Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread (Better than Subway)
Whenever we visit Subway, my all-time favorite bread is their Italian herbs and cheese bread. It's has so much flavor and pairs well with just about any sandwich combination or have a slice with soup!

That's why, I decided to create my own Subway copycat Italian herbs and cheese bread so that I could make deli sandwiches from home and save a little bit of money.
Besides, who doesn't want to be able to make this bread whenever they want? 🙂
What herbs go well in bread?
When you make homemade bread, adding in herbs can really change the flavor of your bread. For this italian bread, you will want to opt for italian herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Or you can find an intalian seasoning at your local grocery store.
Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread- Ingredeints list
Here's a look at the ingredients you will ned to make this homemade bread:
- 2 ¼ cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 ½ - 6 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup shredded colby monterrey jack cheese
- ½ teaspoon italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
How to make Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
Combine the warm water and yeast into a large mixing bowl. Whisk for 1 minute and then let it stand for 8-10 minutes. It will look rather frothy, which means the yeast has been activated.
Next, you will add in the sugar, salt, and olive oil. Mix this for about 1 minute.
Then, you will want to add in your flour. Start with one cupt at a time and mix well, after each addition.
After you have added in about 4 cups of the flour, switch to your dough hook as the bread dough is going to start getting sticky and harder to work with.
Then, continue adding in the rest of the flour. You want a dough that doesn't look sticky anymore and has started coming together.
Lightly flour a cutting board, or piece of parchment paper. Then, you will scoop the dough out and knead for 1 minute. Kneading just means folding the dough towards you and pushing down with the palm of your hand. Then, keep rotating the dough and folding for approximately 1 minute.
Form the bread dough into a ball and place it in a large well-oiled bowl. Cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour.
When the dough has risen, you will want to split it in half, and shape two loaves. Now these will be larger than a traditional loaf from Subway, so you can also just make 4 small loaves.
Then, sprinkle the Italian seasonings on the tops of the loaves.
Follow that with the cheese.
Then, let it rise on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper for another 15 minutes before baking. Use this time to pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Then, bake for 20-25 minutes. When the bread is done, you can brush melted butter over the tops of the bread to really add that extra tasty finish.
Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread
Whenever we visit Subway, my all-time favorite bread is their Italian herbs and cheese bread. It's has so much flavor and pairs well with just about any sandwich combination or have a slice with soup!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups warm water
- 1 Tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 5 ½ - 6 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup shredded colby monterrey jack cheese
- ½ teaspoon italian sesasoning
- 1 Tbsp salted butter melted
Instructions
Directions:
-
Combine the warm water and yeast into a large mixing bowl. Whisk for 1 minute and then let it stand for 8-10 minutes. It will look rather frothy, which means the yeast has been activated.
-
Next, you will add in the sugar, salt, and olive oil. Mix this for about 1 minute.
-
Then, you will want to add in your flour. Start with one cup at a time and mix well, after each addition. After you have added in about 4 cups of the flour, switch to your dough hook as the bread dough is going to start getting sticky and harder to work with.
-
Then, continue adding in the rest of the flour. You want a dough that doesn't look sticky anymore and has started coming together.
-
Lightly flour a cutting board or piece of parchment paper. Then, you will scoop the dough out and knead for 1 minute. Kneading just means folding the dough towards you and pushing down with the palm of your hand. Then, keep rotating the dough and folding for approximately 1 minute.
-
Form the bread dough into a ball and place it in a large well-oiled bowl. Cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour.
-
When the dough has risen, you will want to split it in half, and shape two loaves. Now these will be larger than a traditional loaf from Subway, so you can also just make 4 small loaves.
-
Then, sprinkle the italian seasonings on the tops of the loaves.
-
Follow that with the cheese.Then, let it rise another 15 minutes before baking. Use this time to pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
-
Then, bake for 20-25 minutes. When the bread is done, you can brush melted butter over the tops of the bread to really add that extra tasty finish.
Alyssa
This recipe is amazing thank you for sharing. The only difference I did was to egg wash the bread before adding the herbs and cheese to get that beautiful golden brown on the loaves.
