This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread is a Subway copycat recipe that’s soft, fluffy, and topped with melty cheddar and parmesan. Perfect for homemade subs, sandwiches, and meal prep.
If you’ve ever ordered a sandwich just because of the bread, this Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Subway copycat recipe is for you. Soft on the inside, golden and cheesy on the outside, this homemade version delivers everything you love about the iconic sandwich shop loaf, but fresher, warmer, and straight from your own oven.
This bread is perfect for homemade subs, paninis, or even served alongside soups and salads. With a fluffy interior, savory Italian herbs, and a generous layer of melted cheddar and parmesan, it’s the ultimate copycat bread recipe that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Subway Copycat Bread
- Tastes just like Subway Italian Herb and Cheese bread
- Soft, fluffy interior with a cheesy, golden crust
- Perfect for sandwiches, subs, and meal prep
- Simple ingredients with easy steps
- Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead meals
Ingredients and Why They Matter
- Warm Water – Activates the yeast and helps create a soft, airy crumb.
- Active Dry Yeast – The key to getting that classic rise and fluffy texture.
- Honey or Sugar – Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour – Creates a sturdy but tender loaf that holds up well to sandwich fillings.
- Olive Oil – Adds moisture and richness while keeping the bread soft.
- Egg – Helps enrich the dough and gives the bread a slightly tender texture.
- Italian Seasoning – Brings that signature herb flavor you expect from the Subway classic.
- Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully on top and adds savory depth.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps create a golden crust.
How to Make Italian Herb and Cheese Bread
Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Stir and let sit for about 5 minutes, until bubbly and foamy.
Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, adding additional flour as needed if sticky.
First Rise
Return the dough to the bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Shape the Loaves
Punch down the dough and divide into equal portions. Shape each into a sub-style log and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F. Score each loaf with short slashes, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with the remaining Italian seasoning, cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Tips for the Best Copycat Flavor
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor
- Don’t skip the second rise, it gives the bread its signature texture
- Allow the bread to cool before slicing to keep it soft inside
- This bread freezes well once fully cooled
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this really taste like Subway bread?
Yes. The combination of Italian seasoning, soft dough, and melted cheeses closely mimics the classic Subway Italian Herb and Cheese loaf.
Can I make these into longer sandwich rolls?
Absolutely. Shape the dough into longer or shorter logs depending on your sandwich preference.
Can I use different cheeses?
Yes. Mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses work well, though cheddar and parmesan give the most authentic flavor.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight, then shape and bake the next day.
Homemade Bread That’s Better Than Takeout
This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Subway copycat is one of those recipes that instantly upgrades homemade sandwiches. Fresh, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s hard to go back to store-bought once you’ve tried it.
If you make this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how you used it. And be sure to follow along on Instagram for more copycat recipes, homemade bread, and comfort food favorites.
Italian Herb and Cheese Bread | Subway Copy Cat
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tsp dry active yeast
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp italian seasonign
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Mix to combine and set aside for 5 minutes. The mixture should be bubbly before adding to the next step.
- In a large bowl add flour, salt, and 1 tsp of the Italian seasoning. Mix to combine.
- Add in water mixture, egg, and olive oil. Mix to combine, then turn out to the counter and knead for about 5 minutes. Adding in additional flour 1 tbsp at a time as needed if the dough is too sticky.
- Return to bowl, cover, and allow to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- Once mixture has doubled in size, punch down the dough, and divide into equal pieces. Shaping each piece into a sub shaped log.
- Place each log onto a parchment lined baking sheet, cover and allow to rise in a warm spot for an additional 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375.
- Score each log with 4 short score marks. Brush the top of each log with olive oil and sprinkle with remaining 1 tsp of Italian seasoning. Then sprinkle tops of each loaf with cheddar and parmesan cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until tops are golden brown and melty.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and enjoying!
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