The Quick & Tasty Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread Recipe

Crafting a homemade subway Italian herb & cheese bread can transport you straight to sandwich heaven with minimal effort.

Every kitchen maestro knows recreating restaurant favorites sparks pure culinary joy.

Soft, aromatic layers packed with herbal goodness promise a delightful twist on classic bread.

Professional bakers might guard their secrets, but this recipe breaks those barriers.

Gentle kneading and strategic ingredient selection unlock professional-grade results right in your own space.

Warm, golden slices will make you feel like a bread-making champion.

Venture into this delectable journey and watch your sandwich game reach extraordinary new heights.

Subway-Style Italian Herb Cheese Bread At Home

• Quick and Easy Bread Making: Craft your own Subway-style bread at home with minimal effort and basic ingredients.
• Burst with Herb-Packed Flavor: Infuse multiple herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary to create an aromatic, restaurant-quality bread that elevates any sandwich.
• Perfect Weekend Baking Project: Transform your kitchen into a bakery with this straightforward recipe that takes just over 2 hours from start to finish, including rising and baking time.
• Versatile Homemade Delight: Customize your bread by adding extra cheese, adjusting herb quantities, or serving alongside soups, salads, or as a standalone snack for family and friends.

Subway Italian Bread Copycat Ingredients

• All Purpose Flour: Base for bread structure with good gluten development.
• Sugar: Helps yeast activate and provides subtle sweetness.
• Instant Dry Yeast: Essential for bread rising and texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth.
• Garlic Powder: Adds savory herb flavor profile.

• Oregano, Basil, Rosemary: Classic Italian herb combination for aromatic bread.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element for heat lovers.

• Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps combine dough ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and subtle richness to bread.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provides melty golden crust and extra flavor.

• Butter: Creates golden sheen and added richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish with fresh herb accent.

Subway Herb & Cheese Bread Copycat Bake Guide

Step 1: Mixing Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Sugar
• Yeast
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Oregano
• Basil
• Rosemary
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Stir everything together until well blended.

Step 2: Creating the Dough

Pour warm water and olive oil into the dry ingredient mixture.

Mix thoroughly until a soft, sticky dough forms.

Step 3: Kneading the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.

Knead vigorously for 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and stretchy.

The texture should feel silky and elastic.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl.

Cover with a clean kitchen towel and set in a warm, draft-free spot.

Allow the dough to rise for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Preparing for Baking

Heat the oven to 375°F.

Gently punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles.

Step 6: Shaping Loaves

Divide the dough into two equal portions.

Shape each into a classic loaf and position on a greased baking sheet.

Step 7: Adding Cheesy Topping

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 8: Baking the Bread

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the loaves turn golden brown and the cheese melts beautifully.

Step 9: Final Touch

Brush the hot loaves with melted butter.

Scatter fresh chopped parsley across the top for extra flavor and presentation.

Step 10: Serving

Allow the bread to cool slightly.

Slice and serve with your favorite sandwich fillings or enjoy as a standalone treat.

Bread Tips For Subway Herb Cheese Loaf

• Use warm (not hot) water between 100-110°F to activate yeast without killing it.
• Adjust dried herb quantities based on personal preference – start with less and taste test.
• Grate cheeses fresh for maximum melting and flavor development during baking.
• Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating a more elastic and soft bread texture.
• Place baking sheet on middle oven rack and rotate halfway through baking for even golden-brown crust.

Store Subway Bread Copycat Right

• Store leftover bread in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag for up to 3-4 days, keeping it fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Wrap bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain its original texture and flavor.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, wrap bread in aluminum foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy edges return.
• Sprinkle bread with water, wrap in damp paper towel, and microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore softness without drying out.

Herb Bread Snack Ideas

• Pair with Zesty Mediterranean Salad: Crisp greens, cucumber, tomatoes, and olives drizzled with light olive oil vinaigrette complement the herb-rich bread perfectly.
• Match with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the bread's herbal notes and cheesy goodness.
• Create Classic Italian Sub Combo: Layer salami, provolone, pepperoncini, and fresh vegetables inside the warm bread for an authentic sandwich experience.
• Serve with Garlic Herb Dipping Oil: Blend extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried herbs, and a splash of balsamic for a delicious bread accompaniment.

Subway Herb Cheese Bread Made at Home, Many Ways

• Gluten-Free Herb Bread: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same herb-packed flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Cheesy Herb Loaf: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and plant-based cheese alternatives, maintaining the herb-infused profile while keeping it dairy-free.
• Low-Carb Herb Bread Alternative: Use almond flour or coconut flour with added herbs, creating a protein-rich bread substitute for those watching carbohydrate intake.
• Whole Wheat Hearty Version: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, boosting nutritional value and adding a deeper, nuttier flavor to the bread.

FAQs

• How do I know if my yeast is active?

Mix the yeast with warm water (around 110°F) and a pinch of sugar. If it becomes foamy and bubbly within 5-10 minutes, your yeast is active and ready to use.

• Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand on a clean, floured surface. Use your hands to combine ingredients and knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

• What if my dough doesn't rise properly?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and your water is warm (not hot). Place the dough in a draft-free, warm area like near a preheated oven or inside a turned-off oven with the light on. Room temperature around 75-80°F works best for rising.

• Is it necessary to use all the herbs mentioned in the recipe?

While the herbs create the signature flavor, you can adjust or omit some based on your preference. The core herbs like oregano and basil are key to achieving the classic Italian herb taste.

Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Subway’s iconic Italian herb & cheese bread brings bakery magic home with professional-quality results. Crusty exterior and pillowy interior combine with signature herbal notes, inviting bread enthusiasts to craft a delicious restaurant-style experience.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups (437.5 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) warm water
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1/2 cup (56 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon (14 grams) unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Seasonings and Leavening:

• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons or 7 grams)
• 1 tablespoon (12.5 grams) sugar
• 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)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Gather all dry ingredients including flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and aromatic herbs in a spacious mixing vessel. Blend these components thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
2. Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and introduce warm water and olive oil. Gently incorporate the liquids until a cohesive dough emerges.
3. Transfer the nascent dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead with rhythmic, pressing motions until the texture transforms into a smooth, resilient mass with subtle elasticity.
4. Nestle the prepared dough into a generously oiled bowl, draping a clean kitchen towel over the top. Allow the mixture to rest and expand in a draft-free, temperate environment for approximately 60-90 minutes.
5. Calibrate the oven temperature to 375°F, positioning the rack in the center for optimal heat circulation.
6. Deflate the risen dough with a gentle punch, then partition it into two symmetrical segments. Carefully mold each portion into an elongated loaf shape, positioning them on a prepared baking sheet.
7. Lavish the loaf surfaces with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
8. Slide the cheese-adorned loaves into the preheated oven. Bake until the exterior achieves a golden-brown hue and the cheese melts into an enticing, bubbling landscape.
9. Extract the bread and immediately apply a delicate brush of melted butter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an aromatic flourish.
10. Permit the bread a brief cooling interval before slicing. Serve alongside complementary sandwich ingredients or savor independently.

Notes

• Customize herbs by adjusting quantities to match personal taste preferences without overwhelming the bread’s delicate flavor profile.
• Use instant yeast for quicker rising time and more consistent bread texture that develops softer, airier crumb structure.
• Ensure water temperature stays between 105-110°F to activate yeast properly without killing the live cultures during proofing process.
• Experiment with cheese blend variations like adding sharp cheddar or replacing some mozzarella with provolone for enhanced depth of flavor and melting characteristics.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 3 mg