Short Description

This recipe recreates the iconic Italian herb and cheese bread from Subway: soft, flavorful rolls with a tender crumb and a savory herb-cheese crust perfect for sandwiches or enjoying warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft, pillowy texture thanks to yeast, eggs, and optional mash flakes
Herbaceous crust with cheese from oregano, garlic powder, parsley, parmesan, and melted shredded cheese
Perfect size for sandwiches — yields eight 12‑inch sub loaves
Impressive bakery-style result made at home with simple ingredients
Customizable — tweak herbs or cheese type to suit your taste

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 cups warm water
4 Tbsp dry active yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup oil (vegetable or canola)
1 Tbsp salt
2 eggs
⅓ cup instant mashed potato flakes (optional, for moisture and softness)
7½ cups bread flour

Italian Herb Seasoning:

1 Tbsp dried oregano
2 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp dried parsley
2 Tbsp parmesan cheese (grated)

Topping (Post‑rise):

Shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese

Directions

In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together 3 cups warm water and 4 Tbsp dry active yeast until combined.
Whisk in ¼ cup granulated sugar, ⅓ cup oil, 1 Tbsp salt, 2 eggs, and optionally ⅓ cup instant mashed potato flakes.
Add 7½ cups bread flour and knead on low speed for about 6 minutes, until a smooth dough forms.
Cover the dough and rest for 10 minutes.
Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces, then cut each piece in half to make 8 pieces total. Shape each into a 12‑inch log.
Lightly spray the tops of the logs with water.
Dredge the damp surface of each loaf into the Italian herb blend (oregano, garlic powder, parsley, parmesan).
Place the herb‑coated loaves onto silicone sub roll mats, and score the tops with 3 to 4 shallow slashes.
Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until tripled in size, up to 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
Before baking, sprinkle shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese on top of each loaf.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden and cheeses are melted and bubbly.
Cool completely in mold pans before removing and slicing.

Servings And Timing

Yields: 8 Italian Herb & Cheese sub rolls (~12 inches each)
Prep Time: ~15 minutes (mixing, shaping)
Rest Time: 10 minutes (dough rest)
Rise Time: Up to 1 hour until tripled in size
Bake Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes (including rising and cooling)

Variations

Substitute dried basil or thyme for oregano for a different herb mix.
Use mozzarella or cheddar instead of Colby and Monterey Jack for topping.
Add garlic granules or rosemary to the herb blend for extra flavor.
Try topping with grated Parmesan or Asiago before baking.
Omit potato flakes and use a bit more milk for a richer crumb.

Storage/Reheating

To Store: Keep cooled bread wrapped or in airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.
To Freeze: Wrap individual loaves tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature.
To Reheat: Warm slices in a preheated oven at 350 °F for 5–7 minutes, or toast slices in a toaster oven until cheese is melty.

FAQs

How Do I Know When The Yeast Is Activated?
Frothy bubbles should appear after a few minutes once yeast is mixed with warm water and sugar—this indicates it’s active.

Do I Really Need The Mashed Potato Flakes?
They aren’t required, but they help retain moisture and create a softer texture in the finished bread.

Why Score The Tops Before Baking?
Scoring allows steam to escape and helps the loaf expand evenly for a uniform shape and better texture.

Can I Make Smaller Rolls Instead Of 12‑Inch Loaves?
Yes—you can divide into smaller pieces for mini rolls or sandwich-size servings. Adjust baking time as needed.

What If My Dough Doesn’t Double (Or Triple) In Size?
Ensure a warm rising environment (around 75‑80 °F). If it’s cool, it may take longer—allow extra time until visibly risen.

Is It Important To Use Bread Flour?
Yes—bread flour has higher gluten content and gives the chew and structure typical of sub rolls. All-purpose flour may yield a softer, denser loaf.

How Do I Prevent Cheese Topping From Burning?
If cheese browns too fast, tent the bread loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking.

Can I Use A Different Oven Temperature?
375 °F is ideal for even baking with tender crumb and a crisp topping. Higher heat can over-brown the cheese before the interior is fully baked.

Is It OK To Skip The Cheese Topping?
Yes—the bread will bake fine and you’ll still have delicious Italian herb-flavored subs without cheese.

Conclusion

This copycat Subway Italian Herb and Cheese bread recipe yields soft, flavorful rolls with a herb crust and melty cheese topping—perfect for homemade subs. With pantry-friendly ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll get bakery-style rolls to fill with your favorite fillings or enjoy warm on their own.