Sourdough Italian Herb and Cheese Rolls | Subway Copycat

Make soft and fluffy sourdough Italian herb and cheese bread with this easy Subway copycat recipe. Naturally leavened, cheesy, and perfect for homemade subs and sandwiches.

If you love Subway’s iconic Italian Herb and Cheese bread, this sourdough Italian herb and cheese bread copycat is going to be your new go-to bake. Soft and chewy on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and topped with a savory blend of herbs and melted cheese, this homemade version delivers all the flavor you love with the added depth and texture of sourdough.

Using an active sourdough starter instead of commercial yeast gives this bread a subtle tang and longer fermentation, resulting in better flavor and structure. Shaped into classic sub-style loaves, this bread is perfect for sandwiches, paninis, or simply sliced and served warm with butter or olive oil.

Whether you’re making homemade subs, meal prepping sandwiches, or just want an elevated bread recipe, this sourdough Italian herb and cheese bread checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes just like Subway’s Italian Herb and Cheese bread
• Naturally leavened with sourdough starter
• Soft, fluffy interior with a cheesy, savory crust
• Perfect for sandwiches, subs, or garlic bread
• Great way to use up active sourdough starter

Ingredients & Why They Work

• Warm Water – Helps hydrate the dough and activate fermentation.
• Active Sourdough Starter – Provides natural leavening and that classic sourdough tang. Make sure it’s bubbly and active before starting.
• Honey or Sugar – Adds slight sweetness and helps balance the savory herbs and cheese.
• All-Purpose Flour – Creates a soft but sturdy crumb that’s ideal for sandwich bread.
• Olive Oil – Adds moisture and richness while keeping the bread tender.
• Egg – Enhances structure and gives the dough a softer, enriched texture similar to sandwich shop bread.
• Italian Seasoning – Brings that signature herb flavor. You can use a blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary if preferred.
• Cheddar Cheese – Adds sharp, melty flavor to the topping.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds salty, nutty depth and helps create a golden crust.

How to Make Sourdough Italian Herb and Cheese Bread

Start by combining warm water, olive oil, sourdough starter, egg, and honey in a large bowl. Mix until well combined.

Add in the flour, salt, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Perform two rounds of stretch and folds, spaced 30 minutes apart, to build strength in the dough.

Cover and allow the dough to rise until doubled in size, about 8 hours depending on your kitchen temperature.

Once risen, gently punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a sub-style log and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and allow to rise for an additional 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Score each loaf with four shallow cuts, brush lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with the remaining Italian seasoning. Top generously with shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheese.

Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the loaves are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow the bread to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Tips for the Best Subway-Style Results

• Use a fully active sourdough starter for the best rise.
• Don’t skip the second rise, it helps achieve that fluffy sandwich texture.
• Let the bread cool before slicing to prevent a gummy crumb.
• For extra flavor, mix a small amount of cheese directly into the dough.

Serving Ideas

• Build homemade subs with deli meats and fresh veggies
• Use as sandwich bread for meal prep lunches
• Slice and toast for garlic bread or cheesy bruschetta
• Serve alongside soups, salads, or pasta dishes

This sourdough Italian herb and cheese bread delivers bakery-quality flavor with the comfort of homemade bread. If you’re a fan of copycat recipes and love baking with sourdough, this one deserves a spot in your regular rotation.