Making your own Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread at home is a delightful experience. This recipe captures the essence of Subway’s famous loaf, blending aromatic herbs with melted cheese atop a soft, fluffy interior. Not only does it fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, but it also offers the satisfaction of crafting a beloved favorite from scratch.

Tools You Need

To embark on this baking journey, gather the following tools:

Stand Mixer with Dough Hook Attachment: Essential for kneading the dough to the perfect consistency.
Large Mixing Bowl: For proofing the dough.
Silicone Bread Mold or Baking Sheet: To shape and bake the loaves uniformly.
Plastic Wrap or Clean Kitchen Towel: To cover the dough during rising periods.
Sharp Knife: For scoring the loaves before baking.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

1½ cups warm water (approximately 110°F)
2 tablespoons instant dry yeast
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
½ tablespoon table salt
1 large egg
¼ cup dried potato flakes
3¾ cups bread flour
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

For the Toppings:

1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
½ tablespoon dried oregano
½ tablespoon dried parsley
¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

How To Make This Recipe

Prepare the Dough:
- In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine warm water, instant dry yeast, granulated sugar, extra-virgin olive oil, table salt, a large egg, and dried potato flakes. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Add the bread flour, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the bowl. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed for 1-2 minutes until the ingredients are incorporated. Increase the speed to medium and continue mixing for 6-7 minutes. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl; if it doesn’t, add more flour in 1-2 tablespoon increments until it does.
First Rise:
- Transfer the dough into a lightly oiled large mixing bowl. Cover it and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Shape the Loaves:
- Turn the rested dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into four equal pieces.
- For each piece, press it into a rectangle measuring approximately 6″x11″. Fold the dough lengthwise as you would a letter, then roll it gently to form an 11-12” log.
- Place each shaped dough onto a silicone sub roll mat set on a baking sheet. If you don’t have a sub roll mat, you can create a similar shape using foil sprayed generously with nonstick baking spray.
Add Toppings:
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and dried parsley.
- Lightly brush the tops of the dough logs with water and sprinkle the herb mixture evenly over them.
- Spray the tops with nonstick baking spray, cover lightly with plastic wrap, and let them rise at room temperature for about an hour or until they’ve doubled in size.
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat.
Score and Bake:
- Once the loaves have risen, use a sharp knife to make three diagonal cuts on top of each roll, about ½” deep.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses evenly over the tops.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 16-20 minutes, or until the rolls are light golden brown.
Cool:
- After baking, transfer the rolls to a wire rack and let them cool completely before slicing.

Expert Tips

Achieving Soft Bread: Incorporating dried potato flakes into the dough contributes to a tender and soft texture, reminiscent of Subway’s signature bread.
Maintaining Dough Consistency: The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too sticky, gradually add small amounts of flour until the desired consistency is reached.
Uniform Loaves: Using a silicone bread mold can help achieve evenly shaped loaves, similar to those found at Subway.
Herb Blend: Feel free to adjust the herb mixture to suit your taste preferences. Adding a pinch of basil or thyme can introduce new flavor dimensions.

FAQ

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
- Yes, but bread flour has a higher protein content, which contributes to the bread’s chewy texture. Using all-purpose flour may result in a slightly different crumb.
What can I use if I don’t have dried potato flakes?
- Instant mashed potato flakes are a suitable substitute. Alternatively, you can omit them, but the bread might be less soft.
How do I store leftover bread?
- Place cooled loaves in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider freezing.
Can I freeze the dough for later use?

Ways to Serve

Classic Subway-Style Sub: Load it up with meats, cheeses, and veggies for a homemade sandwich that rivals the real thing.
Garlic Bread: Slice and toast with butter and garlic for an easy, flavorful side.
Dipping Bread: Pair with marinara sauce, herbed olive oil, or even a cheesy dip for a delicious appetizer.
Breakfast Sandwich: Use as a base for egg, cheese, and bacon sandwiches for a great start to the day.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: If not consuming immediately, store in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing: Wrap baked rolls in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to bring back the fresh taste.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like biting into freshly baked Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread. The combination of melted cheese, aromatic herbs, and soft, fluffy bread makes this a must-try recipe. Whether you’re making a hearty sandwich or just enjoying it warm with butter, this homemade version brings the magic of Subway right into your kitchen. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a staple in your house, just like it is in mine!