Description
This Subway-style Italian Herb and Cheese bread recipe recreates the iconic soft, flavorful sub rolls with a herby crust and cheesy topping. Perfect for sandwiches or as a delightful accompaniment to any meal, these homemade rolls combine a tender crumb with aromatic herbs and a blend of cheeses baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups warm water
- 4 Tbsp dry active yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup oil (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup instant mashed potato flakes (optional)
- 7 1/2 cups bread flour
Herb and Cheese Topping
- 1 Tbsp oregano
- 2 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley
- 2 Tbsp parmesan cheese
- Shredded Colby and Monterey Jack Cheese (about 1 to 1 1/2 cups)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the dry active yeast and warm water until the yeast dissolves completely and becomes foamy, indicating activation.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: To the yeast mixture, add the granulated sugar, oil, salt, eggs, and instant mashed potato flakes if using. Whisk thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients uniformly.
- Add Flour and Knead Dough: Gradually add the bread flour to the wet mixture. Using the dough hook attachment on low speed, knead the dough for about 6 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Then, let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and divide it into 4 equal portions. Then cut each portion in half, making a total of 8 pieces. Gently pat and roll each piece into a 12-inch long log shape.
- Prepare for Rising: Spray the tops of the dough logs lightly with water to help herb mixture adhere.
- Apply Herb Blend: Dredge each wet dough log into the Italian Herb Blend consisting of oregano, garlic powder, dried parsley, and parmesan cheese. Make sure the tops are well coated.
- Shape and Score Rolls: Place the dough rolls onto silicone sub roll mats or a parchment-lined baking tray. Using a sharp knife, score the tops with 3 to 4 shallow slashes to allow expansion during baking.
- First Rise: Allow the dough rolls to rise in a warm place until tripled in size, approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the tops of the risen rolls. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted and lightly browned.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked rolls from the oven and allow them to cool in the molds or on the baking tray before transferring to a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing or using for sandwiches.
Notes
- Instant mashed potato flakes help create a soft, tender crumb but are optional; you can omit them if desired.
- Use warm water (around 100°F to 110°F) to activate the yeast effectively.
- For best results, use bread flour for optimal gluten development and texture.
- Silicone sub roll mats help shape the rolls evenly, but parchment paper can also be used.
- Allowing the dough to triple in size ensures a light and airy texture similar to Subway rolls.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle additional parmesan cheese before baking if preferred.
- Store leftover rolls tightly wrapped to maintain freshness or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (approximately 85g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
