Copycat Subway Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Recipe
There’s something absolutely magical about the aroma of Subway’s Italian Herb and Cheese bread that makes your mouth water the moment you step into their restaurants. That perfect combination of aromatic herbs, melted cheese, and freshly baked dough has captured the hearts of sandwich lovers everywhere. Today, we’re bringing that iconic bakery experience straight to your kitchen with this incredible copycat recipe that delivers all the flavors you crave without leaving your home.
This homemade version captures every nuance of Subway’s beloved bread, from the golden-brown crust sprinkled with Italian herbs to the gooey cheese that creates those irresistible stretchy pulls when you tear the bread apart. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic taste of your favorite sandwich shop or simply want to impress your family with restaurant-quality bread, this recipe delivers exceptional results that rival the original.
The Secret Behind Subway’s Iconic Flavor Profile
Understanding what makes Subway’s Italian Herb and Cheese bread so distinctive requires looking beyond just the basic ingredients. The magic lies in the careful balance of oregano, basil, and garlic powder that creates that signature Italian seasoning blend, combined with the perfect ratio of melted cheese that gets incorporated both into the dough and sprinkled on top for maximum flavor impact.
The original Subway version uses a specific blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses, which provides both the stretchy texture and sharp flavor that makes each bite so satisfying. Our homemade version replicates this combination perfectly, ensuring you get those same cheese pulls and rich, savory taste that makes this bread so addictive.
Professional bakers know that the key to achieving that distinctive Subway texture lies in proper gluten development and the right hydration level in the dough. This recipe has been carefully calibrated to create bread with the perfect crumb structure – tender enough to make excellent sandwiches while maintaining enough structure to hold up to hearty fillings.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Results
Creating authentic Subway-style Italian Herb and Cheese bread requires careful attention to ingredient selection and proportions. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the final flavor and texture that makes this bread so memorable.
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
The quality of your flour makes a significant difference in the final texture. Bread flour contains higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which develops more gluten and creates that characteristic chewy texture that Subway bread is famous for. If you only have all-purpose flour available, you can substitute it, but the texture will be slightly more tender and less chewy.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Bakery-Quality Results
Creating this copycat bread requires attention to detail and proper technique, but the process itself is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these carefully crafted instructions for consistent, professional-quality results every time.
- Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl, stirring gently to dissolve. Allow mixture to stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy and activated, indicating healthy yeast activity.
- Add olive oil, salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to the yeast mixture, stirring to combine all liquid ingredients thoroughly before adding flour.
- Gradually incorporate bread flour, mixing with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then turn onto floured surface for kneading process.
- Knead dough vigorously for 8-10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky, developing proper gluten structure for optimal texture and rise.
- Place kneaded dough in oiled bowl, cover with damp cloth, and allow to rise in warm location for 60-90 minutes until doubled in size.
- Punch down risen dough and turn onto floured surface, gently working in half the shredded cheese mixture throughout the dough for even distribution.
- Shape dough into rectangular loaf form, place on parchment-lined baking sheet, and allow to rise additional 30-45 minutes until noticeably puffed.
- Brush risen loaf with melted butter, sprinkle remaining cheese and herb mixture generously across entire surface for authentic appearance.
- Bake in preheated 375°F oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F for perfect doneness.
- Cool completely on wire rack before slicing to allow crumb structure to set properly and prevent compression during cutting.
Copycat Subway Italian Herb and Cheese Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in large bowl. Let stand 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add olive oil, salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to yeast mixture, stirring well.
- Gradually add bread flour, mixing until shaggy dough forms. Turn onto floured surface.
- Knead dough 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in oiled bowl, cover.
- Rise in warm place 60-90 minutes until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough, work in half the cheese mixture. Shape into loaf on baking sheet.
- Rise additional 30-45 minutes until puffed. Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Brush with melted butter, sprinkle remaining cheese and herbs on top.
- Bake 25-30 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F.
- Cool completely on wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Professional Tips for Maximum Flavor Enhancement
Achieving bakery-quality results requires understanding several professional techniques that elevate this bread from good to extraordinary. These insider secrets will help you create bread that surpasses even your favorite sandwich shop.
Temperature control plays a crucial role in proper fermentation and flavor development. Your water temperature should be between 105-110°F when activating yeast – too hot will kill the yeast, while too cool won’t activate it properly. Use a thermometer for accuracy, especially when learning this recipe.
The cheese incorporation technique significantly impacts the final texture and distribution. Rather than simply mixing cheese into the dough, try creating small pockets by pressing cheese pieces into the shaped dough, then folding and reshaping. This creates those delightful surprise pockets of melted cheese throughout each slice.
Proper rising conditions make the difference between dense, heavy bread and light, airy loaves. Create an ideal proofing environment by placing your covered bowl on top of the refrigerator or in a slightly warm oven with just the light on. Consistent temperature around 75-80°F promotes steady, controlled rising.
Mastering the Art of Perfect Crust Development
The golden-brown crust with its herb-speckled surface is arguably the most recognizable feature of Subway’s Italian Herb and Cheese bread. Achieving this perfect exterior requires understanding how heat, moisture, and timing work together during the baking process.
Creating steam during the initial baking phase helps develop a crispy crust while keeping the interior moist. Place a small oven-safe dish of water on the bottom rack during preheating, removing it halfway through baking for optimal crust formation.
The final butter brush and cheese topping application should happen just before baking, not during the second rise. This prevents the cheese from burning while ensuring it melts perfectly and adheres to the crust during baking.
Troubleshooting Common Baking Challenges
Even experienced bakers encounter occasional issues when perfecting this recipe. Understanding common problems and their solutions ensures consistent success with every batch you create.
Dense, heavy texture usually indicates insufficient rising time or inactive yeast. Always proof your yeast before beginning, and don’t rush the rising process – better to let dough over-rise slightly than under-rise significantly.
Uneven browning often results from incorrect oven positioning or temperature fluctuations. Use the center rack and rotate the loaf halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.
Cheese burning on top occurs when oven temperature is too high or when cheese is applied too early. If your cheese browns too quickly, tent the loaf with foil for the remaining baking time.
Storage and Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
Proper storage maintains the bread’s texture and flavor for several days, while knowing the best serving methods enhances every meal where this bread appears.
Store cooled bread in airtight containers at room temperature for up to three days, or slice and freeze individual portions for up to three months. Frozen slices toast beautifully straight from the freezer.
For serving, slice the bread thick enough to showcase the cheese distribution but thin enough for comfortable sandwich construction. Warm slices briefly in a toaster or oven to refresh the crust and melt any cheese pockets.
Conclusion: Your Gateway to Bakery-Style Success
This Copycat Subway Italian Herb and Cheese Bread recipe transforms your kitchen into a professional bakery, delivering authentic flavors and textures that satisfy those specific cravings for your favorite sandwich shop experience. With careful attention to ingredient quality, proper technique, and patience during the rising process, you’ll create bread that not only matches but often exceeds the original.
The satisfaction of pulling apart warm, herb-scented bread with stretchy cheese pulls, knowing you created this masterpiece in your own kitchen, makes every step of this process worthwhile. Whether you’re crafting the perfect sandwich, serving alongside soup, or simply enjoying it warm with butter, this bread elevates any meal into a special occasion.
