Subway®-style Italian Herb & Cheese Bread

Makes: 4 Footlong rolls 

• Preparation Time: 1 hour 5 minutes                                                       
• Resting Time: 1 hour 
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes 
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS 

For the bread: 

•  500g strong white bread flour 

•  10g quick action yeast 

•  20g caster sugar 

•  8g salt 

•  80ml olive oil 

•  320ml water - lukewarm 

•  Plain flour, for dusting 

•  2 tbsp milk, for glazing plain loaves 

•  1 medium egg, beaten, for glazing herb and cheese loaves

For the Italian Herb and Cheese Topping: 

•  1 tbsp dried Italian herbs 

•  1 tbsp Parmesan cheese, dried 

•  ½ tsp garlic granules 

•  ½ tsp onion powder 

•  30g mozzarella, grated

METHOD 

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt, ensuring the yeast is not touching the salt and sugar.
• In a jug, combine the water and oil, whisking to combine.
• Pour ¾ of the water/oil mixture over the dry ingredients, and using a wooden spoon or cutlery knife, mix to evenly hydrate the dry ingredients. 
• Add the remaining water and oil as needed to achieve a soft dough.

👉Tip the dough out onto a lightly floured bench, and knead until smooth and elastic – this should take about 10 minutes. The dough is ready when it bounces straight back when gently pressed. 

• Place the dough into a large, lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp tea towel, and leave in a warm place until doubled in size.
• Once risen, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 4 equal pieces. 
• Take one piece, and roll into a long skinny loaf, about 12-inches long. Place on the lined baking tray and repeat with the remaining pieces of dough, allowing at least 5cm between each loaf. 
• Cover with a lightly oiled piece of cling film, and set aside for 1 hour.
• 💥Heat the oven to 200°C / 180 Fan / Gas Mark 6.💥

• While the loaves prove, make the topping. In a small bowl, combine the mixed herbs, dried parmesan cheese, garlic granules, onion powder, and salt.
• For a plain loaf, when the bread is almost ready, gently brush evenly with milk, being careful not to deflate the loaves.
• For an Italian Herb and Cheese loaf, omit the milk, and instead gently brush the rolls with egg wash. Sprinkle with the herb topping, followed by a little of each cheese.
• Bake in the centre of the oven for 25 minutes until golden. Transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely before slicing.

👉TIP – The rolls are best enjoyed on the day they are baked. However, they can also be frozen after baking. Simply defrost, and refresh in a warm oven for 5 minutes before filling. 

Get baking! 👋