Subway Copycat Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

Subway-Style Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe: Bake Like a Pro

Ever wondered how sandwich shops create such mouthwatering Subway copycat herbs and cheese bread that makes stomachs rumble with anticipation?

Bakery secrets aren’t complicated magic tricks waiting to be unlocked.

Neighborhood delis know exactly how carefully selected herbs can elevate simple dough into something magical.

Professional bakers understand the delicate balance between soft texture and robust flavor profiles.

Your kitchen can become a playground for recreating these beloved sandwich shop classics.

Each slice promises a journey through aromatic herbs and rich, melted cheese moments.

Grab those ingredients and let’s craft something deliciously memorable that’ll have everyone asking for your special recipe.

Subway Copycat Bread That’s Herb-Filled and Fluffy

  • Quick Weeknight Win: Whip up these delectable herb and cheese bread loaves in under two hours, perfect for busy home cooks craving homemade goodness without spending all day in the kitchen.
  • Customize Your Flavor: Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan to match your taste preferences and create a unique bread experience every time.
  • Versatile Culinary Companion: Transform these soft, herb-infused loaves into sandwiches, toast, garlic bread, or enjoy them warm and fresh straight from the oven as a delightful side dish for multiple meals.
  • Restaurant-Quality Hack: Recreate the beloved Subway bread at home with simple ingredients, saving money and controlling exactly what goes into your bread while achieving that irresistible bakery-fresh taste and texture.

Subway Herbs and Cheese Bread Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Backbone of bread structure, provides essential gluten for texture.
  • Salt: Enhances bread flavor and controls yeast growth.
  • Dry Milk Powder: Adds softness and helps bread brown beautifully.
  • Dry Herbs and Seasonings: Oregano, Basil, Parsley, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Creates signature Subway bread flavor profile.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Water: Activates yeast and helps combine dough ingredients.
  • Sugar: Feeds yeast and helps bread rise smoothly.
  • Olive Oil: Adds moisture and subtle richness to bread.
  • Melted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create golden crust.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Active Dry Yeast: Critical for bread rising and creating soft texture.
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds savory topping and creates delicious melted layer.
  • Additional Melted Butter: Helps seasonings stick and creates golden, glossy finish.

Subway Herb Bread Copycat Bake

Step 1: Kickstart the Yeast Magic

Warm up some water and dissolve sugar.

Sprinkle yeast on top and let it dance and bubble for 5-10 minutes until it looks frothy and alive.

Step 2: Create Dough Wonderland

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Dry milk powder

Pour in the activated yeast, melted butter, and olive oil.

Mix until a soft, gorgeous dough forms.

Step 3: Knead with Love

Work the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes or use a stand mixer on medium speed for about 5 minutes.

You want a smooth, stretchy texture that feels like silk.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rest and Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and find a cozy warm spot.

Let it rise for 1 hour until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Shape Your Bread Babies

Gently punch down the dough and divide into 4 equal pieces.

Roll each piece into a 6-8 inch log and arrange on a lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Second Rise to Perfection

Cover the loaves loosely and let them puff up for 30-45 minutes.

Step 7: Dress Up with Herbs and Cheese

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Brush loaves with melted butter.

Sprinkle a magical herb mix:
  • Garlic powder
  • Oregano
  • Basil
  • Parsley
  • Onion powder

Top generously with shredded cheese.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Deliciousness

Bake for 18-22 minutes until the bread turns golden and cheese melts beautifully.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool slightly before slicing.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Homemade Bread Adventure

Serve with sandwiches, toast with butter, or create amazing garlic bread!

Bread-Making Tricks for Subway Copycat Loaves

  • Ensure water is warm (110-115°F) to perfectly activate yeast without killing it, creating a foamy, bubbly mixture that guarantees soft, fluffy bread.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan to personalize the flavor profile and match your sandwich preferences.
  • Knead thoroughly until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, which develops gluten and ensures a light, airy texture in your final bread.
  • Wrap cooled bread in foil and freeze for up to 3 months; reheat in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore freshness and crispy edges.
  • Toast dried herbs briefly before adding to enhance their aromatic qualities and deepen the overall herb flavor in your copycat Subway bread.

Subway Bread Stored Properly

  • Store leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap each loaf individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent staleness.
  • Place cooled bread in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
  • Wrap bread in aluminum foil and warm at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. This prevents drying out and restores softness.
  • Warm individual slices for 10-15 seconds, wrapped in a damp paper towel to prevent hardening.

