How to Make the Perfect Small Batch of Soft and Tasty Subway Bread With Quick Rise Instant Yeast and Your KitchenAid!

Hi! If you’ve been following me for long you’ll already know this, but for those who are new, welcome to Far From The Farm. I’m Mona, the Brit behind the recipes, learning life and food in the States while sharing our debt-free journey and what’s on the menu in our home today!

Subway has quietly become a big deal in our family. My husband loves it, and one of my sisters-in-law actually works there, so those familiar flavors come up a lot when we’re talking about easy dinners and comfort food.

But as a military family on baby step 2 of our debt free journey, eating out or grabbing takeout is very much an occasional treat, not an everyday thing.

That’s where recipes like this come in…

We wanted a way to recreate sub sandwich nights at home without blowing the grocery budget or sacrificing flavor. This copycat Italian Herb and Cheese bread hits that sweet spot.

Soft inside, lightly chewy, packed with herby flavor, and topped with that cheesy crust that makes Subway bread instantly recognizable.

There’s also a personal layer for me here. I’ve had ongoing health issues since moving from the UK to the US that have made store bought bread tricky.

Homemade bread lets me enjoy meals with my family again without worrying about ingredients or reactions. Homemade really is always the way to go!

This recipe makes four large footlong Subway-style rolls, which suits our family perfectly. If you need more, just double everything and keep the ratios exactly the same.

One unexpected ingredient makes all the difference here. Instant mashed potato flakes. That little addition gives the bread its signature softness and tender crumb. It sounds odd until you try it, then suddenly it makes perfect sense.

You can absolutely use a hoagie roll pan for shaping, and I will link one below. Real life though, we are using what we have right now.

I shape mine with folded parchment paper and it works beautifully. I show this clearly in the video, so if this is your first time shaping sandwich rolls, follow along there for confidence before buying any expensive equipment!

As always, these photos are from my real kitchen here in our sweet military base home. No staged lighting or spotless marble counters. Just real life and real food made in a small space. Proof that you can feed your family well without needing a dream kitchen or fancy tools!

And just a reminder that if you’re struggling and you need help with managing your budget or starting your own debt free journey then here’s some FREE resources below you may find helpful!

So roll up your sleeves and head into the kitchen with me to make some of the tastiest herby, cheesy topped hoagie rolls your family is going to love.

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Equipment

• Stand mixer with dough hook and bowl
• Measuring jugs, cups, and spoons
• Plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel
• Bench scraper
• Parchment paper
• Cookie sheet or hoagie pans
• Scissors
• Sharp knife
• Silicone pastry brush
• Small bowl

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Ingredients

Makes 4 large footlong (12 inch) Subway-style rolls

For the dough

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 tablespoons quick rise or instant yeast
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup packet of Idahoan Butter and Herb Instant Mashed Potato flakes (or any you prefer)
• 3 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

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For topping

• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 – 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Add all dough ingredients to the bowl of your stand mixer in the order listed.

Add the dough ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer.

Step 2

Attach the dough hook and knead on low speed for 7 minutes.

Step 3

When finished, the dough should be soft and slightly sticky, clinging lightly to the bowl and hook. Do not add extra flour. A soft dough is what gives you tender bread.

Step 4

Form the dough into a rough ball, place it back in the bowl, cover, and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Step 5

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 4 equal portions.

Step 6

Shape each portion into a roll by forming a ball, flattening slightly, then rolling into a log. The video shows this clearly if it’s new to you!

Step 7

Place rolls onto a parchment lined baking sheet. I use concertina – folded parchment paper to support the sides, but you can also use a hoagie pan.

Step 8

Make 3 to 4 shallow cuts across each roll. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until puffy.

Step 9

Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix Italian seasoning, parmesan, and garlic powder in a small bowl.

Step 10

Brush the risen rolls lightly with warm water.

Step 11

Sprinkle the herb mixture generously over the rolls, then top with shredded cheddar.

Step 12

Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until just turning golden at the edges,, cooked through, and the cheese has melted.

Step 13

Move the rolls and parchment paper onto a cooling rack, and cover with a towel whilst they cool – this keeps them super soft!

Step 14

Let the rolls cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This gives the crumb time to set properly, so the bread stays soft and fluffy instead of compressing when cut.

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Notes and Troubleshooting

Notes

• The mashed potato flakes are essential for softness. Do not skip.
• Slightly sticky dough is correct and intentional.
• Parchment shaping works just as well as a hoagie pan without needing to buy specialised equipment.

Troubleshooting

• Bread too dense? Dough was over-floured. Keep it soft.
• Rolls spread too wide? Use parchment supports or a pan.
• Cheese browning too fast? Tent loosely with foil.

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Storage

• Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days.
• Refrigerate up to 5 days.
• Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.

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Serving Ideas

• Homemade Subway-style subs
• Italian cold cut sandwiches
• Meatball subs
• Chicken bacon ranch melts
• Toasted garlic bread subs

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe?!

• Soft, tender Subway-style texture
• Budget friendly and family sized
• Stand mixer does all the work
• Freezer friendly
• Perfect for sandwich nights at home

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FAQ

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The Takeaway

This copycat Subway Italian Herb and Cheese bread gives you the comfort of familiar flavors without the cost of eating out.

It fits real life, real budgets, and real kitchens. Soft, flavorful, and made with intention, it turns an ordinary night at home into something your family actually looks forward to!

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What to Try Next?!

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Share & Rate This Recipe!

If this bread makes sub night a hit in your home, tap the stars and leave a quick comment. Sharing helps other families cook well on a budget too.

Last update on 2026-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API