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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Drape a towel over the shaped loaves and permit a 30-minute resting period, which helps relax the gluten and enhance texture.
- 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.
- 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