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If you know me, you know that I am absolutely obsessed with a good Subway sandwich, specifically their iconic Italian Herb & Cheese bread! I have my dad to thank for my lifelong love for Subway. Growing up, he ate Subway all the time, and to this day, my siblings and I still get him a giant Subway sandwich every single year for Father’s Day and his birthday. Baking a loaf of this homemade bread will have your entire house smelling exactly like walking into a Subway restaurant. It is warm, cheesy, perfectly seasoned, soft, and makes the best foundation for a delicious sandwich.
Start by whisking together Italian seasoning and Tony’s Garlic & Herb seasoning in a small bowl to create your custom herb blend. Set it aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add 1 cup of warm water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Whisk everything together until the sugar is dissolved, then let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast gets frothy and active.
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of salt into the yeast mixture.
Using a hand whisk, begin whisking the liquid while slowly pouring in the 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour. Continue whisking by hand until the ingredients just start to combine and thicken into a loose dough. At that point, attach the dough hook attachment to your stand mixer and knead on medium-low speed for about 5 to 7 minutes until the dough comes together into a smooth and slightly sticky ball.
Lightly oil a large bowl, place your dough ball inside, and turn it once to coat it in oil. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm spot until it doubles in size (about 45 to 60 minutes). Pay close attention during this first rise! You want it doubled, but do not let it over-proof! If the dough rises too long, it will weaken, collapse, and create a flatbread shape rather than a tall sub roll.
Once doubled, gently punch the dough down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth 6-to-8-inch log.
Place the logs into sub bread molds or onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle some of the dry herb seasoning over the tops. Cover gently and let them rise a second time for 30 to 40 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in the remaining herb seasoning blend to create a garlic-herb butter. Gently brush the tops of the risen loaves with half of the garlic-herb butter, then sprinkle the shredded Colby & Monterey Jack cheese evenly down the center of each loaf.
Bake at 375°F for 18 to 22 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
As soon as you pull the bread from the oven, brush the tops with the remaining garlic-herb butter. Let the bread cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing it open for your favorite sandwiches!
If you loved this, you have to try my Homemade French Garlic Bread!
Learn how to make a copycat Subway Italian Herb & Cheese bread recipe featuring a custom garlic-herb butter and melty Colby Jack cheese.
In a stand mixer bowl, whisk warm water, sugar, and yeast together until dissolved. Let sit 5 minutes until frothy.
Stir in olive oil and salt.
Begin whisking by hand with a hand whisk while gradually adding the flour until the mixture starts coming together.
Attach the dough hook attachment to the stand mixer and knead on medium-low speed for 5-7 minutes until a smooth dough forms.
Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
Punch down dough, turn onto a floured surface, and divide into 2 equal logs (6-8 inches long). Place in sub molds or on a baking sheet.
Sprinkle a pinch of the dry herb seasoning over the logs, cover, and let rise again for 30-40 minutes until doubled.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Stir remaining herb seasoning into melted butter. Brush half over the loaves and top with shredded Colby Jack cheese.
Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and cheesy. Brush with remaining herb butter upon pulling from the oven. Cool 15 minutes before slicing!Servings 2
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
