Subway Bread Recipe Italian Herb and Cheese
Making Italian Herb and Cheese Subway Bread at home is a delightful experience that brings the iconic taste of your favorite sandwich shop right into your kitchen. This fluffy, flavorful bread, infused with aromatic herbs and a rich blend of cheeses, elevates any meal. Whether you’re prepping for a backyard barbecue, a family gathering, or simply enjoying a quiet night in, this bread makes the perfect base for sandwiches, as well as a tasty side for soups and salads.
Why you’ll love this dish
One of the primary reasons to make this Italian Herb and Cheese bread is the incredible flavor profile. The combination of garlic, oregano, and parsley gives it an aromatic quality that pairs wonderfully with sandwiches or savory spreads. Plus, the gooey Colby jack and Parmesan cheese combined with the chewy texture of fresh bread create an irresistible treat. This recipe is also ideal for those evenings when you want to impress guests with homemade bread but don’t have all day—it’s straightforward yet yields impressive results!
"I made this for my daughter’s birthday party, and it was a hit! Everyone loved the flavors, and I felt proud serving something made from scratch." – Happy Home Baker
The cooking process explained
Making this Italian Herb and Cheese bread is a straightforward process that involves mixing, kneading, and baking. The journey typically starts with activating the yeast and combining your dry ingredients. Once you form the dough, a little kneading is essential for that perfectly chewy texture. After allowing it to rise, it’s simply a matter of shaping and baking to golden perfection!
What you’ll need
Gathering your ingredients is simple and allows for some flexibility. Here’s what you’ll require:
- 2 tbsp Garlic powder
- 1/3 cup Mashed potato flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp Oregano
- 1 tbsp Parsley (dried)
- 2 Eggs
- 4 tbsp Active yeast (dry)
- 7 1/2 cups Bread flour
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 1/3 cup Oil
- 1 cup Colby jack cheese
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups Water
Using mashed potato flakes can enhance the bread’s texture, but feel free to skip them if you prefer a more traditional loaf.
Directions to follow
- Start by mixing the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy.
- In a separate bowl, combine the bread flour, garlic powder, oregano, parsley, and salt.
- Pour the yeast mixture, along with oil and eggs, into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for approximately 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- If you’re using mashed potato flakes, add them now, along with the cheeses, and knead until everything is well incorporated.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions, depending on whether you want loaves or rolls.
- Shape the dough into desired forms and place them on a baking sheet.
- Allow the shaped dough to rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Best ways to enjoy it
This homemade Italian Herb and Cheese bread shines as the star ingredient in countless meals. Slice it for subs stuffed with your favorite deli meats and fresh vegetables. Serve it as a savory side alongside hearty soups, salads, or pasta dishes. You can even toast slices and smear with butter or your favorite spread for a simple yet delicious snack.
Keeping leftovers fresh
After making this enticing bread, you might wonder how best to store any leftovers. To keep your bread fresh, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, slice the bread and place it in a freezer-safe bag to store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Pro chef tips
For the best results, don’t skip the kneading step! This time is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives the bread its structure and chewy texture. If you’re new to bread-making, keep your workspace floured to prevent the dough from sticking. Also, experiment with the herb quantities to suit your tastes—add more oregano or try other herbs like basil for a unique flavor twist!
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? This recipe is incredibly versatile! You could experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella for a milder flavor or a vegan cheese substitute for a plant-based option. Adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives can also give the bread an extra zing. For a touch of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or swap out the herbs for Italian seasoning.
Common questions
How long does it take to make this bread?
Overall, expect about 2 hours from start to finish, including rise times.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, you can! Just know that you may need to adjust the water and kneading time as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Ensure your yeast is active by checking its expiration date and make sure the water is warm (not hot) when activating it.
Can I make it without eggs?
Absolutely! You can replace the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or omit them entirely for a different but still delicious bread.
This Italian Herb and Cheese Subway Bread brings warmth and flavor to any dish. It’s a unique addition to your cooking repertoire, and once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why it’s become a homemade favorite!
Italian Herb and Cheese Subway Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy.
- In a separate bowl, combine the bread flour, garlic powder, oregano, parsley, and salt.
- Pour the yeast mixture, along with oil and eggs, into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for approximately 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- If you’re using mashed potato flakes, add them now, along with the cheeses, and knead until everything is well incorporated.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions, depending on whether you want loaves or rolls.
- Shape the dough into desired forms and place them on a baking sheet.
- Allow the shaped dough to rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
