There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, and when it’s a Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread, you know you’re in for a treat! Imagine tearing into a warm loaf, with its crispy crust giving way to a soft, savory interior that’s fresh, herbaceous, and loaded with cheesy goodness. I whipped up this recipe during one of those busy weeknights when my family was craving something hearty yet healthy. With each slice offering around 180 calories and just the right amount of protein, it became our go-to base for delicious sandwiches that keep us fueled throughout the day.
I vividly remember the first time I made this bread; it was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and my teenagers were huddled on the couch watching their favorite movie. As the bread finished baking, I called out, “Who wants a sandwich?” Their eyes lit up as they leaped off the couch, drawn by the heavenly smell. What makes this version stand out is the blend of Italian herbs that I add into the dough—just like Subway’s secret touch! Their delighted smiles after taking that first bite were priceless, with one of them exclaiming, “Mom, can we have this every week?” And just like that, my Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread became a household favorite.
Ingredients for the Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread
Each ingredient in this dish plays an essential role in flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
Bread Dough
2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting): Provides structure and a perfect base for the bread.
1 cup warm water (about 110°F): Activates the yeast, ensuring a good rise.
1 packet active dry yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoons): Essential for leavening, giving the bread its airy texture.
1 tablespoon sugar (to activate yeast): Fuels the yeast for better fermentation and browning.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and strengthens the dough’s structure.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moistness and enhances the bread’s flavor.
Herb Topping
1 tablespoon dried oregano: Infuses a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the bread.
1 tablespoon dried basil: Brings a sweet, slightly peppery taste to enhance the herbs.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth and savory notes to the topping.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Contributes a subtle sweetness and savory richness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping): Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend starting by activating your yeast, as it needs a few minutes to froth up before you can incorporate it into the dough.
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water (about 110°F), sugar, and yeast. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial as the yeast needs to activate properly for your bread to rise well. If the mixture doesn’t froth, your yeast may be expired, and it’s best to start over.
Step 2: Once your yeast mixture is frothy, add the all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil into the bowl. Mix everything together until a dough starts to form; I find using a wooden spoon at first helps bring everything together without making a mess. Then, transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This kneading builds the gluten structure that will give your bread its chewy texture.
Step 3: After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once so it’s coated in oil. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. I usually find that placing it near a warm oven works well; just make sure not to overheat it!
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you’re waiting for the dough to rise. This way, when your dough is ready, you won’t have to wait around for the oven to heat up. Once your dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles that formed during rising.
Step 5: Roll out the dough onto a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 1/2 inch thick. This thickness gives you that perfect bread texture ideal for sandwiches. I like to use a rolling pin for evenness—just make sure to dust with more flour as needed so nothing sticks!
Step 6: Now comes the fun part! Evenly sprinkle the herb topping over the rolled-out dough – this is where all those Italian flavors come into play. Then, roll it up tightly from one end to another; this creates layers of flavor throughout your bread. Once rolled, place it seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 7: Let the rolled dough rise again on the baking sheet for another 20 minutes; this step enhances its fluffiness even further before baking. While it’s rising, take advantage of this time by prepping any sandwich fillings or toppings you’ll want later on.
Step 8: Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown on top—trust me; you’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells heavenly! A nice golden exterior indicates that you’ve achieved that perfect crust while allowing enough time for cooking through.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing—this allows steam to escape and prevents sogginess when you cut into that beautiful loaf. Enjoy this delicious homemade version of Subway’s Italian Herb & Cheese Bread fresh or toasted with your favorite fillings!
What to Serve with Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread
This bread is already incredibly filling and balanced, but these sides add extra variety and nutrition to round out your meal perfectly.
Classic Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with a creamy Caesar dressing, croutons, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty Italian Herb & Cheese Bread. The crunch of the romaine complements the soft texture of the bread while adding vitamins A and K. Plus, it’s a go-to side in our house—it pairs wonderfully with sandwiches and keeps everyone feeling light yet satisfied.
Garlic Butter Rice: Fluffy rice sautéed in garlic butter and herbs makes for a deliciously comforting side that echoes the savory flavors of the herb topping on the bread. This dish adds about 4 grams of protein per serving while delivering an energy boost for those busy days. My kids love it, especially when I make extra so they can have leftovers for lunch!
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A colorful mix of quinoa, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese drizzled with olive oil offers a vibrant flavor profile that mirrors the Italian herbs in the bread. Packed with protein from quinoa—about 8 grams per cup—and healthy fats from olive oil, it’s one of my favorite meal prep options that stays fresh all week long.
Avocado Salsa: Creamy avocado blended with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and a hint of salt creates a zesty dip that pairs perfectly with the warm bread. The healthy fats from avocado enhance satiety while providing essential nutrients like potassium and vitamins C and E. It’s a staple at our family gatherings because it brings everyone together around the table!
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots roasted until caramelized brings both color and nutrition to your meal. This side offers fiber and vitamins while balancing out the richness of the cheesy bread. I love making this dish for meal prep; it’s versatile enough to pair well with just about anything we’re eating throughout the week!
Storage & Serving Tips
To store your Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you plan to make this bread ahead of time, consider storing the herb topping separately; place the shredded mozzarella cheese in a small container and the dried herbs (oregano and basil) along with the garlic powder and onion powder in another. This way, you can maintain the freshness and texture of each component.
When reheating, preheat your oven to 375°F and place the bread on a baking sheet for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through. For the mozzarella cheese, sprinkle it on top during the last 2 minutes of baking to melt it perfectly without losing its texture. Avoid microwaving the bread, as it will turn soft and chewy instead of maintaining that delightful crustiness. Instead, stick to the oven method for best results.
Pro tip: To batch cook this recipe for meal prep, consider doubling the recipe on a Sunday and portioning it out into containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week. Family members can self-assemble their sandwiches by layering their favorite fillings between slices of this delicious bread. For variety across meals, swap out some of your fillings—try substituting turkey for chicken or adding roasted vegetables for an extra boost of nutrients. To keep your herb topping fresh, store the mozzarella cheese separately from the rest of the ingredients until you’re ready to enjoy your sandwich!
Conclusion
This Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread has become one of those recipes I make at least twice a month because it’s genuinely easy, incredibly satisfying, and delivers 180 calories per serving without compromising on flavor. The combination of warm water and active dry yeast creates a wonderfully airy texture that sets it apart from store-bought alternatives. Give this one a try this week. I promise it’ll become a regular rotation meal in your house too.
Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Sprinkle the herb topping evenly over the dough, then roll it up tightly.
- Place the rolled dough seam-side down on a baking sheet and let it rise for another 20 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing.
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