Copycat Italian Herb & Cheese Bread: The Subway Classic Made at Home

Name: Copycat Italian Herb & Cheese Bread: The Subway Classic Made at Home
Prep time: PT-483868H9M11S
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: PT-483869H49M11S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1½ cups warm water (~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 Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese; ½ tablespoon dried oregano; ½ tablespoon dried parsley; ¼ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; ¼ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on March 10, 2025

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The Irresistible Aroma of Freshly Baked Bread

There’s something about walking past a Subway restaurant that stops you in your tracks. It’s not the menu boards or the sandwich options—it’s the unmistakable scent of freshly baked bread infused with garlic, herbs, and melted cheese. That smell alone has convinced me to stop in for a sandwich more times than I can count.

But what if you could recreate that same experience at home? That was the question I found myself asking one evening after making sandwiches with store-bought bread. While the fillings were delicious, something was missing—the warmth, the fluffiness, the crispy, cheesy topping that makes every bite memorable.

Determined to bring that magic into my own kitchen, I set out to create a homemade version of Subway’s Italian Herb & Cheese Bread. After testing different flour ratios, yeast activations, and cheese blends, I finally achieved a loaf that was everything I had hoped for: soft, flavorful, golden-brown, and packed with melted cheese and fragrant herbs.

Now, whenever I make a batch, the entire house smells like a bakery, and my family eagerly waits to grab a slice while it’s still warm. Whether it’s for a homemade sub sandwich, garlic bread, or simply a snack on its own, this bread has become a staple in my kitchen—and it just might become one in yours, too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. The Perfect Subway Copycat

If you love Subway’s Italian Herb & Cheese Bread, this homemade version is even better. It has the same fluffy texture, cheesy topping, and bold herb flavor, but with the satisfaction of knowing you made it from scratch.

2. Soft, Cheesy, and Infused with Flavor

This bread isn’t just a vessel for sandwich fillings—it’s a star all on its own. The pillowy interior contrasts beautifully with the crispy, golden crust, while the blend of Monterey Jack, cheddar, garlic, and oregano creates an irresistible bite.

3. Perfect for Sandwiches and More

Use this bread for:

Classic deli-style subs
Grilled paninis with melted cheese and meats
Garlic bread by slicing and toasting with butter
Serving alongside soups and salads

4. Customizable to Your Taste

Swap cheddar for Parmesan for a sharper bite.
Add rosemary or thyme for extra herbal depth.
Brush the loaves with butter and minced garlic before baking for even more richness.

Ingredients – Bringing the Deli to Your Kitchen

For the Bread:

Warm Water (1½ cups, ~110°F) – Activates the yeast for a soft, fluffy dough
Instant Dry Yeast (2 tablespoons) – Helps the bread rise quickly
Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons) – Feeds the yeast and enhances the flavor
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (3 tablespoons) – Adds moisture and richness
Table Salt (½ tablespoon) – Enhances the overall flavor
Egg (1 large) – Helps create a soft texture
Dried Potato Flakes (¼ cup) – Contributes to a pillowy crumb
Bread Flour (3¾ cups) – Provides structure and chewiness
Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Adds a mild, creamy flavor
Sharp Cheddar Cheese (½ cup, shredded) – Brings a slight tangy richness

For the Herb & Cheese Topping:

Garlic Powder (1 tablespoon) – Infuses aromatic, garlicky goodness
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 tablespoon) – Adds a salty, nutty layer of flavor
Dried Oregano (½ tablespoon) – Classic Italian herb aroma
Dried Parsley (½ tablespoon) – A touch of freshness
Monterey Jack Cheese (¼ cup, shredded) – Melts beautifully on top
Sharp Cheddar Cheese (¼ cup, shredded) – Creates a golden, cheesy crust

Directions – From Dough to Deli-Style Loaves

1. Prepare the Dough
Mix warm water, yeast, sugar, olive oil, salt, egg, and potato flakes. Stir in bread flour and cheeses, kneading until a soft dough forms.

