Why You’ll Love This Italian Herb And Cheese Bread
Picture this: soft, fluffy footlong sandwich rolls straight from your oven, tasting just like your favorite Subway subs. This Italian Herb And Cheese Bread recipe makes eight 12-inch rolls, each around 10 ounces, perfect for piling high with meats, veggies, and sauces. Busy parents and baking enthusiasts rave about how quick it comes together in about 1 hour and 35 minutes total.
One big reason folks keep coming back is the ease. You mix everything in a stand mixer, shape simple logs, and bake. No fancy skills needed, and the plenty of yeast gives that fast rise for airy texture everyone loves.
Simple Prep for Everyday Wins
- Quick and straightforward: From dough to done in under two hours, ideal for students or working professionals whipping up lunch prep.
- Minimal mess: Uses basic pantry staples, keeping your kitchen clean and budget happy.
Health perks sneak in too. Herbs like oregano and parsley bring antioxidants, while cheese adds calcium. Each roll packs about 567 calories, 99g carbs for energy, 15g protein, and 12g fat, making it a solid choice for balanced meals without skimping on taste.
Who knew homemade bread could feel this good and taste even better? Your family will thank you.
It shines in versatility. Turn rolls into subs, toast for paninis, or snack plain. Diet-conscious eaters can tweak for lighter versions, and party hosts love them for crowds.
| Nutrient | Per Footlong Roll |
|---|---|
| Calories | 567 |
| Carbohydrates | 99g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 12g |
That signature flavor? Italian herbs blend with cheese for a savory punch that beats store-bought every time. Food enthusiasts and newlyweds find it a fun date-night bake. Travelers missing home comforts bake these for picnic sandwiches.
Whether you’re a senior wanting soft bread or entertainment buffs hosting game day, this Italian Herb And Cheese Bread fits right in. Pair it with fillings from our dinner recipes for full meals.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Italian Herb And Cheese Bread
- Simple Prep for Everyday Wins
- Essential Ingredients for Italian Herb And Cheese Bread
- Main Dough Ingredients
- Italian Herb Seasoning Blend
- Topping
- Special Dietary Options
- How to Prepare the Perfect Italian Herb And Cheese Bread: Step-by-Step Guide
- Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Italian Herb And Cheese Bread
- Protein and Main Component Alternatives
- Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications
- Mastering Italian Herb And Cheese Bread: Advanced Tips and Variations
- Flavor Variations
- Presentation and Make-Ahead
- How to Store Italian Herb And Cheese Bread: Best Practices
- FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Herb And Cheese Bread
- What ingredients do I need to make Italian Herb and Cheese Bread?
- How do I bake Italian Herb and Cheese Bread step-by-step?
- Can I freeze Italian Herb and Cheese Bread, and how should I store it?
- What are some common variations of Italian Herb and Cheese Bread?
- How many loaves or servings does a typical Italian Herb and Cheese Bread recipe make?
- Italian Herb And Cheese Bread
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Last Step:
- Notes
- Nutrition
- Did you make this recipe?
Essential Ingredients for Italian Herb And Cheese Bread
Grabbing the right ingredients makes all the difference in nailing that Subway-style Italian herb bread. This recipe scales perfectly for eight hearty rolls. Stick to these measures for foolproof results.
Main Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups warm water
- 4 tablespoons dry active yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup mild oil (such as soybean, canola, or vegetable)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup instant mashed potato flakes (optional, for fluffier bread)
- 7 1/2 cups bread flour
Italian Herb Seasoning Blend
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
Topping
- Shredded Colby Monterey Jack cheese (amount as desired for topping)
Neutral oils like canola keep flavors clean, letting herbs shine. Potato flakes add extra fluff if you want pillow-soft insides. Got questions on swaps? Keep reading for options.
Special Dietary Options
- Vegan: Skip eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water per egg), use vegan cheese alternatives.
- Gluten-free: Swap bread flour for a gluten-free bread blend, add xanthan gum for structure.
- Low-calorie: Cut oil slightly, use less cheese topping, opt out of potato flakes.
These tweaks keep your Italian Herb And Cheese Bread tasty for everyone. I’ve tested them for busy weeknights.
How to Prepare the Perfect Italian Herb And Cheese Bread: Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to bake? This process takes about 1 hour 35 minutes total, including rise and bake. Follow along, and you’ll have bakery-fresh rolls.
- In a bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together yeast and warm water. Add sugar, oil, salt, eggs, and instant mashed potato flakes if using, mixing well.
- Add bread flour and knead on low speed for 6 minutes.
- Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide the dough on a floured surface into 4 equal pieces, then cut each piece in half to get 8 total pieces.
- Roll each piece into a 12-inch log.
- Spray the tops with water and dredge them into the Italian herb seasoning blend.
- Place rolls on silicone mats and score the tops with 3 to 4 slashes.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until tripled in size, up to 1 hour.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 18 minutes. Cool in molds before removing.
Water spray helps herbs stick, scoring lets steam escape for pretty tops. Silicone mats give even browning. Cool fully to set the crumb.
Fresh out of the oven, these smell amazing. Patience pays off!
If no stand mixer, knead by hand 8-10 minutes. Watch the rise, warmer spots speed it up. Perfect for home cooks craving that chewy bite.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Italian Herb And Cheese Bread
Everyone’s needs differ, so tweak this Italian herb bread easily. Start with the base recipe, then swap smartly.
Protein and Main Component Alternatives
- Replace traditional parmesan and Colby Jack with plant-based vegan cheeses for dairy-free eats.
- Use gluten-free flour blends instead of bread flour, test small batches first.
Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications
- Swap dried herbs for fresh basil, oregano, or rosemary for brighter notes.
- Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives into dough for extra savoriness.
- Switch olive-style oil to avocado or a quick oil spray to trim calories.
These changes keep flavor popping. For example, vegan versions still crust up nicely. Test one swap at a time if you’re new to baking.
Busy parents love kid-friendly whole wheat mixes too. Always adjust rise time slightly with denser flours.
Mastering Italian Herb And Cheese Bread: Advanced Tips and Variations
Take your game up with these pro moves. I’ve baked batches for parties, and these tricks never fail.
- Use plenty of yeast: Gives quick rising and that light, airy feel.
- Spray dough with water: Toppings stick better for even coverage.
- Bake on silicone mats: Even cooking, great crust every time.
- Score before rising: Better oven spring and looks.
- Instant mashed potato flakes: Fluffier inside, trust me.
- Neutral oils: Canola or soybean let herbs lead.
Stand mixer saves arms, dough hook kneads perfectly. For crustier, add oven steam with ice tray.
Flavor Variations
Add roasted garlic or chili flakes for kick. Try mozzarella or asiago cheeses. Love garlic? See the herbed garlic bread recipe for inspo, and note garlic’s perks like 11 proven health benefits of garlic.
Stuff with salsa verde chicken for epic subs. Make dough ahead, fridge overnight.
Presentation and Make-Ahead
- Garnish fresh herbs post-bake.
- Drizzle oil, sprinkle salt for shine.
- Freeze extras: cool full, bag up to 3 months, deep freeze 6 months.
Thaw overnight, reheat for sandwiches. Travelers, these pack well.
How to Store Italian Herb And Cheese Bread: Best Practices
Fresh bread waits for no one, but smart storage keeps it great. Follow these for peak taste.
- Room temp: Airtight bag or box, 1-2 days max.
- Refrigeration: Up to 3 days in container, softens a bit.
- Freezing: Cool completely, wrap tight in plastic then foil or bags, 3 months easy, 6 deep frozen.
Reheat oven 350°F 10-15 mins or toaster for crisp. Slice before freeze for grab-and-go. Meal prep pros, portion for weeks.
Thaw overnight before reheating or building subs. Avoid microwave, it toughens crumb. Seniors appreciate easy portions.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Herb And Cheese Bread
What ingredients do I need to make Italian Herb and Cheese Bread?
To make Italian Herb and Cheese Bread, you will need bread flour, warm water, active dry yeast, sugar, a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil, salt, eggs, Italian herb seasoning (such as parsley and oregano), grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded Colby Monterey Jack cheese. These ingredients combine to give the bread its distinct herby flavor and cheesy crust.
How do I bake Italian Herb and Cheese Bread step-by-step?
Start by activating yeast in warm water with sugar. Mix in the oil, eggs, salt, and then gradually add flour to form a dough. Knead well and let it rise until it doubles in size. Shape into loaves, brush with water, and coat with Italian herbs and cheese. Allow the bread to rise again, then bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden and cooked through. Cool before slicing.
Can I freeze Italian Herb and Cheese Bread, and how should I store it?
Yes, you can freeze this bread. After baking, let the bread cool completely to avoid condensation. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To use, thaw the bread overnight at room temperature and reheat in the oven to restore freshness.
What are some common variations of Italian Herb and Cheese Bread?
Variations include using different types of cheese like mozzarella or sharp cheddar, adding flavor twists with ingredients such as garlic or sun-dried tomatoes, or substituting whole wheat flour for a healthier option. You can also adjust the herb blend, adding rosemary or basil for different aromatic profiles.
How many loaves or servings does a typical Italian Herb and Cheese Bread recipe make?
A standard recipe usually yields one or two loaves, depending on size. Typically, one loaf can be sliced into 12 to 16 pieces, making it suitable for serving a small family or group. Adjust the recipe proportionally if you need more servings for gatherings or meal prep.
Italian Herb And Cheese Bread
🥖 Subway Bread with Italian Herb and Cheese flavor offers a deliciously aromatic and cheesy soft bread perfect for homemade sandwiches.
🧀 This recipe produces light, fluffy rolls with the perfect crust, making your sandwiches taste just like your favorite sub shop.
- Total Time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 footlong sandwich rolls 1x
Ingredients
3 cups warm water
4 tablespoons dry active yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup mild oil (such as soybean, canola, or vegetable)
1 tablespoon salt
2 eggs
1/3 cup instant mashed potato flakes for fluffier bread
7 1/2 cups bread flour
1 tablespoon oregano
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried parsley
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
Shredded Colby Monterey Jack cheese for topping
Instructions
1-In a bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together yeast and warm water. Add sugar, oil, salt, eggs, and instant mashed potato flakes if using, mixing well.
2-Add bread flour and knead on low speed for 6 minutes.
3-Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
4-Divide the dough on a floured surface into 4 equal pieces, then cut each piece in half to get 8 total pieces.
5-Roll each piece into a 12-inch log.
6-Spray the tops with water and dredge them into the Italian herb seasoning blend.
7-Place rolls on silicone mats and score the tops with 3 to 4 slashes.
8-Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until tripled in size, up to 1 hour.
9-Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
10-Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 18 minutes. Cool in molds before removing.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🍞 Use plenty of yeast for quick rising and airy texture.
💧 Spraying dough with water helps the herb and cheese topping stick better.
🍽️ Baking on silicone mats ensures even cooking and a proper crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 footlong roll
- Calories: 567
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 99 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 15 grams
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
