Subway Bread Recipe: Make Soft, Fluffy Sandwich Rolls at Home

Ever wondered how Subway makes its bread so soft, slightly sweet, and deliciously aromatic? You’re not alone! Many home bakers search for the perfect subway bread recipe to recreate that iconic sandwich base at home. In this article, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, techniques, and secrets that help achieve that pillowy texture and subtle flavor. No matter your skill level, this recipe brings you closer to making fresh sandwich bread at home.. From my California kitchen to yours, let’s bring that Subway-style bread to life—no additives, no shortcuts, just real, simple goodness.

Ingredients for Subway Bread Recipe

The simple ingredients behind that iconic flavor

When I was a kid in Kyoto, the scent of freshly baked bread drifting from the market was pure magic. Later, when I moved to California, Subway stores reminded me of that warmth—just with a modern twist. Their bread is soft, with a faint sweetness and a golden crust that holds all the fillings just right. I wanted to recreate the aroma and experience of Subway bread in my kitchen. After many tries, I developed a recipe that delivers and now I’m sharing it with you. Here are the key components.

Here’s everything you’ll need:

Tips Before You Start:

• Add vital wheat gluten to mimic the chewiness of Subway bread, especially when using all-purpose flour.
• Milk powder adds softness, just like commercial breads.
• Use canola oil for a more neutral or olive oil for a richer taste option.

Internal link tip: If you enjoy baking hearty loaves like this, you’ll love this King Arthur bread machine recipe—perfect for busy weeknights.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Appetizers & Snacks ideas for easy pairings with your pizza bowl.

Instructions – How to Make Subway-Style Bread

Step-by-step baking process for soft sandwich perfection

When I pulled my first batch of this Subway bread recipe out of the oven, I instantly recognized that smell—it brought me back to grabbing quick lunches in L.A. between film classes. But it also took me back home, to the quiet mornings in Kyoto when my mom baked her soft milk bread. There’s something beautiful about combining both worlds in one loaf: soft, chewy, slightly sweet, and full of love. Here’s how you can bring that same feeling into your kitchen.

Let’s get baking:

1. Activate the yeast
   Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it turns foamy. This step makes sure your yeast is alive and ready to work.
2. Add the wet and dry ingredients
   Stir in the oil and milk powder. Then add the flour and salt (plus the wheat gluten, if using). Mix until the dough starts to come together.
3. Knead the dough
   on a floured surface Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and stretchy. You can also use a stand mixer with the dough hook for 6–7 minutes.
4. First rise
   Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Split it into four equal pieces after deflate the dough Roll each one into a 6 to 8 inch log and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with some space in between.
6. Second rise
   Cover loosely and let the shaped dough rise for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.
7. Add finishing touches
   Brush with egg wash for a glossy finish. Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
8. Bake
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20–22 minutes, or until golden brown on top and hollow-sounding when tapped.
9. Cool & slice
   Cool on a wire rack before slicing the bread The texture firms up beautifully and makes clean cuts.

Extra tip: For a whole-grain twist, try using this sourdough bread recipe without starter to experiment with fermentation.

For more texture and a rich flavor, try my einkorn sourdough bread, especially good with hearty fillings.

Serving Ideas and Bread Variations

How to serve your homemade Subway bread

One of the best things about making your own subway bread recipe is that it becomes a blank canvas for creativity. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a quiet sandwich lunch for yourself, this bread can carry anything from roasted veggies to smoky meats. In my kitchen, we’ve made everything from tuna melts to breakfast egg subs with this loaf. And every time, the flavor feels both nostalgic and new.

Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

1. Classic deli-style sandwich
Slice the loaf horizontally and layer it with turkey, cheddar, shredded lettuce, tomato, red onion, and a drizzle of mayo and mustard. It’s the perfect grab-and-go meal.

2. Homemade meatball sub
Fill with warm homemade meatballs, marinara, and mozzarella. Toast until bubbly and golden. It’s a cozy favorite on chilly evenings.

3. Grilled veggie stack
Roasted eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and hummus between soft slices make the ultimate vegetarian sub. Add feta if you want a briny pop.

4. Mini party sandwiches
Cut the loaf into smaller portions and serve as sliders for a picnic or game night. Try fillings like ham and swiss, or smoked salmon with cream cheese and capers.

5. Breakfast sub
Scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and cheddar on this bread are a dream with hot coffee. You can even prep and freeze them.

Want a sweeter, seasonal variation? My peach bread is great for summer, ideal for breakfast or snacks.

Or if you’re in the mood for something savory and indulgent, don’t miss this garbage bread recipe—stuffed with meats, cheese, and total joy.

Creative Variations You Can Try

• Garlic & herb version: Mix dried Italian herbs and garlic powder into the dough.
• To make a whole wheat version, swap 1 cup of all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour.
• Cheese topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or provolone on top before baking.
• Subway-style honey oat: Brush with honey before baking and press in rolled oats.

