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Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 large sub-style loaves or 6 sandwich rolls 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bread Dough

  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
  • 1/2 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Egg Wash

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk or water

For the Herb and Cheese Topping

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan or romano cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Optional: a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast (If Not Using Instant Yeast)

  • If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm water with sugar and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  • If using instant yeast, skip this step and mix directly with flour.

2. Make the Dough

  • In a large bowl (or stand mixer bowl), combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
  • Add warm milk, water, and olive oil.
  • Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes in a mixer with a dough hook until smooth and elastic.

3. First Rise

  • Form dough into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl.
  • Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
  • Let rise in a warm spot for 60–75 minutes, or until doubled in size.

4. Shape the Loaves

  • Punch down the dough and divide into 2 equal pieces (for sub loaves) or 6 equal portions (for rolls).
  • Shape into logs or rolls and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
  • Flatten slightly to achieve the classic Subway-style shape.

5. Second Rise

  • Cover shaped dough with a clean towel and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of rise.

6. Prepare the Topping

  • In a small bowl, whisk the egg with milk to make egg wash.
  • In another bowl, mix shredded cheese and herbs together.

7. Apply Egg Wash and Topping

  • Brush the risen dough with egg wash.
  • Sprinkle herb and cheese mixture generously over the top of each loaf or roll.

8. Bake

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  • The cheese should be melted and lightly browned.

9. Cool and Serve

  • Let bread cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing or serving.
  • Serve warm with butter, use for sandwiches, or enjoy plain.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1.5 hours rising time)
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (or 1/6 of a roll/loaf)
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 8g