Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread Recipe

Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread is honestly the one thing I crave when I’m thinking sandwiches. But let’s be real. Who actually wants to stand in a fifty person line, make awkward small talk, and pay, what, eight bucks for bread? Not this gal. I’ve fumbled my way through enough disappointing store-bought “Italian herb bread” to know it’s never quite right. So today, I’ll give you the low-down on making that cheesy, pillowy awesomeness at home. If you want fresh bread but got limited time, check out this quick and easy crusty Italian bread recipe (it’s golden for busy weeknights) or treat yourself with a bacon mac n cheese burger wrap. Alright, let’s roll up those sleeves.

How to Make Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Step-by-Step

No rocket science here, but it’s not as simple as tossing dough in an oven either. You’ll mix up this soft bread, slather on herbs and cheese, and—hey, keep reading, okay? Don’t go grabbing your cheese grater just yet.

Right out of the gate: you want a fluffy loaf, that’s got a hint of garlic and oregano, with that classic slightly chewy bite—what Subway somehow manages every single time. Turns out, the secret’s in the first step. You gotta let the dough rise well, maybe a lot longer than you might think. Don’t rush it. Kind of like waiting for your phone to fully charge so it actually lasts past lunch, you know?

After kneading (it’s kind of a workout, honestly), brush on olive oil, sprinkle herbs, and really pile on that cheese before baking. Don’t be stingy. Trust me. You’ll regret it if you go light.

Honestly, the whole place will smell like a five-star Italian bakery—so get ready for neighbors to peek through your window.

“This bread turned out even better than the original! My kids said it tastes just like Subway. Never buying it from the store again.” — Jamie P. from Chicago

What are the ingredients in Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread?

Alright, so the sad truth: Subway keeps their exact ingredients under wraps tighter than my grandma’s holiday cookie recipe. But you don’t need a PhD in chemistry here. What you actually need for this copycat Subway Italian herb & cheese bread is basic pantry stuff. Nothing wild.

Here’s what you’ll grab:

• Bread flour (all-purpose works, but bread flour gives you that extra oomph)
• Active dry yeast
• Sugar (just a pinch for the yeasty magic)
• Salt
• Warm water (don’t go boiling hot, but not icy)
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Dried parsley, oregano, and basil
• Grated parmesan and mozzarella cheese (if you wanna go wild, toss in some asiago)

Sometimes I’ll sneak in a bit of Italian seasoning too—depends on my mood (or what’s about to expire in the spice drawer).

How do they make bread at Subway?

You ever wonder if there’s some secret robot at Subway, or just a bunch of flour-dusted teens in the back? Turns out, their bread starts out as dough “sticks”—think frozen logs—and gets proofed and baked right there. Fresh, kind of. Kinda clever.

Here at home, you get the same vibe but with a little more TLC (no hairnets required, ha). After mixing and resting your dough, shape it into long sub rolls. Let them rest again so they puff up nice and big—that’s pretty important for that light Subway texture.

Then, brush the tops with oil, sprinkle your herbs like you mean it, and heap on those cheeses before popping them in the oven. Watch those babies go golden.

Here’s a hot tip: bake with a shallow pan of water underneath the bread. Why? That steam makes the outside tender. Fancy section, but honestly… try it. Makes a difference.

Start This Bread the Night Before

Okay, hear me out. I used to be one of those impatient bakers, pulling dough from the fridge like, “Good enough!” But starting your copycat Subway Italian herb & cheese bread the night before? Magical.

Letting the dough have a slow rise in the fridge (some folks call this a “cold ferment”) makes everything taste richer, toastier, just… better. Plus, you can go to sleep and wake up to dough that’s mostly done. Early morning sandwiches, anyone?

Just mix your dough at night, cover, toss it in the fridge, and in the AM? Bring it to room temperature, shape, rise, bake. Your future self will thank you, I promise.

Can I Make This Without the Poolish?

Alright, another weird bakery term: poolish. It’s just a super-wet starter or pre-ferment. Do you need it for this recipe? Honestly—not at all.

If you’re feeling ambitious, go for it. Poolish brings a more complex taste, but here’s what I think: for homemade copycat Subway Italian herb & cheese bread, you’ll get great flavor just by letting your dough rise longer. Nobody at my house noticed the difference when I skipped it.

So, no poolish? No problem. Friday night cravings don’t care about artisanal techniques. Just give that dough time (and lots of cheese).

Serving Suggestions

• Slice and eat warm, obviously (it’s pretty much impossible to wait)
• Use for homemade meatball sandwiches
• Try it with a melty cheesesteak—pair it with something like this best cheesesteak tortellini recipe
• Tastes unreal if you dunk it in soup or use as garlic bread

Personally, I’ve used it as a base for sub “pizza” and nobody complained once.

Common Questions

Do I have to use bread flour for copycat Subway Italian herb & cheese bread?
Nope. All-purpose will work, but bread flour gives a chewier, more sandwich-like texture.

Can I freeze this bread once it’s baked?
You sure can. Wrap it tight, freeze, then reheat in the oven for that ‘straight out of Subway’ vibe.

Is this recipe hard for a beginner?
Not even close. If you can knead (or have a mixer), you’re set. Just follow the steps, don’t rush the rise.

What’s the best cheese mix for topping?
Go wild with parmesan, mozzarella, or even a little asiago. If you’re feeling extra, sprinkle a touch of cheddar.

Can I double the copycat Subway Italian herb & cheese bread recipe?
Oh, for sure. Make more, share, or—no judgment—hide some in the freezer.

Time to Bake It Like You Mean It

So, that’s basically everything I know about homemade copycat Subway Italian herb & cheese bread. If you made it this far, grab your flour and just get started already. You’ll probably want to check out this Subway bread recipe (Italian Herb and Cheese Copycat) if you’re a hardcore perfectionist, or peek at my favorite easy-moist zucchini bread recipe if you’re on a baking kick. And if you get super hooked, hey, there’s always the best artisan bread simple home guide calling your name.

Point is: you can totally make this bread, and your kitchen will smell heavenly. You might end up secretly judging Subway after. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

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