If you’ve ever craved that soft, cheesy, herb-infused bread from Subway, this homemade version is just what you need! It’s perfectly fluffy, full of flavor, and makes the best sandwich base. Once you try making it at home, you might never go back to store-bought!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and fluffy texture – Just like the real thing, with a perfect chewiness.
Packed with flavor – The combination of herbs and cheese makes each bite irresistible.
Great for sandwiches – Pairs wonderfully with any sandwich filling.
Easy to customize – Switch up the herbs and cheese to your liking.

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need:

Bread flour
Yeast
Sugar
Warm water
Olive oil
Salt
Garlic powder
Dried oregano
Dried basil
Grated parmesan cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese

Full list of ingredients and exact measurements are below.

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast

Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl and let it sit until it becomes foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and will help the bread rise properly.

2. Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil. Add in the yeast mixture and olive oil, then knead until a soft, elastic dough forms.

3. Let It Rise

Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

4. Shape the Bread

Divide the dough into portions and shape them into long sub-style loaves. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5. Add Cheese and Herbs

Brush the loaves lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese, shredded cheddar, and extra dried herbs for maximum flavor.

6. Bake Until Golden

Preheat the oven and bake the bread until it turns golden brown and fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use bread flour – It gives the bread the perfect chewiness.
Let the dough rise fully – This will give you the soft, airy texture you want.
Brush with butter after baking – For an even richer taste, brush the loaves with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap parmesan for asiago or romano cheese for a different cheesy flavor.
Add minced garlic to the dough for extra depth.
Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant taste.
Make a spicy version by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mix.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This homemade Subway-style bread is perfect for making sandwiches, whether you’re layering it with turkey and cheese, grilled veggies, or a classic Italian combo. It’s also great served as a side with soups, salads, or pasta dishes.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in a zip-top bag for up to a month.
Reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes to bring back the fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, but bread flour will give the best texture. If using all-purpose, consider adding a little extra kneading time.

2. How do I make the bread softer?

Adding a touch of milk or butter to the dough can help make the bread even softer.

3. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?

Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust the quantity as needed (typically three times the amount of dry yeast).

4. How do I keep the cheese from burning?

If you notice the cheese browning too quickly, tent the bread with foil during the last few minutes of baking.

Conclusion

Making Subway-style Herbs and Cheese Bread at home is easier than you think! With its fluffy texture, cheesy topping, and fragrant herbs, this bread is perfect for sandwiches, snacking, or serving with your favorite meal. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Subway Copycat Herbs and Cheese Bread

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A homemade version of Subway’s popular Italian Herb and Cheese Bread, featuring a soft, fluffy texture infused with Italian herbs and topped with a blend of cheeses.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings (footlong-sized loaves) 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the warm water and dry active yeast.
- Add the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, salt, eggs, and instant mashed potato flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the bread flour, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on low speed for about 6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Shape the Bread:
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a 12-inch log.
- Place the logs onto silicone sub roll mats or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spray the tops of the dough logs with water.
- Dredge the tops into the Italian herb seasoning mixture.
- Allow the dough to rise until tripled in size, approximately 1 hour.
Add Cheese and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses evenly over the tops of the dough logs.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool before slicing.