Italian Herb And Cheese Bread Subway Recipe

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Subway Recipe gives you soft, cheesy, flavorful bread—just like your favorite sub shop! Perfect for sandwiches.

this Recipe

Let’s be real—Subway has some good sandwiches, but the real reason I keep going back? The bread. Specifically, that Italian Herb and Cheese Bread. It’s soft, it’s cheesy, and it smells so good you could bottle it and sell it as a candle.

I used to walk into Subway, tell myself, Today, I’ll try something new! Then, without fail, I’d hear myself saying, “Italian Herb and Cheese, please.” It’s like my subconscious knew what was best.

So, naturally, I had to try making it at home. And let me tell you—this recipe nails it. Soft on the inside, golden and cheesy on top, and packed with those herby flavors that make your kitchen smell like a little Italian bakery.

If you love this bread as much as I do (or if you’re just looking to up your sandwich game), you need to try this. It’s surprisingly easy, and once you taste that fresh, homemade version? You may never need a Subway run again.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Herb And Cheese Bread Subway Recipe?

• Tastes just like (or better than) Subway’s. The perfect balance of soft, fluffy, and cheesy.
• No weird additives. Just fresh, simple ingredients.
• It’s sandwich gold. Whether you’re making a meatball sub or a turkey club, this bread makes everything better.
• It smells like heaven. Seriously, if you love the smell of fresh bread, just wait until this bakes.
• Easier than you think. If you can mix and knead, you can make this bread.

Ingredient Notes:

Making Italian Herb and Cheese Bread at home is all about simple ingredients coming together for the perfect flavor and texture.

• Instant Dry Yeast – The key to a good rise and that soft, airy texture.
• Warm Water & Hot Water – The warm water activates the yeast, while the hot water helps hydrate the dough properly.
• Sugar – Gives the yeast something to feed on and adds a little sweetness.
• Kosher Salt – Because without salt, bread tastes… well, sad.
• Vegetable Oil – Keeps the bread soft and tender.
• All-Purpose Flour – No need for bread flour—this works perfectly!
• Egg Wash (Egg + Water) – Helps the cheese stick and gives the bread a beautiful golden crust.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – The magic ingredient for that cheesy, melty top.
• Italian Seasoning – The signature blend of herbs that makes this bread smell and taste incredible.

Pro Tip: Want a little extra kick? Add a sprinkle of garlic powder to the seasoning mix!

How To Make Italian Herb And Cheese Bread Subway?

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by dissolving ½ cup warm water, yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it looks foamy. (If nothing happens, your yeast might be old—grab a fresh batch!)

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), mix 2 cups hot water, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour. Stir until combined.

Now, add the yeast mixture and the remaining 3 cups of flour. If using a stand mixer, mix with the dough hook for 5-7 minutes until smooth. If kneading by hand, work the dough on a floured surface until it’s soft and elastic.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 8 equal portions for footlongs or 16 portions for 6-inch subs.

Gently press each piece into a rectangle, then roll it up tightly lengthwise. Place each roll onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: First Rise

Let the dough rest for 10 minutes—this helps it relax before its final rise.

Then, take a sharp knife and score three shallow slits across the top of each loaf.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the dough loosely with a clean towel and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes. You’re looking for the dough to puff up nicely.

Step 6: Add the Cheese & Herbs

Brush the tops of the loaves with egg wash, then generously sprinkle with cheddar cheese and Italian seasoning.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaves for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melty.

Step 8: Cool & Enjoy

Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Then, enjoy it however you like—stuffed with sandwich fillings, toasted with butter, or just as is because warm, cheesy bread needs no excuse.

Storage Options:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight bag for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven for a fresh-from-the-bakery feel.
• Reviving Stale Bread: Brush with a little butter and warm in the oven for 5 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Try Different Cheeses: Parmesan, mozzarella, or gouda would all be amazing.
• Extra Herb Flavor: Add a little garlic powder or dried basil for more depth.
• Whole Wheat Option: Swap half the flour for whole wheat to make it a little heartier.
• Dairy-Free Version: Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

What to Serve with Italian Herb And Cheese Bread Subway?

This bread is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better when paired with:

• Classic Sandwiches – Think turkey, ham, or roast beef—perfection.
• Meatball Subs – Just like Subway, but homemade.
• Garlic Bread – Toast it with butter and garlic for an easy side.
• Soups – Perfect for dipping into tomato soup or a hearty minestrone.
• Bruschetta – Toasted, topped with tomatoes and basil, and drizzled with balsamic glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yep! Just proof it in warm water and sugar for 10 minutes before adding it to the dough.

How do I make the crust softer?

Brush the loaves with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.

Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes! Shape the dough, freeze it on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw, let it rise, and bake as usual.

If you’re as obsessed with Subway’s Italian Herb and Cheese Bread as I am, this homemade version will blow your mind. It’s soft, cheesy, and so flavorful. Plus, nothing beats the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen.

So, are you making this for sandwiches, garlic bread, or just to eat warm with butter? Let me know in the comments!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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Italian Herb And Cheese Bread Subway Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Subway Recipe creates a soft, flavorful loaf with a cheesy, herby topping. Perfect for sandwiches, garlic bread, or enjoying warm with butter. An easy homemade version of a beloved classic.

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16 Servings

Ingredients

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For the Dough:

• 2 tablespoons instant dry yeast
• ½ cup 120ml warm water
• 2 cups 480ml hot water
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 6 cups 720g all-purpose flour

For the Topping:

• 1 beaten egg + 1 tablespoon water egg wash
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning

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Instructions

 

Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the instant dry yeast in ½ cup of warm water along with the sugar. Stir gently and allow the mixture to sit for approximately 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready for use.

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 2 cups of hot water, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour. Stir well until a smooth mixture forms.
2. Next, add the yeast mixture and the remaining 3 cups of flour. Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, knead for approximately 5-7 minutes until a soft, elastic dough forms. If mixing by hand, knead on a floured surface until smooth and pliable.

Shape the Dough

1. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 8 equal portions for footlong-style loaves, or 16 portions for smaller sandwich rolls.
2. Flatten each portion into a rectangular shape, then roll it tightly lengthwise to form a cylindrical loaf. Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring adequate spacing between each loaf.

First Proofing

1. Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes. This brief resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to work with.
2. After 10 minutes, use a sharp knife or a bread lame to score three shallow slits across the top of each loaf.

Second Proofing

1. Cover the loaves loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm environment for 20-30 minutes, or until they have visibly expanded.

Apply the Egg Wash and Toppings

1. In a small bowl, whisk together one beaten egg and 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash.
2. Brush the egg wash over the tops of the risen loaves, then evenly sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and Italian seasoning.

Bake the Bread

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaves for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.

Cooling and Serving

1. Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve as sandwich bread, toasted garlic bread, or as a standalone snack with butter.

Notes

To create a gluten-free version of this Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Subway Recipe, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend containing xanthan gum. Additionally, ensure that your yeast, Italian seasoning, and shredded cheese are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination. When kneading, the dough may require additional moisture or binding agents, such as psyllium husk or an extra egg, to improve texture.

Bitty

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Let me know! Mention @nodashofgluten or tag #nodashofgluten

Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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