Subway-Inspired Italian Herb Cheese Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever fallen head over heels for Subway’s Italian Herb Cheese Bread, I’ve got something special for you. This Subway-Inspired Italian Herb Cheese Bread Recipe is my go-to for recreating that same delicious, aromatic, cheesy goodness right in my own kitchen. Once you make this, you’ll see why it’s a fan-freaking-tastic bread that’s soft inside, crusty outside, and bursting with flavor. Trust me, whether you’re making sandwiches or just eating it straight, this bread is a total winner.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients all come together beautifully to build that classic Subway bread flavor. Make sure you have quality bread flour and fresh herbs, as they really make a difference. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need and why they’re essential.

• Warm water: Activates the yeast — warm, but not hot, is key to avoid killing it.
• Dry active yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise beautifully.
• Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds slight sweetness for browning.
• Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender — I use neutral oils like vegetable or canola.
• Salt: Balances flavors and controls yeast activity.
• Eggs: Enrich the dough and contribute to that soft crumb.
• Instant mashed potato flakes (optional): This little trick makes the bread extra soft and fluffy — I never skip it.
• Bread flour: Higher protein content means great structure and chew.
• Italian Herb Seasoning (oregano, garlic powder, dried parsley, parmesan cheese): This signature herb-and-cheese blend gives the bread its signature Subway-inspired aroma and flavor.
• Shredded cheese (Colby and Monterey Jack): Topping the bread with these cheeses adds that irresistible melty crust you’ll love.

Variations

I love to mix things up a bit depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. This recipe is forgiving and open to your own personal twists, which makes it even more exciting!

• Cheese Swap: I’ve swapped out the Colby and Monterey Jack for mozzarella or cheddar with great results—feel free to experiment.
• Herb Boost: I sometimes add fresh basil or thyme for a more vibrant herb flavor when I’m feeling fancy.
• Whole Wheat: For a healthier take, try half bread flour and half whole wheat flour, though the texture will be a little denser.
• Garlic Butter Finish: Brushing warm bread with garlic butter right out of the oven makes it absolutely decadent.

How to Make Subway-Inspired Italian Herb Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast and combine the wet ingredients

Start by whisking the dry active yeast into the warm water until dissolved. Then, stir in the sugar, oil, salt, eggs, and if you’re using them, instant mashed potato flakes. I discovered the potato flakes trick one day and was amazed how soft and fluffy the bread turned out. Let this mixture sit for just a minute while you prep your flour—it helps get everything incorporated more smoothly in the next step.

Step 2: Knead the dough

Add your bread flour gradually into the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Knead at low speed for about 6 minutes, until the dough is elastic and smooth. Don’t rush this, as good gluten development leads to great texture. If you don’t have a stand mixer, knead by hand on a floured surface—it just takes a bit more elbow grease.

Step 3: Rest and divide the dough

Once kneaded, let the dough rest for 10 minutes—it relaxes the gluten and makes rolling easier. Then, transfer to a lightly floured surface and cut into 4 equal pieces. Taking each piece, cut again in half so you end up with 8 balls. Gently pat and roll each into a 12-inch long log. I’ve found that being gentle here keeps the roll soft without compressing it too much.

Step 4: Coat with Italian Herbs and prep for rising

Lightly spray the tops with water—this helps the herb blend stick like magic. Dredge each roll in your Italian herb seasoning mixture until well coated. I can’t stress enough how much these herbs and that parmesan cheese layer add flavor that your family will notice and ask for again. Place the rolls on silicone sub roll mats (or a lined baking sheet) and score the tops with 3-4 diagonal slashes. This allows the dough to expand beautifully while baking.

Step 5: Let the dough rise

Allow the dough to rise until tripled in size, which can take up to 1 hour in a warm spot. This is when the magic happens—the bread gets its light, airy texture. I usually cover the dough loosely with a clean kitchen towel to keep the surface from drying out.

Step 6: Add cheese topping and bake

Once risen, sprinkle shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese generously over the rolls. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes until the cheese is melty and golden, with the bread crust crisping up just right. After baking, cool in the molds before removing—that final cool down helps the bread hold its shape and texture perfectly.

How to Serve Subway-Inspired Italian Herb Cheese Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this bread with a little extra parmesan or some flaky sea salt right after baking when the cheese is still warm—it amps up the flavor even more. A light brush of garlic butter can also become a game-changer if you want it decadent.

Side Dishes

Pair this bread with classic deli meats and fresh veggies for a killer sandwich or alongside a bowl of marinara for dunking. My family goes crazy when I serve it alongside a tangy tomato soup or a fresh green salad for a simple but satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the individual rolls into a circle on a platter with fresh rosemary sprigs tucked between them—it’s as stunning as it is tasty! It also doubles nicely as a pull-apart bread centerpiece that everyone fights over.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, it starts to get a bit stale, so I prefer to freeze any extras.

Freezing

I usually freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping and coating with herbs—just pop them in a freezer bag and thaw overnight in the fridge before the final rise and bake. This method keeps them tasting fresh and saves prep time on busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices or rolls in a toaster oven for a few minutes or wrap whole rolls in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until soft and warm. This way, the crust crisps back up nicely without drying out the crumb.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Subway-Inspired Italian Herb Cheese Bread Recipe, it was a game-changer for my homemade sandwiches and bread cravings alike. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually so easy once you get the hang of it. Seeing my family’s smiles when they bite into this cheesy, herb-crusted bread is priceless. I truly recommend you give this a shot—you’ll love how it elevates your meals and becomes a kitchen staple. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about that warm, cheesy aroma filling your home!

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