Name: Subway Copycat Herbs and Cheese Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1 1/4 cups warm water; 1 tsp sugar; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

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Craving the delicious, fragrant, and cheesy bread from Subway but don’t want to leave the house? Look no further—this Subway Copycat Herbs and Cheese Bread is the answer to your sandwich dreams! With a golden, cheesy crust and a soft, fluffy interior, this bread will bring the taste of your favorite Subway sandwich right into your kitchen. It’s the perfect bread for sandwiches, or you can enjoy it on its own with a little butter. Easy to make, and completely customizable, this recipe is a keeper for any sandwich lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

If you’re a fan of the famous Subway herb and cheese bread, you’ll absolutely love this copycat version. The combination of fragrant herbs, gooey melted cheese, and a soft, slightly sweet bread is irresistible. It’s perfect for making sandwiches at home, but honestly, it’s so delicious, you might just eat it straight out of the oven! The best part? You can control the ingredients and adjust them to your taste—whether you like extra cheese, more herbs, or a little garlic. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own homemade herbs and cheese bread:

All-purpose flour
Warm water
Active dry yeast
Sugar
Olive oil
Salt
Garlic powder
Dried oregano
Dried basil
Dried parsley
Shredded mozzarella cheese (or a cheese blend)
Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)

For the full list of ingredients, see below.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by activating your yeast. In a small bowl, mix warm water (about 110°F) with sugar, and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and parsley. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir everything together until a dough starts to form. Once it begins to come together, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Place your dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours in a warm spot. The dough should double in size. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the rising process by putting the bowl in a slightly warm oven (turned off, of course) or near a warm stove.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle (about 9×13 inches). Place the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and use your fingers to gently press the dough to the edges of the pan.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Herbs

This is the fun part! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dough, making sure it covers every inch. Then, sprinkle the dried oregano, basil, and parsley evenly on top of the cheese. For an extra cheesy finish, you can sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top as well.

Step 5: Let It Rise Again

Cover the dough again with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes. During this second rise, the dough will puff up slightly, and the cheese will meld into the bread.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, place it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbling. Keep an eye on it toward the end of baking to avoid over-browning.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. The crust will be crisp and cheesy, while the inside will remain soft and fluffy. Slice it up and enjoy with your favorite sandwich fillings, or serve it as a side dish with soup or pasta.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Make sure the water you use to activate the yeast is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. Aim for around 110°F.
If you prefer a more intense herb flavor, you can increase the amount of dried oregano, basil, and parsley. Or, add some fresh chopped herbs if you have them on hand.
For an extra cheesy crust, you can brush the top of the bread with a little butter or olive oil right before baking.
Let the bread cool a bit before slicing—it helps the cheese set and prevents it from being too gooey.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of this bread. You may need to experiment with adding a bit of xanthan gum or adjusting the liquid slightly for the best texture.
Different Cheeses: If mozzarella isn’t your thing, you can use other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a bit of pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Add-Ins: You can fold in finely chopped garlic or onions into the dough before the first rise for extra flavor, or add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers to the dough.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This bread is perfect for making sandwiches, but it’s also fantastic on its own as a side. Try it with your favorite soups, salads, or pastas. Pair it with a fresh Caprese salad or serve it alongside a rich tomato soup for a comforting meal. It’s also a great addition to an Easter or holiday table!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Once baked, store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the bread. Just slice it before freezing, so it’s easy to pull out individual slices when you want them. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.

4 FAQs

Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge, and then proceed with the shaping and baking the next day.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to proof the yeast in warm water before adding it to the dough, as active dry yeast requires activation before use.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Definitely! Fresh herbs will give the bread a brighter flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried herbs (e.g., 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano instead of 1 teaspoon of dried).
Can I bake this bread as rolls instead of one large loaf?
Yes! Divide the dough into individual rolls and bake them on a baking sheet for about 15-18 minutes. This makes for perfect portion-controlled servings.

Conclusion

This Subway Copycat Herbs and Cheese Bread is a game-changer for anyone who loves a flavorful, cheesy, and aromatic bread. It’s easy to make, perfectly customizable, and will quickly become your go-to bread for sandwiches or as a side dish. With the fragrant herbs, gooey cheese, and soft texture, it’s sure to impress everyone at your dinner table. Whether you’re making it for a casual meal or a special occasion, this bread will be a crowd favorite!

Subway Copycat Herbs and Cheese Bread

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
Yield: 2 loaves (8-10 slices per loaf) 1x
Category: Bread, Copycat Recipe
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Craving the fresh, savory aroma of Subway’s iconic Herbs and Cheese Bread? Now you can recreate it at home with this simple copycat recipe! Soft, fluffy, and loaded with the perfect blend of herbs and melted cheese, this homemade bread will make any sandwich taste like it’s straight from your favorite sub shop. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a side to soups and salads.

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy.
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Dough: Punch the dough down and divide it into 2 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long loaf about 8-10 inches long. Place the loaves onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Add the Herb and Cheese Topping: Brush the tops of the loaves with melted butter. Sprinkle the dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly over the top. Press the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese into the surface of the dough, pressing lightly to adhere.
Second Rise: Let the dough rest and rise for another 20-30 minutes while the oven preheats to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the Bread: Bake the loaves for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. The cheese will be melted, and the bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm as a side or use for sandwiches!

Notes

Freezing: This bread can be frozen after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes when ready to serve.
Customizing: You can add more or less cheese based on your preferences. For a more cheesy flavor, try adding extra mozzarella or even provolone.
No Stand Mixer: If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can easily knead the dough by hand or use a hand mixer with dough hooks.