Name: Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm water; 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 tablespoon sugar; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

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If you’re a fan of Subway’s Italian Herb & Cheese Bread, you’re in for a treat! This homemade version gives you the same delicious flavor and soft, cheesy texture right in your kitchen. Whether you’re making sandwiches or just enjoying the bread on its own, this recipe will have you saying goodbye to store-bought bread for good. Plus, it’s easy to make and smells amazing while it bakes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread is the perfect balance of savory, herby flavors with a slight crunch from the melted cheese on top. It’s a great way to elevate your sandwich game or even use it for garlic bread, toasted with some olive oil and seasoning. The best part? It’s simple to make and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients—just a little time and love. Trust me, once you make this bread, you’ll never want to go back to the store-bought version again.

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need to make this bread. For the full list, be sure to check out the detailed ingredients below!

Warm water
Active dry yeast
Sugar
All-purpose flour
Salt
Olive oil
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Directions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast becomes frothy. This means it’s activated and ready to work its magic in the dough.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the dry ingredients, followed by the olive oil. Stir everything together until it forms a dough.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but don’t overdo it.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place your kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size. This step is essential to getting that soft, fluffy texture.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Shape it into a loaf or divide it into individual rolls, depending on your preference.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Herbs

Before baking, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the dough. Then, sprinkle a bit more Italian seasoning over the cheese for that extra flavor kick.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The cheese will be melted and slightly crispy on top—just the way you love it!

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Once your bread is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes slicing much easier.

Expert Tips and Tricks

For an even more authentic flavor, you can add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan to the top of the bread along with the mozzarella.
If you want a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter after baking. It adds richness and helps keep the bread soft.
If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can make your own mix by combining basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can experiment with different types of cheese on top. Cheddar, provolone, or even vegan cheese can be used as alternatives to mozzarella.
For a slightly different twist, try adding some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil into the dough for even more flavor.
If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, though the texture may vary slightly.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This bread is perfect for making sandwiches, especially with your favorite deli meats and veggies. It also pairs beautifully with soups and salads. You can even slice it up for a breadbasket at dinner. If you’re feeling adventurous, try turning it into garlic bread by spreading some garlic butter on it before toasting.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven for a few minutes to get that crispy, cheesy texture back.

4 FAQs

Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Simply add the ingredients to your bread machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions and set it to the dough cycle.
How can I make this bread more flavorful?
You can add more herbs or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. A dash of garlic or onion powder in the dough will also enhance the flavor.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. The next day, just shape, top with cheese, and bake.
Can I make smaller rolls instead of a loaf?
Yes, you can divide the dough into smaller portions and bake them as rolls. Just reduce the baking time to about 15-20 minutes.

Conclusion

This Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread brings the irresistible flavors of Subway’s classic bread right into your home. Soft, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, it’s the perfect base for sandwiches, a side dish, or even a snack all on its own. Give it a try, and you’ll never look at store-bought bread the same way again!

Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread

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This homemade version of Subway’s Italian Herb & Cheese Bread brings all the delicious flavor and soft, cheesy texture you love right to your kitchen. Perfect for sandwiches or served on its own, this easy-to-make recipe will have you saying goodbye to store-bought bread for good.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 20 minutes (excluding rising time)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including rising time)
Yield: 1 loaf (can be divided into 12 smaller rolls) 1x
Category: Bread, Copycat Recipes, Comfort Food
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until frothy.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, and stir to form a dough.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf or divide it into rolls. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Add Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and Italian seasoning on top of the dough.
Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Cool and Slice: Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing.