The Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread is a flavorful, crusty, soft-roll bread dotted with cheese and dried herbs. This recipe excludes pork, bacon, or ham, offering a meat-free, crowd-pleasing alternative that delivers the iconic Subway crust with a savory herb twist.
| Prep Time45 minutes |
| Cook Time20-25 minutes |
| Total Time2 hours |
| Servings16-20 rolls |
| DifficultyModerate |
| CuisineAmerican |
Why This Recipe Works
Perfectly balanced crust and soft crumb, this bread captures the Subway signature texture while amplifying the herb flavor without overpowering the cheese. The combination of Parmesan and Monterey Jack creates a golden, cheesy top layer that’s irresistible for dipping or sandwich use. When I first tested this at home, the meltiness and aroma made it the centerpiece of a picnic meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient Quantity Notes | ||
| Warm Water | 1 ½ cups (70°F minimum) | Essential for yeast activation. Avoid cold water. |
| Granulated Sugar | 2 tablespoons | Optional: 1-2 tbsp honey for a slightly tangy crumb. |
| Instant Yeast | 2 ¼ teaspoons | Or substitute active dry yeast + 5-minute bloom in water. |
| Bread Flour | 4 ½ cups | High-protein flour ensures chewy texture; adjust for altitude if needed. |
| Salt | 1 ½ teaspoons | Use coarse salt for better distribution. Avoid fine sea salt in dough. |
| Olive Oil | 3 tablespoons | Light olive oil (not extra virgin) prevents oiliness. |
| Dried Italian Herb Blend | 2 tablespoons | Blends like "Old World" or "Garden" herbs work. Omit marjoram for a lighter flavor. |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese | ½ cup | Freshly grated (not pre-grated) ensures melting adhesion. |
| Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese | 1 cup | Replace with Colby-Jack or mozzarella for a melter with less tang. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes to dissolve crystals.
- Stir in instant yeast and let rest 10 minutes until foamy. Avoid using hot water above 120°F.
- Add 4 cups bread flour, 1 ½ tsp salt, and 3 tbsp olive oil. Mix until shaggy mass forms.
- Knead on a floured surface, incorporating additional flour as needed to achieve smooth texture.
- Cover bowl with greased plastic and let rest 30 minutes. Check for rising readiness with fingertips.
Shaping the Buns
- Punch down dough and divide into 16-20 equal portions. Shape each into 2-3 inch rolls.
- Place rolls in greased 9×5-inch loaf pan or muffin tin. Space 1 inch apart for expansion.
- Combine herbs and cheeses. Gently press toppings onto buns using a damp hand for adhesion.
- Second rise: cover and rest 45 minutes until rolls double in size. Avoid overproofing.
Baking the Bread
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Optional: brush rolls with beaten egg white for glossy crust.
- Bake 20-25 minutes. Rolls are done when golden and firm with hollow sound.
- Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan. Serve warm for best texture.
Chef Tips for Perfect Results
- Proper Water Temperature: Too hot kills yeast; too cold delays rising. Use a thermometer to verify 105-115°F.
- Cheese Placement: Press toppings only halfway into surface. Over-sinking causes uneven melting.
- Bread Pan Adjustment: Subway’s pan is shallow and wide. A 9×5-inch loaf pan replicates the dense shape.
- Flour Flexibility: High-altitude regions may need 6g extra salt and 10 minutes more baking time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using incorrect yeast: Active dry needs activation first. Add water temperature warning during bloom.
- Underproofing: Dough won’t expand properly. Let rest until it doubles and passes the toothpick test.
- Oversubstituting herbs: Excessive oregano or marjoram dominates cheese flavor. Stick to 2-3 tbsp total herb blend.
- Pan size errors: Too small creates flat buns. Use 9×5-inch pan or 12-hole muffin tin for classic shape.
Variations and Substitutions
| Ingredient Substitution Impact on Flavor | ||
| Bread Flour | All-purpose | Crumb becomes less chewy. Add 1 tbsp extra xanthan gum. |
| Monterey Jack | Mozzarella | Milder, silkier texture. Cheese pulls less dramatically. |
| Italian Herbs | Fresh herbs | Use 3-4 tbsp chopped basil/oregano. Toss into dough before rising. |
| Oil Type | Canola oil | Neutral flavor preserves cheese dominance. Slight leavening delay. |
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Break apart buns for garlic butter sandwiches at weekend breakfasts. Pair with cold cuts like pastrami or turkey for lunch. Add tomato soup and a cheese platter. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or as a quick snack with hummus.
Storage and Reheating
| Method Duration Instructions | ||
| Air-tight container | 3-5 days | Unbaked rolls stay in fridge; bake 10 mins extra. Baked buns reheat at 350°F on wire rack. |
| Freezer bags | 2-3 months | Flash-freeze unbaked rolls. Reheat directly from frozen 25 minutes at 375°F. |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient Amount per Serving | ||
| Calories | Approx. 150 | |
| Protein | Approx. 4g | |
| Fat | Approx. 6g | |
| Carbohydrates | Approx. 18g | |
| Fiber | Approx. 1g | |
| Sugar | Approx. 2g | |
| Sodium | Approx. 300mg | Use low-sodium options if needed. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but the texture becomes less chewy. Add 1 tbsp vital wheat gluten to compensate for protein loss.
How do I test if the rolls are fully baked?
Check with a digital thermometer: internal temp should reach 200°F. Tapping the bottom should sound hollow.
What if my dough refuses to rise properly?
Ensure water is 105-115°F. Check yeast freshness; expired yeast may require substitution with baker’s yeast from a grocery store.
Can I prepare dough overnight for tomorrow’s baking?
Yes. Chill shaped buns in pan 12-24 hours before baking. Add 3-5 minutes to oven time for even rise.
What condiments pair best with this bread?
Garlic aioli, marinara sauce, or melted mozzarella. Avoid acidic marinades like vinaigrettes that soften the crust.
Conclusion
This Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread delivers the perfect mix of crust and chew, with a tangy herb-cheese topping. Adapted for meat-free kitchens, it’s a versatile staple. Toast, slice, or serve as-is – the signature flavor remains undiminished.
