Italian Herb & Cheese Bread recipe
This homemade Italian Herb & Cheese Bread captures the signature flavors of Subway with a crispy herb-and-cheese crust and a soft, fragrant crumb that’s perfect for sandwiches or standalone slices.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1¼ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (plus more for topping)
- 1 tablespoon oil (olive or vegetable)
- 1 to 1¼ cups warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
Cheese & Herb Topping
- ¾ cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional Italian seasoning (to sprinkle)
- Optional: Melted butter or egg wash (for brushing)
Instructions
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together bread flour, sugar, yeast, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Add Wet Ingredients & Form Dough
- Pour in oil and about 1 cup of warm water.
- Stir until the mixture begins to form a shaggy dough, adding more water if needed.
Knead the Dough
- Knead by hand on a floured surface or use a dough hook on low speed for 6–8 minutes.
- Aim for a smooth, elastic dough that’s slightly tacky but not sticking to your fingers.
First Rise
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth.
- Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1–1½ hours.
Shape the Loaf
- Punch down the risen dough to release air.
- Form it into a long loaf (or shape into rolls if desired).
- Place on a greased baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
Second Rise
- Cover the shaped dough again and let it rest for 30–45 minutes, until puffed.
Prepare Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the grated Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheeses.
- If desired, brush the dough lightly with melted butter or egg wash for better topping adhesion.
Top & Bake
- Sprinkle the cheese mixture and extra Italian seasoning over the loaf.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Cool & Serve
- Transfer the bread to a cooling rack for 10–15 minutes.
- Slice and enjoy warm as a sandwich base or standalone snack.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~220
- Fat: ~7 g
- Saturated Fat: ~3 g
- Protein: ~8 g
- Carbohydrates: ~32 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Sugar: ~4 g
- Sodium: ~380 mg