Name: Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread (Subway Copycat Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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 Colby Jack cheese, shredded; 1 Tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 26 reviews

If you're craving that irresistible, flavorful bread that Subway serves alongside their sandwiches, you’re in for a treat. This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread (Subway Copycat Recipe) Recipe captures the perfect balance of soft, fluffy texture and a savory crust bursting with Italian herbs and melted cheeses. It’s a wonderful recipe to make at home, whether you want to impress guests, elevate your sandwich game, or just enjoy fresh, homemade bread with a dash of gourmet charm. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll keep coming back for more.

Ingredients You'll Need

A top view of ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface: a large silver bowl at the top filled with white flour, below it to the left a small white bowl with yellow shredded cheese, next to it a small white bowl with light brown yeast, and another small white bowl holding white granulated sugar. A small white bowl containing a mix of dried green herbs, light yellow powder, and grated white cheese sits near the center, with a small white square dish holding salt in the bottom right. On the bottom left is a small white bowl of yellow cooking oil, and a clear rectangular glass baking dish is placed on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread lies in its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting that perfect crumb, rich flavor, and enticing aroma that makes this bread so unforgettable.

Instant yeast: Activates quickly to give the bread its airy texture without a long wait.

Warm water: Feeds the yeast, ensuring a good rise for your dough.
Sugar: A little sweetness that helps yeast bloom and adds depth to the dough.
Salt: Balances flavors and strengthens dough gluten for great chewiness.

Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender, preventing dryness.
Flour: The essential base that builds the bread structure.
Colby jack cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully, infusing pockets of creamy cheesy goodness.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a sharp, nutty punch on top for flavor and crunch.

Garlic powder: Provides a subtle savory warmth that complements the herbs perfectly.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that define this bread’s signature flavor.

How to Make Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread (Subway Copycat Recipe) Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Start by warming your water to just the right temperature—pleasantly warm but not hot. Add the instant yeast and sugar, then let this mixture sit for a few minutes. This step is crucial because it wakes up the yeast, kicking off that essential fermentation process that makes your dough rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. This ensures even distribution of salt, which controls yeast activity and strengthens dough texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour your yeast mixture and vegetable oil into the flour mix. Start stirring until the dough begins to come together. This is the thrilling moment when your ingredients start transforming into bread dough.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it vigorously for at least 8 minutes. Kneading develops gluten, making the bread stretchy and chewy, which is key to getting that Subway texture we all love.

Step 5: First Rise

Put the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size. Watching this transformation is so satisfying—you’ll see the bread start to come alive.

Step 6: Shape and Second Rise

After punching down the dough, divide it into four equal pieces. Shape each into a long roll, similar to Subway’s signature bread shape. Cover and allow these to rise again until doubled; this second rise boosts the lightness and volume of our bread.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for gently baking the bread through while melting the cheese topping to a golden, bubbly finish.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Brush the surface of each roll lightly with oil; this encourages a beautiful, soft crust. Next, sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and finally, the shredded Colby jack cheese. This topping combination creates that signature burst of flavor and texture.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will have you counting down the minutes.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool completely. This resting time helps the crumb set so your slices won’t be gummy when cut. Slice and fill with your favorite sandwich ingredients, or simply enjoy it warm for a cheesy, herby indulgence.

How to Serve Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread (Subway Copycat Recipe) Recipe

The image shows four long, uncooked bread dough loaves placed on a black baking tray with a grid pattern. Each loaf is topped with two layers of shredded cheese, one white and one yellow, scattered unevenly on top, along with a sprinkling of a light-colored powdery substance throughout. The dough looks soft and slightly puffy with a smooth texture. The tray is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra parmesan and fresh chopped parsley on top before serving for a vibrant look and added burst of fresh flavor. A light drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the moistness and richness.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs exceptionally well with hearty soups, fresh salads, or classic pasta dishes. Its bold flavors perfectly complement tomato-based or creamy sauces, making it a versatile side for many meals.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread into a centerpiece by slicing it into bite-sized pieces and serving it alongside a dipping sauce—think garlic butter, marinara, or herbed olive oil. It’s fantastic for parties or cozy nights in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover bread, store it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days to keep it fresh and soft.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing in the freezer. They can be stored for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy this delight anytime.

Reheating

To bring your bread back to life, thaw it at room temperature and warm it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This refreshes the crust and melts the cheese, making it taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Absolutely! Just remember to dissolve active dry yeast in warm water and let it proof for about 5-10 minutes until foamy before mixing with other ingredients.

Is there a way to make this bread gluten-free?

While this recipe relies on gluten to develop its chewy texture, you could try using a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread and adding binding agents, but results may vary.

Can I substitute the Colby jack cheese with another type?

Sure! Mozzarella or mild cheddar work well, giving you great meltability and flavor, though it will slightly change the overall taste profile.

How important is the second rise? Can I skip it?

The second rise really enhances the bread’s volume and lightness. Skipping it might result in denser bread, so it’s best to follow this step when possible.

Can I turn this bread into a garlic bread variation?

Yes! Just add minced fresh garlic and a tablespoon of melted butter to the topping mixture before baking for an extra garlicky kick.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread (Subway Copycat Recipe) Recipe is a wonderful way to bring that beloved restaurant favorite into your own kitchen with fresh, homemade flair. It’s simple, satisfying, and truly delicious. Give it a try, and watch it quickly become a new staple in your bread-baking repertoire—your sandwiches, soup nights, and snack cravings will thank you!

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread (Subway Copycat Recipe) Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need