Name: Subway-Style Italian Herb & Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 3 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅓ cup Water, lukewarm (66g); ½ cup Bread Flour (66g); ⅛ teaspoon Yeast, active dry or instant; 3 cups Bread Flour (360g); 1 cup Water, lukewarm (234g); 2 ½ Tbsp. Sugar, divided (36g); 1 ½ tsp. Salt (10g); 2 ¼ teaspoons Yeast, 1 pack active dry or instant (7g); 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil (18g); ¼ cup Shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon Grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning herb blend

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 3 reviews

If you’ve ever bitten into Subway’s iconic Italian Herb and Cheese Bread and wished you could recreate that delicious experience at home, you’re in for a real treat. This Subway-Style Italian Herb & Cheese Bread Recipe brings together soft, chewy homemade bread with a perfectly seasoned topping of Parmesan, oregano, and Italian herbs topped with melted cheddar for that irresistible flavor explosion. There’s something truly magic about making your own, and I’m excited to guide you through every step so you can serve up fresh, warm, herb-infused loaves that will capture that signature taste right from your oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a metal tray on a white marbled surface with clear glass measuring cups and small bowls arranged neatly, each containing different ingredients. On the top left, there is a large glass measuring cup filled with light tan bread flour, next to it on the right is a smaller glass measuring cup with clear water. Below them, a small glass bowl holds a bubbly creamy starter with a rough texture. There are three small metal bowls at the bottom: one with white granulated sugar, one with fine white salt, and one with clear vegetable oil. A small packet of active yeast lies on the tray between the water and sugar bowls. All the containers sit on the tray in an orderly way, showing the clear separation of each ingredient. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step to mastering this bread. Each one plays a crucial role in building the dough’s perfect texture, flavor, and irresistible aroma that lingers long after baking.

Water: Lukewarm water activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for a tender crumb.
Bread Flour: Provides the strong gluten structure needed for chewy but soft bread.
Active Dry or Instant Yeast: The rising agent that gives your bread incredible lift and airiness.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to balance the herbs.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and controls yeast activity.
Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and contributes to a tender crumb.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts on top for gooey, flavorful pockets.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: The star of the topping, adding sharp, nutty flavor.
Garlic Powder: Gives a gentle hint of savory warmth.
Italian Seasoning Herb Blend: A fragrant mix of oregano, basil, and other herbs that define this bread’s signature taste.

How to Make Subway-Style Italian Herb & Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Poolish Starter

The secret to that wonderfully soft and chewy texture starts the day before with the poolish starter. In a mixing bowl, combine lukewarm water, bread flour, and just a tiny bit of yeast. Stir until smooth, cover it tightly, and let it rest at room temperature overnight. This pre-ferment develops flavor and gives your dough a light texture that sets this recipe apart from everyday breads.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

On the baking day, take a small bowl and mix warm water with active dry yeast and a tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it’s frothy and bubbly—that’s your green light to proceed. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on the dough.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Knead the Dough

Next, gather your dry ingredients—bread flour, salt, remaining sugar—in the stand mixer bowl. Add the frothy yeast mixture, poolish starter, and vegetable oil. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until a rough dough forms, about three minutes. Then, keep kneading for roughly eight minutes until your dough is soft, smooth, and elastic. Resist the temptation to add extra flour; slightly sticky dough means you’re on the right track!

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Watching the transformation from dense dough to puffy cloud-like dough is one of the most rewarding parts of bread making.

Step 5: Shape and Add the Herb & Cheese Topping

After the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the gas and divide it into four equal pieces. Lightly flour your surface and shape each piece into a slender baguette form. For the bestselling Subway-Style Italian Herb & Cheese Bread Recipe topping, dampen each shaped dough first by rolling it on a moist paper towel, then roll it onto a plate piled with the Parmesan, cheddar, garlic powder, and Italian herb mix. This ensures the topping sticks beautifully, creating that signature flavorful crust.

Step 6: Second Rise

Place your topped baguettes into a silicone bread mold or onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover again and let the dough rise until doubled, about 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise is crucial for that light, airy crumb inside and a beautifully golden crust outside.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 20 to 25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing to ensure the crumb sets perfectly.

How to Serve Subway-Style Italian Herb & Cheese Bread Recipe

The image shows four long dough sticks placed in a black baking tray with individual slots for each stick. Each dough stick is white and topped with a mix of finely grated cheese and herbs, giving a speckled light brown and greenish texture across the surface. The dough sticks are arranged side by side in the tray, which rests on a white marbled surface. The overall look is neat and ready for baking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the bread is delightful on its own, adding a small brush of garlic butter or a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley right before serving can elevate the experience even further. These little touches add a fresh pop of flavor that complements the herbs and cheese beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with hearty soups, zesty salads, or your favorite Italian pasta dishes. Its soft texture and savory topping also make it a great companion to robust sandwiches and melty melts, turning any meal into a cozy delight.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleaser, slice your Italian Herb & Cheese Bread into sticks or cubes to serve as dippers alongside warm fondue or marinara sauce. You can also toast slices lightly and layer with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for a quick bruschetta that’s bursting with flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This will help maintain its softness without drying out, so you can enjoy that fresh bakery feel as long as possible.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Subway-Style Italian Herb & Cheese Bread Recipe fresh for longer, freezing is your best friend. Wrap the baked and cooled bread securely in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months without losing that signature chewiness.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy frozen bread, thaw it at room temperature, then warm it up in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This reheating method helps regain that warm freshly baked texture and melts the cheese topping perfectly once again.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

While all-purpose flour can work in a pinch, bread flour is preferred for its higher protein content, which gives this bread its ideal chewy texture. If you only have all-purpose flour, expect a slightly less chewy result but still tasty!

Can I skip the poolish starter?

Technically, yes, but the poolish starter adds depth of flavor and improves the bread’s texture. Without it, your loaf might be less flavorful and denser, so I highly recommend incorporating this step for authentic results.

What other cheeses can I use for the topping?

Cheddar and Parmesan work beautifully because they provide sharpness and meltiness. However, you can experiment with mozzarella for extra stretch or Asiago for a spicier note that still complements the herbs wonderfully.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?

Yes, both rises are important. The first rise develops flavor and dough structure, while the second rise ensures a light, airy crumb and proper volume in your final loaf. Skipping either can lead to denser bread.

Can I make these as sandwich rolls instead of baguettes?

Absolutely! Shape the dough into small rolls if you prefer, and top them with the herb and cheese mixture the same way. Adjust baking time accordingly, usually 12-15 minutes, depending on their size.

Final Thoughts

This Subway-Style Italian Herb & Cheese Bread Recipe is one of those joyful kitchen projects that rewards you with incredible flavor and the comforting aroma of fresh-baked bread. It’s perfect for sandwich lovers, bread enthusiasts, or anyone who craves that distinct blend of herbs and cheese with a tender crumb. I encourage you to dive in hands-first, savor the process, and share this loveable bread with friends and family. Your kitchen will never smell the same again, and honestly, that’s a very good thing!