If you’ve ever enjoyed a sandwich at Subway, chances are you’ve been tempted by their soft, flavorful Italian Herb & Cheese bread. This iconic bread is light, airy, and packed with flavor, making it the ideal base for any sub sandwich. Now, you can recreate this fan-favorite right in your own kitchen using simple ingredients and minimal tools.
This homemade version captures the soft texture and herby-cheesy crust that makes the original so special. Whether you’re building a deli sandwich or enjoying it warm with butter, this bread will take your meal to the next level. Best of all, making it from scratch means no preservatives and full control over the flavor.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
Only five tools are needed to create this Subway-style bread at home:
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
For the Bread Dough:
- 3 ½ cups (420 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups (295 ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
Method of Preparation
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir briefly and let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready.
2. Form the Dough
Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture, then gradually stir in the flour using a wooden spoon or spatula. Mix until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour one tablespoon at a time.
3. Knead and Let Rise
Knead the dough by hand in the bowl or on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Return it to the bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Loaves
Punch down the dough and divide it into 2 or 3 equal parts, depending on how large you want the loaves. Roll each piece into a 6–8 inch log shape and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Second Rise
Cover the shaped loaves with a towel and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
6. Preheat Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Add Toppings
Mix melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Use a pastry brush to coat the tops of the risen loaves with this butter mixture. Then sprinkle with Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly crisp. Allow the loaves to cool slightly before slicing.
FAQs
Q: Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, bread flour will give the bread more chew, similar to bakery-style results.
Q: Can I skip the second rise?
No. The second rise is essential for creating that soft and airy texture.
Q: What cheese does Subway use?
Subway typically uses a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack. You can substitute with provolone or cheddar for variety.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, shape the loaves and freeze before the second rise. Thaw and let rise before baking.
Q: How long does this bread stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked loaves.
Conclusion
This copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese bread delivers the same irresistible flavor and texture as the restaurant version, all from the comfort of your kitchen. With just a few ingredients and five basic tools, you can elevate any sandwich or meal with homemade freshness. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to sub roll for life.
