Subway Italian Herb Cheese Bread: A Delicious & SEO-Optimized Guide

Subway Italian Herb Cheese Bread: the mere mention of it conjures up images of perfectly toasted, fragrant bread, overflowing with your favorite fillings. Have you ever craved that distinctive aroma and satisfying chew of Subway’s Italian Herb Cheese Bread but didn’t want to leave the house? Well, you’re in luck! I’ve cracked the code to recreating this iconic bread in your very own kitchen.

While Subway’s exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, the essence of this bread lies in its unique blend of Italian herbs and that irresistible cheesy topping. The Italian influence is clear, drawing inspiration from the rustic, flavorful breads found throughout the Mediterranean. Think of sun-drenched fields of oregano, basil, and rosemary – all captured in a single, delicious bite.

What makes Subway Italian Herb Cheese Bread so universally loved? It’s the perfect combination of textures: a crisp, golden crust gives way to a soft, airy interior. The herbs provide a savory depth, while the melted cheese adds a salty, gooey richness that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Use it for sandwiches, paninis, or even as a flavorful side to your favorite pasta dish. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this homemade version that rivals the original!

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 3 ½ cups (420g) bread flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
• 2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, plus more for greasing
• 1 ½ teaspoons (9g) salt
• 1 tablespoon (12g) sugar
• For the Herb Cheese Topping:
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (25g) grated Romano cheese
• 2 tablespoons dried Italian herb blend (oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, marjoram)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• For the Egg Wash:
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon milk or water

Preparing the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This indicates that the yeast is alive and active. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it might be old or the water might be too hot or cold, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the bread flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment. If mixing by hand, use a wooden spoon or your hands.
3. Knead the Dough: If using a stand mixer, knead the dough on medium speed for 8-10 minutes, or until it forms a smooth, elastic ball. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10-12 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
4. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. The rising time will depend on the temperature of your environment. A warm place will help the dough rise faster.

Preparing the Herb Cheese Topping:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, dried Italian herb blend, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Make sure the butter is truly softened, or it will be difficult to mix everything together properly.
2. Set Aside: Cover the bowl and set aside at room temperature until ready to use. This will allow the flavors to meld together.

Shaping and Second Rise:

1. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. You can use a kitchen scale to ensure they are all the same size, which will result in evenly baked bread.
3. Shape into Loaves: Gently roll each piece of dough into a long, oval shape, about 12-14 inches long. Try to keep the loaves uniform in thickness.
4. Place on Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the shaped loaves on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each loaf.
5. Second Rise: Cover the loaves loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let them rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly.

Applying the Topping and Baking:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the center position.
2. Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water) until well combined.
3. Apply Egg Wash: Gently brush the tops of the risen loaves with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
4. Spread Herb Cheese Topping: Evenly spread the herb cheese topping over the tops of the loaves. Don’t be shy! The more topping, the more flavorful the bread will be.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C). Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from burning. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can tent them with foil.
6. Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent the bottoms from becoming soggy.

Serving and Storage:

1. Serve Warm: The Subway Italian Herb Cheese Bread is best served warm. You can slice it and serve it as a side dish, or use it to make sandwiches.
2. Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. You can also reheat it in the oven or microwave.
3. Reheating: To reheat the bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread in foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the topping. Asiago, provolone, or mozzarella would all be delicious additions or substitutions.
• Herb Variations: You can also adjust the herbs in the topping to your liking. Fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or oregano, can be used in place of dried herbs. Just be sure to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried herbs.
• Garlic Lovers: If you’re a garlic lover, you can add more minced garlic to the topping, or even roast the garlic before adding it for a milder, sweeter flavor.
• Spicy Kick: For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes to the topping, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Gluten-Free Option: While this recipe is specifically for bread flour, you can try using a gluten-free bread flour blend. Keep in mind that the texture and rise may be slightly different. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid.
• Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, use plant-based butter, vegan Parmesan cheese, and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg wash.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just punch it down before shaping and baking.

Enjoy your homemade Subway Italian Herb Cheese Bread! It’s a delicious and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another bread recipe; it’s your ticket to recreating that iconic Subway experience right in your own kitchen! The aroma alone, filling your home with the savory scent of herbs and melting cheese, is enough to make this Subway Italian Herb Cheese Bread a must-try. But the real magic happens when you take that first bite – the perfect balance of soft, chewy interior and a delightfully crisp, cheesy crust. Trust me, once you’ve tasted homemade, you’ll never look at store-bought bread the same way again.

But why stop there? The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While it’s absolutely divine as is, fresh from the oven, consider these serving suggestions to elevate your bread game even further. Imagine slicing it warm and using it as the base for mini pizzas, topped with your favorite sauces, cheeses, and veggies. Or, how about using it to create gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches? The possibilities are truly endless!

For a simple yet satisfying meal, serve thick slices alongside a hearty bowl of tomato soup. The bread’s robust flavor complements the soup perfectly, creating a comforting and delicious combination. You could also use it to make croutons for salads, adding a burst of flavor and texture to your greens. Simply cube the bread, toss it with olive oil and your favorite herbs, and bake until golden brown and crispy.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with different cheese blends? While the recipe calls for a classic mozzarella and Parmesan combination, feel free to add a touch of provolone for extra sharpness, or even a sprinkle of Asiago for a nutty flavor. You can also play around with the herbs, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a touch of garlic powder for an extra layer of savory goodness.

Don’t be intimidated by the thought of baking bread from scratch. This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. With a little patience and a few simple ingredients, you’ll be rewarded with a loaf of bread that’s far superior to anything you can buy in a store. The satisfaction of creating something so delicious with your own two hands is truly unparalleled.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. I promise you won’t be disappointed. This Subway Italian Herb Cheese Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a chance to create something special, something that will bring joy to your family and friends.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic for yourself! Once you’ve baked your own loaf of this incredible bread, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy baking! I can’t wait to see what you create!