Craving the deliciously soft, cheesy, and herb-filled bread from Subway? Now you can make it at home! This Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread recipe brings the famous flavor of that fresh, bakery-style loaf straight to your kitchen. With a soft, fluffy interior and a golden, cheesy crust, this bread is perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or just enjoying on its own. Simple ingredients like mozzarella cheese, Italian herbs, and olive oil come together to create a mouthwatering bread that will have your home smelling amazing. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, making a quick lunch, or simply indulging in a comforting treat, this easy-to-make bread will be your new go-to recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade version of Subway’s Italian Herb & Cheese Bread is everything you want in a loaf – soft on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and bursting with flavor. The best part is you can tweak the recipe to make it just how you like it – a little more cheese, extra herbs, or even a bit of garlic. Plus, the smell of fresh-baked bread filled with Italian seasoning and melted cheese is a major bonus. If you’re a fan of the original, I promise this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
The ingredients are simple and easy to find, and the process isn’t complicated. All you need is a little patience while the dough rises. Soon enough, you’ll be able to enjoy this fresh and flavorful bread without even leaving your house!
You’ll find the full list of ingredients at the end of the post, but here’s a preview: all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, mozzarella cheese, and Italian herbs. Keep reading for all the delicious details!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Full list of ingredients can be found below in the recipe card.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast and lets you know it’s ready to work its magic in your dough.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and Italian seasoning. This blend of seasonings gives the bread its signature flavor, so don’t skimp on it! Once the dry ingredients are mixed, make a well in the center.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil into the well in your dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon until the dough begins to come together. Once it’s roughly mixed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, you can sprinkle a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. The dough should feel soft and puffy to the touch.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and turn it out onto a floured surface. Gently roll the dough into a rectangle, about 12 inches long and 6 inches wide. If you’re making one large loaf, simply leave it as a rectangle. Alternatively, you can divide the dough in half and shape it into two smaller loaves, depending on your preference.
Step 6: Add the Cheese and Herbs
Once your dough is shaped, brush it lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top of the dough, followed by the Parmesan cheese and a little extra Italian seasoning. Press the cheese into the dough gently to make sure it sticks, so that you get that gooey, cheesy topping as it bakes.
Step 7: Let the Dough Rise Again
Cover the shaped dough with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise again for about 30 minutes. During this time, the dough will puff up and get a little taller, making for a fluffy, soft loaf.
Step 8: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, place it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you want an extra crispy crust, you can mist the oven with a little water before placing the bread in to create steam, which helps the bread rise higher and get that perfect crisp exterior.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial because the bread needs time to set, and you don’t want all the gooey cheese to spill out when you cut it.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use high-quality mozzarella: The key to getting that perfect gooey, melty cheese topping is using a good-quality mozzarella. If you can, try to use part-skim mozzarella for that perfect melt without it being too greasy.
- Add garlic for an extra punch: If you love garlic, you can brush the dough with garlic-infused olive oil before baking or sprinkle some garlic powder on top along with the Italian seasoning.
- Make mini loaves: If you prefer smaller portions, divide the dough into two equal pieces and make two smaller loaves. This is perfect for sandwiches or serving at parties.
- Don’t rush the rising: Let the dough rise properly – this helps with both texture and flavor. Don’t skip the first rise or rush it, as it’s key to the final product.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Gluten-free option: You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make this bread gluten-free. Just be sure to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum (if it’s not already in your blend) to help with structure and elasticity.
- Herb variations: If you’re not a fan of Italian seasoning, try using your favorite herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to give the bread a unique flavor. A combination of fresh and dried herbs can also work beautifully.
- Add-ins: Want to get creative? You can add in chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even some vegan Parmesan to mix things up a bit.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This bread is perfect for making sandwiches or serving as a side with a hearty soup. It’s especially delicious with marinara sauce for dipping or paired with a fresh salad. If you’re looking for a more indulgent option, toast it lightly and drizzle with olive oil or vegan butter for a simple yet satisfying snack.
For a fun twist, slice it into small pieces and serve it alongside a charcuterie board or as an appetizer with roasted vegetables or hummus.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Once the bread has completely cooled, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread (either whole or sliced) for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes for a warm, crispy result.
4 FAQs
- Can I make this bread without cheese?
Yes! If you prefer a dairy-free version, simply leave out the cheese topping or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. - What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead. Just sprinkle it directly into your dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe as usual. - Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the day before, allow it to rise in the fridge overnight, and then bake it fresh the next day. - Can I use a bread machine?
Yes, you can use a bread machine to knead and rise the dough. Just follow your machine’s instructions for adding ingredients and then bake the dough as directed.
Conclusion
This Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the soft, herby, cheesy bread from Subway. It’s easy to make, customizable, and a great way to bring that signature flavor into your own kitchen. Whether you’re making sandwiches, garlic bread, or just enjoying it as a side with your favorite meal, this bread is bound to become a favorite. So, go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
- Yield: 2 loaves 1x
- Category: Bread, Copycat Recipes, Sandwich Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade version of Subway’s Italian Herb & Cheese Bread brings that soft, cheesy, and herby goodness right into your kitchen. It’s perfect for sandwiches, garlic bread, or enjoying on its own. With a blend of Italian herbs, mozzarella cheese, and a light, airy texture, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
Combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and Italian seasoning. Make a well in the center. -
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the well in the dry ingredients. Stir to combine, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. -
Let the Dough Rise:
Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. -
Shape the Dough:
Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle, 12 inches long and 6 inches wide. -
Add the Cheese and Herbs:
Brush the dough with olive oil. Sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning over the dough. Press lightly to help the cheese stick. -
Let the Dough Rise Again:
Cover the dough and let rise for another 30 minutes. -
Bake the Bread:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown on top and hollow when tapped. -
Cool and Serve:
Let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Use high-quality mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
- You can add garlic by brushing the dough with garlic-infused olive oil before baking.
- Mini loaves: Divide dough for smaller loaves perfect for sandwiches.
- Don’t rush the rising time for best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of a loaf)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg