Homemade Subway Herb Cheese Bread Recipe: Bakery Magic

Crafting a mouthwatering Subway herb cheese bread sparks joy in every home kitchen.

Fragrant herbs dance through soft, pillowy dough waiting to be transformed.

Mediterranean ingredients mingle with classic sandwich shop inspiration.

cheese melts into golden pockets, creating irresistible layers of comfort.

homemade versions easily surpass store-bought alternatives with minimal effort.

Simple techniques unlock professional-level results that surprise and delight.

You’ll want to slice into this warm, aromatic creation immediately.

What Makes Italian Herb Subway Bread Worth Repeating

• Recreate Subway Magic at Home: Reasons to Love This Recipe
• Quick Weekend Baking Adventure: Prepare delicious homemade bread in just under 2 hours, perfect for leisurely weekend cooking and impressing family with minimal hands-on time.
• Customizable Flavor Explosion: Easily adjust herb and cheese combinations to match personal taste preferences, transforming a simple recipe into a personalized culinary experience that suits every palate.
• Family-Friendly Cooking Project: Engage kids and adults together in a fun, interactive baking process that teaches basic bread-making skills while creating delicious memories around the kitchen counter.

Subway Herb & Cheese Bread Copycat Ingredients

• Bread Flour: The foundation for a strong, chewy bread structure, high protein content helps develop gluten.
• Active Dry Yeast: Key for bread rising and creating light, airy texture with deep flavor.
• Water: Essential liquid that activates yeast and helps form dough consistency.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and supports fermentation process.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and subtle richness to the bread.

• Garlic Powder: Provides classic savory background flavor.
• Onion Powder: Complements garlic with additional depth.
• Oregano: Brings Mediterranean herb character.
• Basil: Adds fresh, slightly sweet herbal note.
• Parsley: Light, clean herb flavor with green brightness.

• Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild, melty cheese with creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds complex flavor.
• Butter: Creates golden, rich surface for herb and cheese topping.

Subway Herb & Cheese Bread Copycat Instructions

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl.

Let the mixture bubble and foam for 5-10 minutes.

This magical process kickstarts the yeast’s power to make your bread rise perfectly.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

• Bread flour
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Olive oil

Mix all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Pour in the activated yeast and olive oil.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and stretchy like a soft pillow.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise and Relax

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover with a damp towel.

Find a cozy, warm spot in your kitchen and let the dough rest and grow for about 1 hour.

Watch it double in size like a bread balloon.

Step 4: Shape the Bread Loaves

Gently deflate the dough and divide it into two equal portions.

Roll each piece into a 12-inch long loaf.

Place the loaves on a lined baking sheet and let them rest, covered, for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Dress Up with Herbs and Cheese

• Melted butter
• Shredded Monterey Jack
• Parmesan cheese
• Oregano
• Basil
• Garlic powder
• Parsley

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Brush each loaf with melted butter, then generously sprinkle the cheese and herb mixture over the top.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the loaves into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown crust with melted, slightly crispy cheese.

Allow the bread to cool briefly before slicing into your homemade Subway-style masterpiece.

Subway Bread Copycat Flavor Tips

• Ensure water is warm (not hot) to prevent killing yeast, creating perfect bread rise every time.
• Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly, which creates the signature chewy Subway bread texture and structure.
• Let dough rise in a draft-free, warm spot around 85°F for optimal proofing and maximum flavor development.
• Grate cheese fresh for best melting and sprinkle evenly to achieve that classic Subway-style golden, crispy cheese crust.
• Allow bread to cool slightly before cutting to maintain moisture and prevent crumbling, ensuring perfect sandwich-ready slices.

Save Subway Herb & Cheese Bread with Flavor

• Store leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Slice bread before freezing for easier portioning. Place in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months to preserve freshness and flavor.
• Wrap bread in aluminum foil and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. This method helps restore the bread's original crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Wrap bread in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds. This quickly warms the bread while preventing it from becoming too dry or tough.

