Craving Subway Bread? Your Guide to Finding That Familiar Fluffy Goodness

So, you’re on the hunt for bread that rivals the pillowy, slightly sweet texture of Subway’s iconic bread. You’re not alone! While a perfect match might be elusive (their recipe is, after all, a closely guarded secret!), you can absolutely find excellent alternatives that will satisfy your craving for that specific sandwich experience. The key is understanding what makes Subway’s bread unique: its softness, slight sweetness, and relatively fine crumb structure. With that in mind, here are some places to start your search:

• Large Grocery Chains: Look specifically for “Italian” or “sandwich bread” loaves that are described as “soft” or “fluffy”. Brands like Pepperidge Farm, Sara Lee, and Arnold often offer varieties that come close. Check the ingredients list for a hint of sweetness, like honey or sugar.
• Local Bakeries: This is often the best bet. Local bakers are more likely to experiment with ingredients and techniques that result in a similar texture. Ask specifically for a soft, white bread suitable for sandwiches, and inquire about any sweetening agents used.
• Restaurant Supply Stores: If you’re serious about replicating the Subway experience, consider checking restaurant supply stores. They often carry pre-baked or frozen dough of the type used in sandwich shops.
• Online Retailers: Several online retailers specialize in baking ingredients and equipment. Some even sell pre-made bread. Look for “sandwich rolls” or “sub rolls” and carefully read reviews to gauge the texture.

Ultimately, experimentation is key. Try different brands, bakeries, and even consider baking your own (there are many recipes online aiming to replicate Subway’s bread).

Diving Deeper: Finding the Perfect Subway Bread Alternative

While the initial answer provides starting points, let’s dissect the elements that make Subway’s bread so recognizable and explore even more specific avenues for your quest. We’ll consider key characteristics like crumb structure, crust texture, and sweetness level to help you make the most informed choices.

Targeting the Texture: Softness is Paramount

Subway bread isn’t known for a crusty exterior. Its hallmark is its soft, yielding texture. When searching for alternatives, prioritize breads that are described as “soft-crusted,” “tender,” or “fluffy”. Avoid breads with a particularly hard or chewy crust. This may mean looking for pre-sliced loaves in the bakery or bread aisle.

Sweetness: A Subtle But Important Factor

Subway bread has a subtle sweetness that distinguishes it from plain white bread. Check the ingredient list of potential alternatives for sweetening agents like honey, sugar, or corn syrup. Don’t be afraid to try slightly sweeter varieties, like Hawaiian rolls or brioche rolls, as a starting point. Remember, you can always adjust the other ingredients in your sandwich to balance the sweetness.

Mimicking the Crumb: Fine and Even

The internal structure of Subway bread (the crumb) is relatively fine and even. It lacks the large air pockets often found in artisan breads. Look for breads with a close-knit crumb and avoid those described as “rustic” or “open-crumbed.” The crumb should be moist and slightly springy to the touch.

Exploring Specific Bread Types

Beyond general “Italian” or “sandwich bread,” consider these specific types:

• Hoagie Rolls: Often used in Philadelphia-style hoagies, these rolls have a similar shape and texture to Subway bread.
• Submarine Rolls: These are designed specifically for long sandwiches and typically have a soft texture.
• White Bread with Enrichment: Some white bread recipes incorporate ingredients like milk and butter, creating a richer and softer texture.

Baking Your Own: The Ultimate Control

For those who want complete control over the final product, baking your own bread is the ideal solution. Countless recipes online aim to replicate Subway’s bread.

Essential Ingredients and Techniques

• Bread Flour: Provides the structure for the bread.
• Sugar or Honey: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Milk Powder: Contributes to the soft texture and helps retain moisture.
• Vegetable Shortening: Creates a tender crumb.
• Proper Kneading: Essential for developing the gluten and achieving the right texture.

Experimenting with Recipes

Don’t be afraid to adjust recipes to suit your preferences. Try different ratios of ingredients, experiment with different types of flour, and adjust the baking time to achieve the desired texture and color. Baking offers a highly customizable approach to reaching your goal!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exactly is Subway bread made of?

Subway doesn’t publicly disclose its exact recipe, but it generally contains enriched flour, water, sugar, yeast, oil, and sometimes dough conditioners. Their signature texture comes from a specific formulation and baking process.

2. Is Subway bread considered healthy?

Generally, Subway bread isn’t considered the healthiest option. It’s relatively high in carbohydrates and sodium, and some varieties may contain added sugars and preservatives. There are “better-for-you” bread options available at Subway and elsewhere that are made with whole grains or offer lower sugar content.

3. Can I buy Subway bread directly from Subway?

In most cases, no. Subway franchises typically don’t sell their bread directly to the public. Their bread is specifically for use in their sandwiches.

4. What are some alternatives to bread for a Subway-style sandwich?

If you’re looking to reduce carbs, consider using lettuce wraps, portobello mushroom caps, or even creating a sandwich bowl with all the fillings but no bread.

5. Where can I find recipes to make Subway bread at home?

A simple search online for “Subway bread recipe” will yield numerous results. Be sure to read reviews and experiment to find a recipe that suits your taste and skill level. Look for recipes that emphasize softness and sweetness.

6. What kind of flour is best for making Subway-style bread?

Bread flour is the best choice due to its higher protein content, which develops more gluten and results in a chewier, more structured bread. You can also try a combination of bread flour and all-purpose flour for a slightly softer texture.

7. How do I keep homemade Subway-style bread soft?

Store your bread in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help maintain moisture. You can also freeze slices or the whole loaf for longer-term storage.

8. What is the secret ingredient to achieving Subway bread’s sweetness?

While the exact ingredient isn’t known, the most common sweetening agents used in similar breads are sugar, honey, or high fructose corn syrup.

9. Are there gluten-free alternatives that resemble Subway bread?

Finding a gluten-free bread that perfectly replicates Subway’s texture can be challenging, as the gluten contributes significantly to its structure. However, some gluten-free breads are designed to be soft and pliable, such as those made with tapioca flour or potato starch.

10. Why does Subway bread sometimes taste different at different locations?

Variations in bread taste can occur due to differences in baking times, equipment, water quality, and ingredient sources at different Subway locations.

11. Can I use a bread machine to make Subway-style bread?

Yes, you can use a bread machine. Select a “white bread” or “sweet bread” setting and adjust the ingredients according to a recipe designed for bread machines.

12. What other sandwich bread is similar to Subway bread?

Ciabatta rolls are usually soft, fluffy, and made for sandwiches. Look for the fluffy types of French rolls.