This recipe replicates the popular Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread from Subway, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked, flavorful bread at home. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or simply enjoying on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Homemade Freshness: Enjoy the aroma and taste of freshly baked bread.
- Copycat Flavor: Replicates the signature Italian Herbs and Cheese flavor.
- Versatile: Perfect for sandwiches, dipping in soups, or serving as a side.
- Customizable: Adjust the cheese and herbs to your preference.
Ingredients
- Instant Yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly.
- Warm Water: Activates the yeast.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and controls yeast activity.
- Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough.
- Flour: Provides structure to the bread.
- Colby Jack Cheese (Shredded): Adds a mild, melty cheese flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese (Grated): Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory garlic flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds a blend of Mediterranean herbs.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
Step 1: Bloom the Yeast
In warm water, add yeast and sugar. Let it bloom for a few minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil to the flour mixture.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Stir well, then knead the dough for at least 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in an oiled bowl and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Shape the Loaves
Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Shape each piece into long roll shapes.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the rolls and let them rise again until doubled in size.
Step 8: Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 9: Prepare the Topping
Brush the rolls with a little oil. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Colby Jack cheese.
Step 10: Bake
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Step 11: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool completely before slicing and filling with your favorite sandwich ingredients.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Warm Water: Warm water (105-115°F) activates the yeast properly.
- Knead Thoroughly: Kneading for at least 8 minutes develops the gluten and makes the bread light and airy.
- Let it Rise: Ensure the dough doubles in size during both rises for a light and fluffy texture.
- Cool Completely: Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from being doughy.
- Adjust Cheese and Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and herbs to customize the flavor.
How to Serve
- Sandwiches: Use for your favorite sandwich fillings.
- Dipping: Serve with soups, stews, or dips.
- Side Bread: Serve alongside pasta dishes or salads.
- Garlic Bread: Slice and top with garlic butter for a homemade garlic bread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze cooled bread in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before using.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or in a toaster oven until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Bloom it in warm water with sugar for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the flour.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone.
3. Can I add other herbs or spices?
Yes, you can add other herbs and spices like onion powder, oregano, or basil.
4. How do I prevent the bread from being too dense?
Ensure you knead the dough thoroughly and allow it to rise properly. Don’t add too much flour.
PrintItalian Herbs and Cheese Bread (Subway Copycat Recipe)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 loaves 1x
- Category: bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian Inspired
Description
This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread recipe replicates the delicious Subway favorite, offering warm, flavorful loaves perfect for sandwiches or enjoying on their own.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 4 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 3/4 cups flour
- 1/4 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Bloom the Yeast: In warm water, add the yeast and sugar and let it bloom for a few minutes.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture and oil to the flour mix.
- Knead the Dough: Stir together well. Knead the dough for at least 8 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaves: Punch down the dough and separate it into 4 equal pieces. Shape the pieces into 4 long roll shapes. Cover and let rise until doubled in size again.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
- Prepare for Baking: Brush the rolls with a little oil.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the rolls with the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Colby Jack cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Set aside to cool completely.
- Slice and Serve: Slice and fill with your favorite sandwich fillings.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast.
- Kneading the dough for the full 8 minutes is essential for a good texture.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from tearing.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese and herb combinations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 loaf
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg