First of all, thank you so much for stopping by! If you’ve ever found yourself craving that warm, soft, cheesy, herby bread from Subway—you know the one—this is your moment. This Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread recipe gives you all that delicious flavor and texture, right from your own oven. And let me tell you—it’s even better homemade.
Whether you’re building a mile-high sub or just want a flavorful bread to serve with dinner, this recipe delivers. And if you’re all about recreating restaurant favorites at home, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a delicious new post!
What Is Subway’s Italian Herb & Cheese Bread?
Subway’s most iconic bread is a fluffy white loaf topped with a buttery garlic-herb blend and finished with melty cheese. It’s soft inside, lightly golden outside, and seriously flavorful—no wonder it’s a favorite!
This copycat version brings that exact flavor home with simple ingredients and no fancy equipment. Bonus: the smell when this is in the oven? Incredible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fluffy, cheesy, herby goodness – tastes just like the original
- Perfect for sandwiches, sides, or snacking
- Simple ingredients – no preservatives or additives
- Endlessly customizable – make it your own!
What It Tastes Like
It’s warm and fluffy, with a perfectly golden top crust coated in savory herbs and gooey cheese. There’s garlic in every bite, and the cheese on top bakes into a slightly crispy layer that’s SO satisfying. It smells like an Italian bakery and tastes even better than the sub shop version!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup milk (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Herb & Cheese Topping:
- 1 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Dough hook or hands for kneading
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
Additions & Substitutions
- Cheese: Use provolone, parmesan, cheddar, or a mix
- Herbs: Add rosemary or thyme for more variety
- Dairy-free? Use vegan cheese and almond milk
- Want a spicy twist? A sprinkle of cayenne or red pepper flakes does the trick!
How to Make Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, milk, and olive oil. Mix until combined, then knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough and divide into 2–3 sub loaves. Shape and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Brush the tops with melted butter or olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder, herbs, and shredded cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cool slightly before slicing.
What to Serve with It
This bread is practically begging to be part of a delicious meal. Pair it with:
- A warm bowl of soup
- Your favorite sandwich fillings (turkey, chicken, meatballs—you name it!)
- Creamy Honey Pepper Mac and Cheese for a comforting side
- Blackened Fish Tacos and use the bread to soak up every drop of sauce
- Garlic Chicken Lo Mein—yes, carbs on carbs, and yes, it works!
Pro Tips for the Best Bread
- Let it rise fully—rushing leads to dense loaves
- Use fresh cheese—it melts better and has more flavor
- Brush with garlic butter right after baking for an extra punch
- Slice once cooled for cleaner, even cuts
Storage & Reheating
- Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freeze: Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 2 months
- To reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes or until soft and warm
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Let it rise in the fridge overnight and shape the next day before baking.
Can I make this gluten-free?
You can! Just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.
Does this taste exactly like Subway?
Pretty much! Some even say it’s better because it’s fresh, hot, and made with real ingredients.
Wrap-Up: Make Sandwich Night Special
This Copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese Bread brings bold flavor, soft texture, and cheesy perfection to your kitchen. Whether you’re making subs, pairing it with pasta, or just sneaking a slice with butter (no judgment), this bread is a must-bake.
Looking for more bold flavors to complete your meal? Try these:
- Creamy Honey Pepper Mac and Cheese – rich, cheesy, and perfect next to this bread
- Blackened Fish Tacos – spice things up with this flavor-packed dish
- Garlic Chicken Lo Mein – quick, garlicky, and pairs surprisingly well with a slice of this bread
Share Your Loaf With Us!
If you make this bread, I’d love to see your creations. Leave a comment and tag your photos on Pinterest at The Kitchen Joyy. Let’s build the coziest, cheesiest community around one loaf at a time. 💛🥖🧄
Nutritional Info (Per Sub Roll, Approx.)
- Calories: 270
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 7g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 1g