2. First Rise
Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes until slightly puffed.

3. Shape the Loaves
Divide the dough into four equal portions, shaping each into a 12-inch loaf.

4. Second Rise & Toppings
Brush with water, sprinkle with the herb & cheese mix, and let rise again for one hour until doubled in size.

5. Score & Bake
Make three diagonal slits across each loaf, then bake at 375°F for 16-20 minutes until golden brown.

6. Cool & Slice
Let the bread rest before slicing for perfect sandwich-ready texture.

Nutritional Snapshot – A Tasty Homemade Indulgence

Calories: ~403 per serving
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 2g

How to Serve Italian Herb & Cheese Bread

1. The Ultimate Homemade Sub Sandwich

Once your bread is fresh from the oven, slice it lengthwise and pile on your favorite sandwich fillings. Try roasted turkey, ham, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce.

2. Cheesy Garlic Bread

Slice the loaf into thick pieces, spread with garlic butter, and broil for a few minutes until golden and crispy.

3. Dipping Delight

Pair with a bowl of marinara, olive oil with balsamic vinegar, or creamy spinach dip for an appetizer that steals the show.

4. Toasted Paninis

Press it in a sandwich grill with melted mozzarella, fresh basil, and tomatoes for a panini bursting with Italian flavors.

5. Breakfast Treat

Spread it with butter and jam in the morning, or serve alongside eggs and bacon for a savory breakfast option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Makes This Bread Different from Regular White Bread?

This bread is softer than traditional sandwich bread, thanks to the addition of dried potato flakes and an egg. The herbs and cheese toppings also give it a bolder, more flavorful crust compared to plain white bread.

2. Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Bread Flour?

Yes, but bread flour is preferred because it has a higher protein content, which helps create the chewy, airy texture that Subway’s bread is known for. If using all-purpose flour, add 1 tablespoon of vital wheat gluten to mimic the texture.

3. How Do I Get That Signature Subway Texture?

Use warm water and sugar to activate the yeast properly.
Knead the dough well (6-8 minutes) for the best gluten development.
Allow proper rising time to achieve a light, fluffy texture.

4. What’s the Best Cheese to Use for the Topping?

A mix of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar gives the best melt and color. You can also try:

Parmesan for a sharper taste
Mozzarella for a stringier texture
Asiago for a nutty, slightly spicy kick

5. Can I Make This Bread Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can freeze the dough before baking or freeze fully baked loaves. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked taste.

6. How Do I Keep the Bread from Becoming Too Dense?

If the bread turns out dense, it’s usually due to:

Too much flour (stick to the recommended measurements).
Not enough kneading (knead until the dough is smooth and elastic).
Skipping the second rise (this helps create the light, airy interior).

7. Can I Make This Bread Gluten-Free?

Yes, but you’ll need a gluten-free bread flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different from the original.

8. Can I Use a Bread Machine?

Yes! Use the dough setting to mix and knead, then shape the loaves, let them rise, and bake in the oven for the best results.

9. How Do I Store Leftover Bread?

At Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight bag for 1-2 days.
In the Freezer: Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 6 months.

10. Can I Make Mini Loaves or Rolls?

Yes! Shape the dough into smaller rolls or baguette-sized loaves, then adjust the baking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Homemade Bread That Tastes Even Better Than Subway’s

There’s something deeply satisfying about baking bread from scratch—from kneading the dough to watching it rise, then finally pulling a golden, cheesy loaf from the oven. But this recipe isn’t just about making delicious sandwich bread—it’s about recreating a flavor we all know and love, right in our own kitchens.

By making Copycat Italian Herb & Cheese Bread at home, you’re not just skipping the trip to Subway—you’re upgrading your sandwich game with fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a perfect texture that store-bought bread can’t match.

So whether you’re making a loaded deli sandwich, a batch of cheesy garlic bread, or simply enjoying a warm slice with butter, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. And who knows? You might even find yourself making extra loaves—because once your family tries this bread, they’ll be asking for it again and again!