This Subway Style Sandwich Bread Recipe is soft, fluffy, and perfect for making homemade sandwiches that taste just like your favourite sub shop. Topped with parmesan, herbs, or sesame seeds, this recipe creates the ultimate base for sandwiches, sliders, or meal prep.
Why you will love this recipe?
You’ll love this Subway sandwich bread recipe because it delivers bakery-style softness with simple pantry ingredients. The texture is light yet sturdy enough to hold generous fillings without becoming soggy. It’s versatile, freezer-friendly, and perfect for customizing with different toppings like parmesan and herb or sesame seeds.
Expert Tips for Best Results!
- Use Bread Flour for Extra Softness – If you want that authentic Subway style sandwich bread texture, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. The higher protein content gives better structure while keeping the crumb soft and fluffy.
- Knead Until Properly Elastic – Well-developed gluten is key for soft sandwich bread. Perform the windowpane test: stretch a small piece of dough; it should become thin without tearing. This ensures a light and airy crumb.
- Do Not Skip the Second Proof – The second rise gives the sandwich rolls their fluffy interior and smooth top. If under-proofed, the bread may turn dense. The dough should look puffy and slightly jiggly before baking.
- Bake Until Just Golden – Overbaking can dry out sandwich bread. Remove the rolls once they are lightly golden on top and sound hollow when tapped. This keeps the bread soft and perfect for sandwiches.
How to make Subway Style Sandwich Bread?
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, instant yeast, and salt. Mixing evenly ensures proper yeast distribution for a consistent rise.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine oil, melted butter, lukewarm milk, and honey. Stir until well blended.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Knead Until Smooth
Knead by hand for about 10 minutes or in a stand mixer until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticks to the bowl. Proper kneading develops gluten for fluffy sandwich bread.
Step 5: First Rise
Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Divide into 5 equal portions. Flatten each piece into a circle, roll tightly into a log, and seal the edges.
Step 7: Final Proof
Place the shaped logs seam-side down on a lined baking tray. Brush with milk, sprinkle parmesan, herbs, or sesame seeds, then score the tops. Cover and let proof for 30 minutes until puffy.
Step 8: Bake
Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 10–15 minutes until golden brown. The tops should be lightly golden and the bread should sound hollow when tapped.
Step 9: Cool
Allow the sandwich bread rolls to cool slightly before slicing and filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use water instead of milk?
Yes, but milk gives the bread a softer texture and richer flavor. Using water will still work, but the crumb may be slightly less tender.
Why is my sandwich bread dense?
Dense bread usually results from under-kneading, insufficient proofing, or too much flour. Make sure the dough doubles during the first rise and feels airy before baking.
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and proofing again.
Can I freeze these sandwich rolls?
Absolutely. Once fully cooled, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore softness.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Absolutely, you can use that. But I recommend that you add 1/4 tsp extra yeast on top of the quantity mentioned for instant yeast. Also, make sure to activate your dry yeast. For that, add lukewarm milk, honey and active dry yeast in a bowl, cover and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Once the yeast mixture is bubbly, you are good to go. Continue the recipe as it is.
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Recipe Card
Subway Style Sandwich Bread
Soft, fluffy, and bakery-style, this Subway Style Sandwich Bread is perfect for homemade sandwiches. Easy to make with milk, butter, and honey, topped with parmesan, herbs, or sesame seeds for extra flavour. Bake golden, airy rolls in under 2 hours!
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups flour (560g)
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk (350ml)
- 1 tbsp honey (15g)
- Parmesan, herbs, or sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix oil, melted butter, milk, and honey until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes or in a stand mixer until smooth, elastic, and no longer sticking to the bowl.
- Cover with a damp towel and let the dough rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Divide into 5 equal portions. Flatten each into a circle, roll into a log, and seal the edges.
- Place the logs seam-side down on a lined tray. Brush with milk, sprinkle with parmesan, herbs, or sesame seeds, then score the tops. Cover and proof for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 10–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow the rolls to cool slightly before slicing and filling with your favourite sandwich ingredients.
If you like Sandwich Bread recipes like these, you should definitely check out my:
1) Ciabatta Bread Rolls Recipe (Same Day)
2) No Knead Ciabatta Style Bread Loaf (Same Day)
The best sandwich bread I’ve ever made! I make it quite often and shape it into hot dog or burger buns… it really is the best!
Thankyou so much! I’m so glad you liked the recipe 🙂