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Three loaves of homemade Italian herb cheese bread, topped with shredded cheese and fragrant herbs, rest on a parchment-lined baking tray. The loaves have a golden brown crust and a rustic appearance.

Italian Herb Cheese Bread (Subway Bread Recipe)

Melissa Griffiths
This Italian Herb Cheese Bread recipe brings the beloved flavors of your favorite sandwich shop straight to your kitchen. With aromatic Italian herbs, savory parmesan cheese, and a perfectly soft texture, you'll never need to buy store-bought bread again.
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 372 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4-4 ½ cups flour (see note)
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons yeast
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ¾ cup milk
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 egg (for the egg wash)
  • 2 teaspoons water
  • 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 4 teaspoons parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375ºF. 
  • In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk 4 cups of flour and the rest of the dry ingredients, garlic powder, and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning together.
  • Whisk milk, olive oil, and one of the eggs together in a separate bowl. Pour into dry mix and start to combine.
  • While the dry ingredients and milk mixture combine, slowly pour in the water.
  • The dough should be slightly tacky. It will clean the sides of the bowl but stick to the bottom. Add more flour, if needed.
  • Once dough is the correct consistency, knead for about 5 minutes until the texture is smooth and elastic. You should be able to stretch the dough a bit without it breaking.
  • Cover the dough and let rest in the mixing bowl or on the counter for 20 minutes.
  • After the dough has rested, divide into 4 sections. Form each section into a small loaf shape, like a loaf of subway bread. Pinch and tuck under both of the ends, placing them on a parchment lined or oiled baking sheet.
  • Whisk the remaining egg and 2 teaspoons of water until well combined.
  • Brush over the top of all the loaves. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese.
  • Cover and let rest 20 more minutes.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown.

Notes

Flour Adjustments: The exact amount of flour you will need for this recipe (or any baking recipe) can vary by as much as a cup. This is due to altitude, humidity, and weather. I live in an arid high-desert mountain climate, so often my readers need to add additional flour if they live at a lower elevation with more humidity. Reference the video for how sticky the dough should be. 
Milk Substitutions: Buttermilk creates extra tang and tenderness, while plant-based milks work for dairy-free versions. Each substitution will slightly alter the flavor profile but maintain the bread's structure and texture.
Herb Timing: Add fresh herbs during the last minute of kneading to prevent them from breaking down too much. Fresh herbs provide brighter flavor but should be used sparingly since they're more potent than dried versions.
Shaping Variations: Beyond traditional loaves, try braiding the dough or shaping into breadsticks for variety. Adjust baking time accordingly - thinner shapes bake faster while thicker ones need more time.

Nutrition

Calories: 372kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 10gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 617mgPotassium: 155mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 122IUVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 72mgIron: 4mg
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