Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread: Heavenly Fres…
There’s nothing quite like pulling a warm loaf of Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread from the oven, with its irresistible aroma wafting through the kitchen. Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, savory crust that’s fresh and loaded with protein; each bite is an explosion of flavor thanks to a delightful blend of herbs and cheesy goodness. I created this recipe during one of those busy weeks when my family craved something comforting yet nutritious, knowing it packs in about 210 calories per serving. This homemade version not only satisfies those cravings but also makes meal prep a breeze!
I still remember the first time I baked this bread; it was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and my teenagers were lounging around the house, scrolling through their phones. As soon as the bread came out of the oven, their heads turned, and I could hear my youngest exclaim, “Wow, what smells so good?” The key twist that sets this recipe apart is the use of fresh herbs which make each slice burst with flavor. After devouring half the loaf in no time, they both asked for seconds, leaving me with a huge smile and a sense of accomplishment that this Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread had won over my family!
Ingredients for the Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread
Each ingredient in this dish plays an essential role in flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
Dough
2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting): Forms the base of the bread with a perfect structure.
1 cup warm water (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and brings moisture to the dough.
1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Essential for leavening, creating a light and airy texture.
1 tablespoon sugar (to activate yeast): Fuels the yeast, enhancing fermentation and flavor.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and strengthens the dough structure.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
Herb Mixture
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses an earthy aroma reminiscent of Italian cuisine.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Contributes a sweet, peppery flavor that brightens the bread.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a subtle herbal note that complements other herbs.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a savory kick that enhances the overall taste.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and sweetness to round out the herb blend.
Topping
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping): Melts beautifully to create a cheesy, gooey crust.
- 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese (for garnish): Provides a sharp, nutty finish that elevates each bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
To get started on this delicious homemade Italian Herb & Cheese Bread, begin by activating your yeast. This first step is crucial as it sets the foundation for a beautifully risen dough.
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water with sugar and the packet of active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a key moment because it shows your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in your dough—don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add in the olive oil and salt, then gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a dough starts to form. It’s important to incorporate the flour slowly so that you can better gauge the consistency of your dough. You want it to be smooth but not too sticky; if it feels tacky, a little extra flour during mixing can help.
Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step builds serious flavor and structure, so don’t rush it! As you knead, feel free to dust your hands and work surface with a bit more flour if needed, but avoid adding too much at once to keep the dough from becoming dry.
Step 4: After kneading, place your dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. I usually find that placing it near a warm oven works wonders; just make sure it’s not too hot or you could kill the yeast!
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, by the time your bread finishes its second rise, your oven will be perfectly ready for baking!
Step 6: Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release excess air and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Don’t be afraid to use some extra flour for dusting while rolling—this helps prevent sticking.
Step 7: Sprinkle the herb mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, ensuring every bite will be flavorful. Then carefully roll it tightly into a log shape. The tighter you roll, the better your bread will hold its shape during baking!
Step 8: Place the log seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rise again for another 30 minutes. If you have one handy, using a baking sheet that’s around 18×13 inches works perfectly here as it provides ample space for rising without crowding.
Step 9: Before you bake, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top and finish with parmesan cheese for an irresistible crust. I love how these toppings create that gooey texture everyone craves!
Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown on top and baked through completely. You’ll know it’s done when it’s beautifully browned and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom—a satisfying cue of perfect doneness!
Step 11: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before slicing. This cooling period helps set up that cheesy crust while making slicing easier without tearing apart all that hard work you’ve put in!
Step 12: Finally, slice and serve warm either as an accompaniment or use it for sandwiches; my family loves using this bread as their base for hearty subs filled with their favorite ingredients!
What to Serve with Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread
This bread is already incredibly filling and balanced, but these sides add extra variety and nutrition to round out your meal perfectly.
Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Tender broccoli florets roasted with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of salt create a vibrant side that pairs beautifully with the herbaceous flavors of the Italian bread. The slight crunch of the roasted broccoli contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the bread, while also providing a boost of vitamin C and fiber—perfect for keeping everyone satisfied at the dinner table.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A refreshing mix of quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese tossed in lemon juice and olive oil offers a light yet nutritious complement to the richness of the cheese bread. This salad not only echoes the Mediterranean herbs found in the bread but also adds approximately 8 grams of protein per serving, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or as a colorful side that my kids love on busy weeknights.
Creamy Avocado Dip: Mashed avocados mixed with lime juice, garlic powder, and a hint of cilantro create a creamy dip that’s perfect for slathering on slices of the Italian herb bread. The healthy fats from avocado not only enhance satiety but also provide essential nutrients like potassium. It’s a crowd-pleaser at our family gatherings and adds a silky texture that balances well with the cheesy crust.
Italian Bruschetta: Diced tomatoes seasoned with basil, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil served atop toasted baguette slices offer a fresh counterpoint to the savory flavors in your homemade bread. This dish shares similar Italian roots and brings an additional burst of flavor along with vitamins A and C. We love making bruschetta as a quick appetizer before diving into our favorite sandwiches during family game nights.
Storage & Serving Tips
To store your Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. The bread can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to maintain the crispy crust, store the bread separately from the toppings. Keep the shredded mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese in small, airtight containers in the fridge to prevent moisture loss, which can make them clump together.
When reheating, place the bread back in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes until it’s warmed through and the crust is crispy again. Avoid microwaving the bread, as this will make it soft and disappointing. For the cheese topping, if you want that melty texture back, sprinkle it on top of the bread during the last 2–3 minutes of baking to get it bubbly without making it rubbery.
Pro tip: To batch cook this recipe for easy meal prep throughout the week, consider doubling the ingredients for the — Dough — and dividing it into portions that can be baked fresh as needed. Family members can self-assemble their own sandwiches or serve with various fillings. For variety, swap dried herbs in the — Herb Mixture — with Italian seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. To keep your cheese at its best during meal prep storage, always add it fresh just before serving to maintain that perfect melt and flavor!
Conclusion
This Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread has become a regular rotation recipe for me, and I find myself making it almost every week because it delivers 210 calories of pure deliciousness while being incredibly easy to whip up. The addition of a blend of herbs in the dough really sets this bread apart from any store-bought version, giving it that authentic flavor you crave. Give this one a try this week. I promise it’ll become a regular rotation meal in your house too.
Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add olive oil, salt, and flour gradually, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Sprinkle the herb mixture evenly over the dough and roll it tightly into a log.
- Place the log seam-side down on a baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
- Slice and serve warm as a side or for sandwiches.
