Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread: A Delectable Homemade Delight 🍞🌿🧀
1. Introduction: Craving that Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread?
If you’re a fan of Subway’s Italian Herb & Cheese Bread, you’re in for a real treat! This homemade version perfectly captures the essence of that soft, airy, herb-infused bread, gloriously topped with a cheesy, golden crust. Imagine biting into a warm, crusty loaf bursting with Italian flavors. With readily available ingredients and simple, easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this culinary masterpiece right in your own kitchen. This Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread is perfect for building your favorite sandwiches, serving as a side with dinner, or simply enjoying fresh out of the oven with a little butter. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a family favorite! 🍽️✨ Forget the trip to Subway, bring the taste home.
2. Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Authentic Italian Herb & Cheese Bread
Here’s what you’ll need to bake your own fantastic Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread. Ensure the yeast is fresh for the best rise!
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (provides the structure for the bread)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast (the key to a light and airy loaf)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F – activates the yeast)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon salt (enhances the flavor and controls the yeast)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (the signature herb blend for that Subway taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds a savory depth)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (complements the garlic and adds another layer of flavor)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for the cheesy topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (adds richness and moisture to the dough)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing, creates a golden, flavorful crust)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Copycat Subway Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Dough – Activating the Yeast
Begin creating your Italian Herb and Cheese bread dough by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. The water should be warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast. Allow it to sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Slowly mix in the yeast mixture and olive oil until a rough dough forms. The dough will be shaggy at first, don’t worry, it will come together as you knead it – See our guide on different bread recipes for more tips on working with dough.
Step 2: Knead in the Flavor – Developing the Dough’s Texture
To truly enhance the flavor and texture of your Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread, kneading is crucial. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for about 10 minutes. Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, which gives the bread its structure and chewy texture. About halfway through the kneading process, gradually add the shredded mozzarella cheese. Incorporating the cheese while kneading ensures it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough, creating pockets of melty cheese in every slice. This step sets our recipe apart.
Step 3: Let it Rise – Proofing for a Fluffy Loaf
Once the dough is kneaded and the cheese is incorporated, it’s time to let it rise. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl tightly with a clean, damp cloth or plastic wrap. Place the bowl in a warm, draft-free area of your kitchen. Let the dough rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This rising time is crucial for achieving that characteristic fluffy bread texture that makes this Copycat Italian Herb & Cheese Bread so irresistible.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection – Achieving a Golden Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, gently punch down the risen dough to release any trapped air. Shape the dough into a loaf, ensuring it fits comfortably in your prepared baking pan. You can use a standard loaf pan or shape it freeform on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the loaf in a greased or parchment lined pan. Brush the top of the loaf generously with melted butter. This will give the Copycat Subway Italian Herb and Cheese bread a beautiful golden-brown color and a rich, buttery flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Be sure to check out more information here!
4. Storage Tips: Keeping Your Italian Herb & Cheese Bread Fresh
To maintain the deliciousness of your Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread, proper storage is key. For short-term storage, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to two days. This will keep it soft and prevent it from drying out. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the slices at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their fresh-baked taste and texture.
5. Serving Suggestions: Ways to Enjoy Your Homemade Bread
This flavorful Copycat Subway Italian Herb and Cheese bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. It’s perfect for making your favorite loaded sandwiches, with deli meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables. It also makes fantastic toasted garlic bread – just slice, brush with garlic butter, and broil until golden and crispy. Serve slices alongside soups, salads, or pasta dishes for a delicious and satisfying meal. For a simple yet flavorful treat, pair it with your favorite dips, such as marinara sauce, hummus, or olive oil with herbs. Of course, it’s equally enjoyable on its own, allowing you to fully savor the delightful combination of herbs, cheese, and perfectly baked bread – read more on how to bake bread.
6. FAQs: Your Questions About Italian Herb & Cheese Bread Answered
What makes this Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread different from regular bread?
The key difference lies in the addition of Italian herbs and cheese. This elevates the flavor profile, giving it a unique and savory taste that’s reminiscent of the Subway original. The specific blend of Italian herbs, combined with the melted mozzarella cheese, creates a symphony of flavors that complements any meal.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. However, keep in mind that using 100% whole wheat flour will result in a denser and slightly drier bread. A good starting point is to substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add some nutritional value while still maintaining a good texture.
Can I add other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of your bread. Parmesan cheese, provolone cheese, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would be excellent additions. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well and complement the Italian herbs.
7. Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread!
Now that you have mastered the art of crafting your own Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread, there’s absolutely no need to make frequent trips to Subway anymore! This delicious, homemade bread is the perfect foundation for any sandwich creation, a delightful side to your favorite meals, or simply a satisfying snack on its own. The possibilities are endless! Feel free to customize it further by experimenting with different herbs, spices, or cheese varieties to create your own signature version. Enjoy this delightful bread and impress your family and friends with your newfound baking skills! Sharing your copycat Italian Herb & Cheese bread is a sure way to impress and delight! 🥖❤️ Maybe your next recipe would be one of our delicious soup recipes.
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Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Recreate the deliciousness of Subway’s Italian Herb & Cheese Bread at home with this easy copycat recipe. Enjoy a soft, herb-infused loaf topped with melted cheese, perfect for sandwiches or enjoying fresh out of the oven.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Mix in the yeast mixture and olive oil until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, adding shredded mozzarella cheese during the process.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the dough in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and hollow sounding.
Notes
- Store the bread wrapped in plastic or foil at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, slice and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven to enjoy its fresh-baked taste again.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180 Kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
