Name: Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 Cup (236.59 ml) Warm Water (236 grams); 2 ¼ Teaspoons (7 grams) Yeast (one packet); 1 Teaspoon Sugar; 3 Cups (360 grams) All-Purpose Flour; 4 Tablespoons (60 mL) Olive Oil; 1 ½ Teaspoon Salt; 45 grams Grated Parmesan Cheese; 2 Teaspoons Italian Seasoning; ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 4 reviews

If you’ve ever craved the soft, fluffy, and herb-packed goodness of a classic subway sandwich, then this Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Copycat Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen. This recipe perfectly replicates that irresistible, fresh-baked Italian herb and cheese bread experience, filling your home with a warm aroma that promises slices of pure delight. The combination of fragrant Italian seasoning, sharp Parmesan, and a touch of garlic powder baked into a golden crust is a must-try for bread lovers and sandwich enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl holds a smooth, round ball of dough with a slightly shiny and soft texture, sitting in the center. The bowl rests on a crumpled grey cloth, all set against a white marbled surface. The scene is simple, focusing on the dough before it is shaped or baked, with soft natural light giving the dough a fresh and airy look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be intimidated by this recipe because it calls for simple, everyday ingredients that work together beautifully to create incredible texture, flavor, and aroma. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the yeast bringing your dough to life or the Parmesan cheese adding salty richness.

Warm Water: Essential for activating the yeast and creating a tender crumb.
Yeast: Provides the rise that makes the bread wonderfully light and fluffy.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast to help the dough develop its perfect texture.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the bread that gives structure and chewiness.
Olive Oil: Adds moisture and keeps the bread soft longer.
Salt: Balances the flavors and strengthens the dough.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Delivers savory richness and a slightly nutty taste.
Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings vibrant herbal notes.
Garlic Powder: Offers a subtle punch of garlicky depth to every bite.

How to Make Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Copycat Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl or stand mixer bowl. Letting this mixture sit for about five minutes creates a foamy surface, signaling that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. This step is crucial for achieving a beautifully risen loaf with the perfect texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Herb and Cheese Mixture

While your yeast is activating, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a small bowl. This mixture will later be sprinkled on your bread, giving it that signature flavor that makes this Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Copycat Recipe truly shine.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Knead the Dough

Add the all-purpose flour, olive oil, and salt into the yeast mixture. Using a dough hook attachment on low speed, knead for about five to ten minutes. The dough should be slightly sticky yet manageable—if it feels too wet, gradually add flour one tablespoon at a time. Proper kneading helps develop gluten, creating that lovely chewy texture we love in a good loaf.

Step 4: First Rise

Transfer the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 30 to 45 minutes. Wait until it doubles in size—that’s a sure sign it’s ready. This rising time allows the dough to become airy and soft, ensuring your bread isn’t dense.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

On a floured surface, divide the dough into four equal balls and let them rest, covered, for five minutes. This resting makes shaping easier, so roll each ball into an approximately 8-inch baguette log. Position the logs on a parchment-lined baking sheet for the next steps.

Step 6: Add the Italian Herb and Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the prepared Parmesan and seasoning mixture generously over the top of each loaf. This step infuses every inch of your bread with that-loved Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Copycat Recipe flavor that turns ordinary bread into something truly special.

Step 7: Second Rise and Preheat

Cover your shaped loaves and let them rise again, this time for about 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This second rise ensures the bread will be perfectly light and airy after baking.

Step 8: Score and Bake

Remove the cover and score the tops of the loaves with a sharp knife or scissors—this helps the bread expand evenly while baking. Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven and bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown. To be sure it’s done, the internal temperature should read 195°F (90°C). Let your bread cool slightly before slicing so those flavors settle beautifully.

How to Serve Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Copycat Recipe

The image shows a sandwich scene on a white marbled surface with a long, golden-brown bread roll topped with herbs and small bits of cheese in the center. On the left side, a white plate holds fresh red tomato slices, green lettuce leaves, and purple onion rings, with a half loaf of the same bread resting there. On the right side, a wooden board displays three layers of sliced cheese, four layers of light pink deli meat, and five slices of pepperoni. At the bottom, a sandwich made with the bread roll is partially visible, filled with layers of green lettuce, red tomato, purple onion, cheese, and sliced meats. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This bread is a showstopper on its own, but if you want to enhance the experience, try garnishing with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh finely chopped parsley or basil. It adds a fresh, vibrant touch that pairs beautifully with the baked herbs and cheese.

Side Dishes

Because this bread offers bold herby and cheesy flavor, it pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of dishes. Serve it alongside hearty soups such as tomato basil or minestrone, fresh salads with lemon vinaigrette, or even a cheese and charcuterie platter for a delightful appetizer spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, slice the bread into thick slabs to serve warm with a side of garlic butter or marinara dipping sauce. For sandwiches, stuff it with your favorite deli meats, fresh veggies, and cheeses to create a dreamy homemade sub that rivals any sandwich shop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or bread box at room temperature for up to two days. Wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel before placing it in a plastic bag helps maintain the crust while keeping the inside soft.

Freezing

This Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Copycat Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To refresh your bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), unwrap the loaf, and bake for 10-15 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked warmth and crispy crust, making each bite delightfully satisfying.

FAQs

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Bread flour will give your bread a slightly chewier texture due to its higher protein content. Both flours work well, so choose based on what you prefer or have on hand.

Do I have to use Parmesan cheese?

Parmesan adds a lovely umami and salty depth, but you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano for variations on this Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Copycat Recipe.

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes! You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 10-12 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Just make sure to knead thoroughly to develop the gluten properly.

How should I store leftover bread for best freshness?

Keep your bread at room temperature in an airtight container or bread box if you plan to consume it within a couple of days. For longer storage, freezing is best to preserve the texture and flavor.

Can I add other herbs or spices to the topping?

Definitely! Feel free to customize the herb mixture by adding fresh rosemary, thyme, or crushed red pepper flakes to give your bread a unique twist that suits your taste.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you bake this Italian Herb and Cheese Bread Copycat Recipe at home, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it from anywhere else. The process is straightforward, the aroma intoxicating, and the results utterly scrumptious. So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bake this delicious loaf—it’s destined to become a beloved staple in your kitchen and on your table.