Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread
This is the kind of loaf I reach for when I want a sandwich to feel like more than lunch. Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread bakes up with a golden cheese top and a soft inside that stays light, not fluffy in a fake way. It works for busy weeknights and slow weekends without asking much from you.
I started making this at home because people wanted that familiar sandwich feel without leaving the house. What surprised me was how calm this bread is to work with. It doesn’t fight you cinnamon bread pudding with warm vanilla sauce. It just does what it’s supposed to do.
Why This Bread Works So Well
Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread gives steady results, which matters most in a home kitchen. I come back to it because I know how it will behave every time.
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Comforting texture
The crumb stays soft with a little chew. It holds fillings and doesn’t collapse. -
Familiar herb flavor
Italian seasoning in the dough and on top gives that smell people recognize right away. -
Flexible and forgiving
You can change the cheese or add small extras and still get a good loaf. -
Easy timing
Two short rises fit real days. Start in the morning and bake by lunch.
I’ll sometimes serve it with something sweet if people linger. A simple dessert is enough. These are small, everyday choices that make meals feel complete.
Ingredients for Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread
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3½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon sugar
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2 teaspoons salt
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
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1 cup warm water
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 cup shredded mozzarella
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1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Olive oil for brushing
Flour and yeast give structure. Salt and herbs shape the flavor. Olive oil keeps the inside tender. The cheese handles the top. This mix works because each part plays a clear role.
How to Make the Bread
Step 1: Wake up the yeast
Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Stir once and wait about five minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Mix the dry bowl
In a large bowl, stir together flour, salt, and Italian seasoning. Make a shallow well in the center.
Step 3: Bring it together
Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a rough dough forms. Knead until smooth and stretchy.
Step 4: First rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let it rise until doubled.
Step 5: Shape
Turn the dough onto the counter and gently shape it into a long loaf. Don’t press hard.
Step 6: Oil, cheese, herbs
Brush the top with olive oil. Sprinkle on mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Press lightly so it sticks.
Step 7: Second rise
Cover and let the loaf puff again. It doesn’t need to double this time.
Step 8: Bake
Bake at 375°F until the top is golden and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 9: Rest
Let the bread cool before slicing so the crumb sets cleanly.
Practical Tips
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If the dough feels stiff, add a small splash of water and keep kneading.
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Shred cheese from a block for better melt.
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Give warm bread a short rest before cutting.
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Slice first, then freeze if you want to store it.
How I Serve It
I slice this bread a little thick, about three quarters of an inch. Thin slices disappear once you add fillings.
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Toasted with turkey and roasted peppers
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Split and filled with meatballs and sauce
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Torn and dipped in olive oil with a pinch of salt
Match the slice to the meal and keep it simple.
Variations and Adjustments
Add-ins
Chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted garlic change the flavor without changing the method.
Cheese swaps
Provolone or fontina melt well with mozzarella. Extra Parmesan deepens the crust.
Different shapes
Make one long loaf or divide the dough into rolls. Smaller pieces bake faster.
Rising notes
Cool kitchens need more time. Warm kitchens need closer watching. Small adjustments go a long way.
Storing and Making Ahead
Let the loaf cool before wrapping. For same-day use, a paper bag keeps the crust right. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze.
Reheat slices in the oven, not the microwave, to keep the crust from turning soft.
You can also refrigerate the dough after the first rise and bake the next day. It’s a good way to spread the work out.
The Small Detail That Makes a Difference
After adding the cheese, press it in gently. This keeps it from sliding off and helps it brown evenly. Brushing the dough with olive oil first adds color and shine.
These are small actions, but they change how the loaf looks and slices. Small habits add up.
Final Thoughts
Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread is steady, simple, and dependable. It fits real schedules and real kitchens. Make it once, then adjust the cheese and herbs to suit your taste. That’s how this loaf earns a regular spot on the table.
Table of Contents
Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl and stir gently. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and Italian seasoning. Make a well in the center.
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the well in the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 12 inches long and 6 inches wide.
- Brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with mozzarella, Parmesan, and the extra teaspoon of Italian seasoning; press lightly so the cheese sticks.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes on a wire rack before slicing.