Sandwich Pairings for Subway Herb Bread

  • Savor Complementary Flavors: Classic Italian Sandwich Pairing pairs perfectly with this herbs and cheese bread. Layer salami, provolone, and roasted red peppers to create a mouthwatering combination that highlights the bread's herbal notes.
  • Elevate Wine Selection: Crisp Pinot Grigio complements the bread's cheesy and herbal profile, cutting through the richness while enhancing the overall flavor experience. Its light, refreshing character balances the bread's robust herb mixture.
  • Create Hearty Soup Match: Tomato basil soup becomes an extraordinary companion, allowing the herb-infused bread to absorb and enhance the soup's tangy, smooth texture. Dip the cheese-topped slices directly into the warm, comforting broth for a delightful meal.
  • Craft Mediterranean Appetizer Plate: Assemble a small platter with kalamata olives, marinated artichokes, and creamy hummus alongside sliced herb bread. This arrangement offers a Mediterranean-inspired starter that showcases the bread's aromatic qualities and cheese toppings.

Herbs and Cheese Bread Subway-Inspired Versions

  • Gluten-Free Herb Bread: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, using xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
  • Vegan Cheese Herb Loaf: Substitute butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk powder, and top with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives.
  • Low-Carb Herbed Bread: Create a version using almond flour or coconut flour, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining herb and cheese flavors.
  • Whole Wheat Hearty Version: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a nuttier profile, keeping the herb and cheese topping intact.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make this bread taste like Subway's?

The key is using a combination of garlic powder, oregano, basil, parsley, and onion powder, which closely mimics Subway’s signature herb blend.

  • Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface, working it for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  • How do I know if my yeast is active?

Look for foam and bubbles after 5-10 minutes of sitting in warm water with sugar. If no foam develops, your yeast might be old or inactive, and you’ll need fresh yeast.

  • Is this bread difficult to make for beginners?

Not at all! This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, with simple steps that even novice bakers can successfully complete. The most important parts are activating the yeast correctly and kneading the dough well.

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Subway Copycat Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

Subway Copycat Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Subway-inspired herbs and cheese bread brings Italian bakery magic to home kitchens with remarkable simplicity. Crusty exterior and chewy interior promise sandwich perfection that you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3.75 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 1.25 cups warm water
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a mix of Parmesan & mozzarella)

Leavening and Binding Ingredients:

  • 2.25 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder

Herbs and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Awaken the yeast by dissolving sugar in tepid water, then gently scatter yeast granules across the surface and allow to transform into a frothy mixture for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Integrate flour, salt, and powdered milk in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a dry foundation for the bread’s structure.
  3. Pour the activated yeast liquid along with melted butter and olive oil into the dry ingredients, blending until a cohesive dough emerges.
  4. Manipulate the dough through vigorous kneading, working it until achieving a smooth, elastic consistency – approximately 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes using a stand mixer.
  5. Transfer the dough into a lightly greased container, drape with a clean cloth, and nestle in a warm environment to encourage rising until the volume doubles, roughly one hour.
  6. Deflate the risen dough and segment into four uniform portions, then carefully elongate each piece into 6-8 inch logs positioned on a prepared baking surface.
  7. Allow the shaped loaves to expand again, loosely covered, becoming delightfully puffy over 30-45 minutes.
  8. Elevate the oven temperature to 375°F, then delicately brush loaf surfaces with melted butter and generously dust with a harmonious blend of garlic powder, oregano, basil, parsley, and onion powder.
  9. Crown the herbed landscape with a lavish sprinkle of shredded cheese, creating a golden, melted canopy.
  10. Bake until the bread transforms into a rich golden hue and the cheese melts provocatively, approximately 18-22 minutes.
  11. Permit a brief cooling moment before slicing, then embrace versatile serving options like sandwich foundations, buttered toast, or rustic garlic bread.

Notes

  • Choose bread flour for a chewier, more professional-style texture that mimics Subway’s signature bread consistency.
  • Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, ensuring a light and airy bread with perfect elasticity.
  • Proof the yeast carefully in warm (not hot) water to activate without killing the living organisms, which could prevent proper rising.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar for a more complex flavor profile that enhances the herbs.
  • Allow bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy interior and maintain structural integrity.
  • Store wrapped tightly at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for up to a month to preserve freshness and taste.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, substitute bread flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for binding.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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