Sharon
Can't wait to make this bread! I have one question, can I use instant yeast? If so, would it be a different amount? Thanks.
Joanna Stephens
Hi Sharon, yes you can use instant yeast! It will be the same amount in the recipe. The only change is that your dough will probably rise a lot faster so you won't need to wait the full hour, just until doubled.
Gal Jerman
Top ,.. top top ... post! Keep the good work on !
Mimi
This bread recipe in looks and smells amazing.. it doesn't taste exactly like Subways bread but this is a really good bread
recipe thank you so much for sharing..
Haley
Hi I tried this by making the standard loaf and it was great. Now I’m wondering can I make this same recipe but form them into small bread bowls instead of loaves? Thanks!
WhaleWhit
Dough is rising right now, eager to taste. Recipe is great, super easy to follow.
Madiha Chishti
Hi can I substitute olive oil for canola or sesame oil
Joanna Stephens
Hi Madiha, yes I think you should still be able to use canola or sesame oil. I've never tried it but it might change the flavor of the bread only slightly. Hope this helps!
Jill
How long will this bread be fresh for? Planning on taking it for a trip on Monday but today is Thursday…is it too soon to make now?
Joanna Stephens
This bread only stays fresh for about 2 or 3 days so I would wait and maybe bake it Saturday night or Sunday. Hope this helps!
Jill
Yes-thank you! My husband and I have been fasting for almost 40 days- so one of our first meals is going to be sandwiches on this bread! Can’t wait! Thank you
Taylor
Can this be frozen? If so, before or after baking?
Thanks
Joanna Stephens
Yes! I always have the best luck with freezing the dough before baking. Let it thaw at room temperature and the dough should rise a little bit too. Then go ahead and bake as usual. 🙂
Martha Tigges
Great recipe!!! Like everyone else here we love the subway bread!!!! Can’t wait to taste
Joanna Stephens
I'm so glad you liked this recipe Martha!
Chad Houser
Just an amazing recipe I make this 2 to 3 times a week. Huge hit for friends and family. I have even been giving loafs away and everyone can’t believe how good it is. Careful thou it’s addictive!
Joanna Stephens
I'm so glad to hear that Chad! Glad you are enjoying this recipe. 🙂
Barb
I made this today for philly steak sandwiches. My husband said it was the best bread he’s eaten in his LIFE ! A winner indeed! I brushed a wee bit of olive oil on it before I seasoned them. They were wonderful-soft, chewy and perfect. Thank you for sharing this recipe!!
Lisa Mills
I have made this several times and it is delicious. Smells like Subway in my home.
Joanna Stephens
Isn't it the best! Probably one of my favorite reasons for making homemade bread--the smell!! 🙂
Telisa VanWinkle
Thank you for the recipe, I'm going to give it a try today!
Joanna Stephens
I hope you enjoy it Telisa! One of my favorite breads to make!! 🙂
Sharna
This bread recipe is amazing!!!! We love subways Italians herbs and cheese bread but can’t afford to have it as often as we like. This breads tastes then same and I loved making it!
Joanna Stephens
Hi Sharna! I'm so glad you enjoyed making this bread!! It's definitely my favorite too. Don't you just love the way your home smells after baking it?
Bobbi
If you make four small loaves, do you still bake for the same amount of time? Thank you.
Joanna Stephens
The time might be a little bit shorter, I would suggest 18-20 minutes. Hope this helps!
Pam Bryant
I love this recipe! The bread came out perfect and I can hardly believe how easy it was. It’s one our new favorites.
Bella
Thank you!! Love it
Josiah - DIY Thrill
This bread looks so yummy!
Joanna Stephens
Thank you!! It's definitely my favorite homemade bread to make. 🙂
Heidi | The Frugal Girls
This is by far my favorite bread from Subway. I'm so excited I can now make it at home. Thank you for sharing such a fabulous recipe!
Joanna Stephens
Mine too Heidi! I ALWAYS order it when I'm at Subway. 🙂