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
- 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.
- Integrate flour, salt, and powdered milk in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a dry foundation for the bread’s structure.
- Pour the activated yeast liquid along with melted butter and olive oil into the dry ingredients, blending until a cohesive dough emerges.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Allow the shaped loaves to expand again, loosely covered, becoming delightfully puffy over 30-45 minutes.
- 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.
- Crown the herbed landscape with a lavish sprinkle of shredded cheese, creating a golden, melted canopy.
- Bake until the bread transforms into a rich golden hue and the cheese melts provocatively, approximately 18-22 minutes.
- 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