depth
Substitute different herbs like rosemary or thyme for a unique twist
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild heat

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This bread is perfect for homemade subs, toasted sandwiches, or served alongside soups and pasta. It also makes an incredible base for garlic bread when toasted with butter and more cheese.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze and reheat in the oven to refresh its texture.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without cheese? Yes, but the cheese adds a lot of flavor. You can substitute it with more herbs or a garlic butter topping.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning? You can mix dried basil, oregano, parsley, and a touch of thyme to create your own blend.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes! Just mix it directly into the dry ingredients and skip the proofing step.

How do I get a crispier crust? Brushing with butter before and after baking helps, or you can bake at a slightly higher temperature for a few extra minutes.

Conclusion

This Subway copycat herbs and cheese bread is a game changer for homemade sandwiches. With its soft interior, cheesy crust, and savory herbs, it’s just as good—if not better—than the real thing. Enjoy it fresh, toasted, or as a side to your favorite meals!

Subway Copycat Herbs and Cheese Bread

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Author: Lily Carter
Prep Time: 20 minutes + 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 5 sandwich-sized loaves 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American/Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This homemade version of Subway’s famous Italian Herbs & Cheese Bread is soft, fluffy, and topped with a flavorful mix of herbs and melted cheese. Perfect for sandwiches, garlic bread, or just enjoying on its own!

Instructions

Activate the Yeast:
1. In a small bowl, mix warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Make the Dough:
1. In a large bowl (or stand mixer with a dough hook), combine flour, salt, and dry milk powder.
2. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough:
1. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
First Rise:
1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the Loaves:
1. Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal pieces.
2. Roll each piece into a 6-8 inch log and place on a lined baking sheet.
Second Rise:
1. Cover loosely and let rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Add the Herb & Cheese Topping:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush the tops of the risen loaves with melted butter.
3. Mix together garlic powder, oregano, basil, parsley, and onion powder, then sprinkle over the bread.
4. Top generously with shredded cheese.
Bake the Bread:
1. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
2. Let cool slightly before slicing.
Enjoy!
1. Use for sandwiches, toast with butter, or make homemade garlic bread!

Notes

For extra softness, brush the warm bread with more melted butter after baking.
Use different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a flavor twist.
Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 340
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 20mg