What Goes Well With Subway Copycat Bread

• Pairing Perfect Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Companions
• Savor Classic Italian Charcuterie Board: Arrange prosciutto, salami, olives, and soft cheeses alongside your freshly baked bread for an authentic Mediterranean experience that highlights the herb-infused flavors.
• Match with Hearty Tomato Soup: Dip warm bread slices into creamy, rich tomato soup creating a comforting meal that brings out the bread's herbal undertones and cheesy goodness.
• Create Gourmet Sandwich Experience: Transform these herb-packed bread slices into incredible sandwiches featuring roasted turkey, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and light olive oil spread for a restaurant-quality lunch.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or medium-bodied Chianti that complements the bread's robust herbal notes and enhances the melted cheese complexity, elevating your entire dining experience.

Homemade Bread With Herb Blends

• Gluten-Free Herb Bread: Replace bread flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Vegan Cheese Bread: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and plant-based cheese alternatives like vegan mozzarella, ensuring similar flavor profile and melting characteristics.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Bread: Use riced cauliflower mixed with almond flour and eggs as a bread base, incorporating the same herb and cheese toppings for a keto-friendly version.
• Whole Wheat Rustic Version: Swap half the bread flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and a heartier, nuttier bread texture.

FAQs

• Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can substitute bread flour with all-purpose flour, but the texture might be slightly less chewy and dense. Bread flour has higher protein content which helps create a better structure.

• How do I know if my yeast is still good?

Check the expiration date and test it by mixing with warm water and sugar. If it becomes foamy and bubbly within 5-10 minutes, the yeast is active and ready to use. If no foam develops, the yeast is likely dead.

• What if my dough doesn't rise properly?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and the water temperature is warm (around 110°F), not hot. Keep the dough in a warm, draft-free area. If the environment is too cold, the yeast won’t activate and the dough won’t rise.

• Can I freeze the bread dough for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Subway Herb Cheese Bread Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

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

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Description

Subway’s beloved Italian Herb & Cheese Bread brings restaurant-quality comfort straight to home kitchens. Fragrant herbs, melted cheese, and a golden crust invite culinary adventure, helping you recreate that classic sandwich shop experience with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3.5 cups bread flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 packet (2.25 teaspoons) instant yeast

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Herb & Cheese Topping:

• 0.5 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
• 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon dried parsley
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the yeast activation solution by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small container. Allow the mixture to rest and become frothy, indicating the yeast’s vitality, which is crucial for proper bread rising.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate bread flour with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Incorporate the activated yeast liquid and olive oil, blending until a cohesive dough emerges.
3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly dusted work surface and knead vigorously for 8-10 minutes. The goal is achieving a smooth, springy texture that signals proper gluten development.
4. Nestle the dough into a greased bowl, envelop it with a damp cloth, and position in a warm environment. Allow the dough to expand and double in volume, approximately one hour.
5. Deflate the risen dough and partition into two equal segments. Carefully elongate each portion into 12-inch loaf shapes, positioning them on a lined baking sheet.
6. Drape a towel over the shaped loaves and permit a 30-minute resting period, which helps relax the gluten and enhance texture.
7. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lavish the loaves with melted butter, then generously distribute Monterey Jack, Parmesan, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and parsley across the surface.
8. Bake until the loaves transform into a golden hue and the cheese caramelizes slightly, typically 18-22 minutes. Allow a brief cooling period before slicing to maintain structural integrity.

Notes

• Activate yeast with precise water temperature between 100-110°F to ensure proper fermentation without killing the microorganisms.
• Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten structure, creating a chewy and soft bread texture with enhanced elasticity.
• Customize cheese blend by mixing different varieties like sharp cheddar or mozzarella for unique flavor profiles that match personal preferences.
• Consider using whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative, replacing up to 50% of bread flour to add nutritional value without compromising bread’s light texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg