This delicious Copycat Subway Italian Herb and Cheese Bread comes together in about 1 hour and 15 minutes and involves just a little bit of kneading for a easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the cheese and herbs to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Seriously, there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your house, it’s pure comfort food!
Ingredients You’ll Need to Get Started
Here’s what you’ll need to make this scrumptious Italian Herb and Cheese Bread:
- 1.5 cups Warm Water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Instant Yeast
- 4 cups Bread Flour
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
- Cornmeal (for dusting, optional)
Let’s Get Cooking!
Now that you have everything, it’s time to make your bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine 1.5 cups warm water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 2 teaspoons instant yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets frothy. I love this part because you see the little bubbles forming, it feels like a baking miracle happening right before your eyes!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Once frothy, add 4 cups bread flour, 1.5 teaspoons salt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano to the bowl. Stir it all together until a shaggy dough forms. It might look a bit messy, that’s okay!
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This is a great workout for your arms, and trust me, your efforts will be soooo worth it!
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This is when you can kick back, relax, or even do a little happy dance, your kitchen is going to smell heavenly soon!
Step 5: Shape the loaves
Punch down the dough (an incredibly satisfying step!) and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf; think of it like giving your dough a nice hug.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Place the loaf on a baking sheet (if you want that cornmeal crunch, dust it with cornmeal first) and sprinkle it generously with 1 cup shredded cheese, pressing down slightly so it sticks.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes. You can take this time to clean up your kitchen or whip up a quick salad!
Step 8: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s almost time to indulge!
Step 9: Bake
Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. It’s like music to a baker’s ears!
Step 10: Cooling Time
Allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to cut without squishing your lovely loaf. Plus, it’s nice to let it rest a bit!
Why I Absolutely Love This Recipe
I gotta say, this is my go-to recipe when we crave something comforting and mouth-watering at home! Every time I make this copycat Subway Italian Herb and Cheese Bread, it’s like a little piece of my childhood comes rushing back, especially those lazy weekend sandwich dinners. I’m such a sucker for homemade bread, it’s way better than anything you’ll find in a store. And the best part is? You can customize it totally based on what you’ve got in your pantry! Toss in any leftover herbs or cheeses, and you have an entirely new flavor experience.
If you loved this Copycat Subway Italian Herb and Cheese Bread, be sure to check out my Zero Carb Bread, my Rosemary Focaccia Bread, or my Air Fryer Bread Pudding!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This bread comes together all in one bowl, and with some patience and kneading love, you’ll have a fresh loaf ready in just over an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time!
Family Favorite
Your family will love the amazing aroma wafting through the house, and let’s be honest, who can resist warm, cheesy, fragrant bread? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Customizable
One of the best features of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients for whatever you have ready at home. Feeling adventurous? Add some peppers or even some olives!
Comfort Food
This recipe is loaded with tons of flavor, making it a comforting staple. There’s just something special about fresh bread that instantly elevates any meal.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Want to prep for the week? You can knead the dough and store it in the fridge overnight! Just set it out to warm up before the second rise, easy peasy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: This bread is excellent on its own or served with marinara sauce for dunking. Try pairing it with salads, soups, or as a side for grilled dishes!
- Storage: Your Italian Herb and Cheese Bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Reheating: For the best experience, warm it in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to refresh the crust.
- Freezer Friendly: Yes! You can freeze this bread for up to 3 months. Just slice it before freezing so you can thaw only what you need, making it an easy option for quick meals!
Alright, y’all! This recipe is a family favorite for a reason and I can’t wait for you to try it out! I promise it’s going to become a regular rotation in your home cuisine. Happy baking! For more Recipes Follow us in Pinterest.
Italian Herb and Cheese Bread
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add bread flour, salt, olive oil, Italian seasoning, and dried oregano to the bowl. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf.
- Place the loaf on a baking sheet, dust with cornmeal if desired, and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.