Mastering the Art of Homemade Subway Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

Craving that iconic aroma and flavor of Subway’s Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread but don’t want to leave the comfort of your kitchen? You’ve come to the right place. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to recreating this beloved bread, offering a detailed recipe and insightful tips to ensure your homemade version rivals the original. We’ll break down the process into manageable steps, focusing on achieving the perfect texture, flavor profile, and that signature cheesy, herby crust.

The Definitive Recipe for Subway’s Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

This recipe aims to replicate the taste and texture of Subway’s Italian Herbs and Cheese bread as closely as possible. It emphasizes fresh ingredients and proven techniques for optimal results.

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
  • 3 ½ cups bread flour (essential for gluten development and chewiness)
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (adds flavor and moisture)
  • 1 tablespoon dried milk powder (optional, for added softness and texture)
• For the Herb and Cheese Topping:
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (the sharper the better)
  • ¼ cup grated Romano cheese (adds complexity)
  • 2 tablespoons dried Italian herb blend (a mix of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, etc.)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for binding the topping)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the bread flour, salt, and dried milk powder (if using).
3. Form the Dough: Add the dry ingredients and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook or your hands, knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the Herb and Cheese Topping: In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, Italian herb blend, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil. Mix well until the mixture is evenly coated.
6. Shape the Bread: Gently deflate the risen dough. Divide it into the desired number of loaves (usually 2-3 for Subway-style lengths). Shape each portion into a long oval or rectangle, similar to the bread used at Subway.
7. Second Rise: Place the shaped loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
8. Apply the Topping: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the loaves with a little olive oil or egg wash (for extra browning). Generously sprinkle the herb and cheese topping evenly over the loaves, pressing it lightly into the dough.
9. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C).
10. Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Achieving the Perfect Subway Bread Texture

The key to emulating the Subway bread texture lies in a few critical aspects:

• Bread Flour: Don’t substitute bread flour with all-purpose flour. The higher protein content in bread flour is vital for developing the gluten structure, resulting in a chewier, more robust bread.
• Proper Kneading: Thorough kneading is essential. It develops the gluten, creating the airy, yet slightly chewy texture characteristic of Subway bread.
• Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise sufficiently. A proper rise ensures a light and airy crumb. Over-proofing can lead to a collapsed, dense bread, while under-proofing results in a tough loaf.
• Oven Temperature: Maintaining the correct oven temperature is crucial. Too low, and the bread will be pale and undercooked; too high, and it will burn before the inside is done.

Maximizing the Italian Herb and Cheese Flavor

The distinctive flavor of Subway’s Italian Herbs and Cheese bread comes from the generous use of herbs and cheese. Here’s how to amplify that flavor:

• High-Quality Ingredients: Use good-quality Parmesan and Romano cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can inhibit melting and flavor.
• Freshly Ground Herbs: While dried herbs are convenient, freshly ground herbs will provide a more vibrant aroma and taste. Consider grinding your own dried herbs for optimal flavor.
• Garlic and Onion Powder: Don’t skimp on the garlic and onion powder. These add a savory depth to the topping.
• Olive Oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil to bind the topping and add richness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions that address common concerns and provide further insights into making the perfect Subway Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread:

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

While technically possible, it is strongly discouraged. Bread flour has a higher protein content, crucial for the gluten development that gives the bread its signature chewiness. All-purpose flour will result in a softer, less structured bread.

2. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?

Yes, you can, but you’ll need to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried herbs. Chop them finely and add them to the cheese mixture.

3. My dough is too sticky. What should I do?

Add one tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough is less sticky but still slightly tacky. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this will make the bread dense.

4. My dough isn’t rising. What could be the problem?

Possible reasons include: old or inactive yeast, water that was too hot or too cold, or a cold environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the water is within the recommended temperature range (110-115°F). Place the dough in a warm, draft-free area.

5. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance. After the first rise, punch down the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. Allow the dough to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and continuing with the recipe.

6. Can I freeze the bread?

Yes, you can freeze the baked bread. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

7. How can I reheat the bread?

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread in foil and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps to prevent the bread from drying out.

8. Can I use a different type of cheese?

While Parmesan and Romano are traditional, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino. Avoid using softer cheeses, as they will make the topping too greasy.

9. What if I don’t have dried milk powder?

Dried milk powder is optional, but it does contribute to a softer texture. If you don’t have it, simply omit it from the recipe.

10. How do I get the cheese to stick to the bread better?

Brush the bread with olive oil or egg wash before applying the cheese topping. This creates a sticky surface for the cheese to adhere to. Press the topping gently into the dough.

11. My bread is browning too quickly. What should I do?

Tent the bread with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent it from burning.

12. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Making a gluten-free version of this bread will require a significant adaptation of the recipe using gluten-free flour blends and potentially xanthan gum to mimic the gluten structure. The texture and flavor will likely be different from the original. Search for specific gluten-free bread recipes for better results.

By following this detailed guide and addressing these common questions, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of making Subway’s Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread in your own home. Enjoy the delicious results of your baking endeavors!