This bread adapts easily to your lifestyle. Make a double batch and freeze the extras—or shape them into dinner rolls. It’s simple, versatile, and made to fit your story.

Nutrition Breakdown for Subway Bread Recipe

What’s really in your homemade sandwich bread?

Making your own Subway-style bread at home gives you total control—not just over flavor and texture, but over what goes into your body. Unlike store-bought loaves or chain-made buns, this subway bread recipe is free from unnecessary preservatives, additives, and processed sugars. You know every ingredient. You shaped it. You watched it rise. That’s the beauty of home baking—it’s honest.

Here’s the approximate nutritional info per 6-inch loaf (1 of 4 rolls):

Notes:

• The exact numbers may vary based on the brand of flour, whether you use milk powder, and if you top it with seeds or cheese.
• Adding vital wheat gluten will slightly boost protein and chewiness.
• Using whole wheat flour will increase fiber and slightly lower net carbs.

Healthier Swaps:
If you want to make it lighter or more wholesome:

• Replace 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat or spelt.
• Use avocado oil instead of canola for added healthy fats.
• Skip the egg wash and opt for olive oil brushing instead.
• Add ground flaxseed or chia for more fiber and omega-3s.

Craving a heartier bread with great nutrition and rustic flavor? You might enjoy my ezekiel bread recipe—it’s packed with sprouted grains and perfect for health-conscious eaters.

And for a cozy autumn spin, the Libby’s pumpkin bread recipe offers sweet warmth in every slice—ideal for a breakfast sandwich base or as a standalone treat.

Frequently Asked Questions – Subway Bread Recipe

1. What are the ingredients for Subway bread?
Subway’s commercial bread includes enriched flour, water, yeast, sugar, oil, salt, and dough conditioners. In this homemade version, we stick to all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, warm water, sugar, oil, salt, and optional add-ins like milk powder and vital wheat gluten for softness and texture—no preservatives or commercial additives.

2. Which bread is used by Subway?
Subway offers a variety of bread types: Italian, 9-Grain Wheat, Hearty Italian, Honey Oat, Jalapeño Cheddar, Flatbread, and Artisan Italian. Most of them use a basic enriched white dough with slight variations in sweeteners, toppings (like oats or cheese), and shape. Our recipe here mimics the softness and mild sweetness of their white or Italian bread.

3. How to make Subway-like bread at home?
You’ll need a simple yeast dough that includes oil and sugar to achieve the tender crumb. Let the dough rise twice, shape it into sandwich rolls, and bake at 375°F until golden brown. For a classic look, use egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. The step-by-step instructions above guide you through each phase of the baking process.

4. What kind of bread does Subway have?
Subway’s menu usually features:

• Italian (plain white, soft inside, thin crust)
• 9-Grain Wheat (whole wheat flour, sweet and hearty)
• For a honey oat version, brush the top with honey and add oats.
• Italian Herbs & Cheese (cheese-topped)
• Flatbread (chewy and pliable)
• Multigrain Flatbread (a higher fiber option)

Our base recipe gives you a soft and neutral bread similar to their Italian or Wheat versions. You can adjust toppings, flour types, or mix-ins to match your favorites.

Conclusion

Making your own subway bread recipe at home is more than a baking project—it’s a return to comfort, to control, and to flavor that’s truly yours. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can craft soft, flavorful loaves that rival any sandwich shop. This bread is perfect for layering with fresh veggies, smoky meats, or even enjoying warm with butter right out of the oven. From my kitchen to yours, I hope this recipe becomes a new staple in your home, just like it has in mine.

For more cozy homemade breads, don’t forget to explore my garbage bread recipe or a sweet variation like peach bread—both delicious ways to keep the oven going.

Subway Bread Recipe: Make Soft, Fluffy Sandwich Rolls at Home

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• Author: Karino Kada
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 sandwich rolls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This homemade Subway bread recipe gives you soft, fluffy sandwich rolls with that signature chew and aroma—perfect for meatball subs, deli sandwiches, or breakfast fillings. It’s simple, preservative-free, and full of flavor.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp olive or canola oil
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp vital wheat gluten (optional)
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp milk powder (optional)
• 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
• Sesame or poppy seeds (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Activate yeast: Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let it bloom for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add ingredients: Stir in oil and milk powder. Add flour, salt, and vital wheat gluten. Mix to form a soft dough.
3. Knead: Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes or use a mixer with a dough hook for 6–7 minutes.
4. First rise: Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
5. Shape rolls: Divide dough into 4 logs. Shape into 6–8 inch sub rolls and place on parchment-lined tray.
6. Second rise: Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
7. Brush & top: Apply egg wash. Sprinkle with seeds if desired.
8. Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–22 minutes until golden brown.
9. Cool: Let cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

Add dried herbs or garlic powder for a flavored loaf. For a whole wheat version, substitute 1 cup of flour. Freezes well for meal prep!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 20mg