When it comes to sandwiches, one of the key components that can make or break the whole experience is the bread. Subway sandwiches are famous for their fresh, chewy, and delectable bread that complements a variety of fillings and toppings. If you’re a sandwich enthusiast who dreams of recreating that authentic Subway experience at home, you’re in luck! In this article, we will take you through the detailed process of making Subway-style sandwich bread from scratch, ensuring it has that perfect texture and taste.
Understanding the Basics of Subway Sandwich Bread
Before we dive into the recipe, it’s essential to understand what makes Subway sandwich bread unique. Subway offers several types of bread, including Italian, whole wheat, and the ever-popular herb and cheese. Each variety shares some common characteristics:
- Soft and Chewy Texture: The bread should have a slight chewiness while still being soft enough to hold the fillings without crumbling.
- Slightly Sweet Flavor: A hint of sweetness enhances the overall taste, complementing the savory ingredients.
- Golden Crust: The bread should have a light golden color on the outside, giving it an appealing look and texture.
Ingredients You Will Need
To make subway-style sandwich bread, you’ll require the following ingredients:
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 to 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- Optional: herbs, cheese, or seeds for additional flavor
Steps to Make Subway Sandwich Bread
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making your homemade Subway sandwich bread.
1. Activate the Yeast
The first step in making any homemade bread is to activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast.
- Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This confirms that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
While waiting for the yeast, you can prepare your dry ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 ½ cups of flour and salt.
- If you’re looking to add flavor, mix in any optional herbs, cheese, or seeds at this stage.
3. Mix the Dough
Now, let’s mix all the ingredients together:
- Once the yeast is frothy, pour it into the mixing bowl with the dry ingredients along with the olive oil or melted butter.
- Stir until a rough dough starts to form. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add additional flour, a tablespoon at a time.
4. Knead the Dough
Kneading is critical for developing gluten, which gives the bread its structure:
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You should be able to stretch it without it tearing easily.
Tips for Proper Kneading
- Use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself.
- Rotate the dough a quarter turn and repeat the pushing and folding.
- Keep your work surface floured but avoid adding too much flour, which can make the bread dense.
5. First Rise
Once kneaded, it’s time to let the dough rise:
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until it has doubled in size.
6. Shape the Dough
After the first rise, it’s time to shape your bread:
- Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air.
- Transfer it to a floured surface and divide it in half (this recipe yields two loaves).
- Shape each piece into a loaf by flattening it slightly and then rolling it tightly from one end to the other.
Special Techniques for Shaping
- For Submarine Rolls: Instead of forming a loaf, shape the dough into long, cylindrical rolls to create the traditional submarine sandwich style.
- For Classic Sandwich Loaves: You can place the shaped dough into a loaf pan.
7. Second Rise
After shaping, it’s time for a second rise:
- Cover the loaves with a clean towel or plastic wrap.
- Let them rise for another 30-60 minutes until they puff up nicely.
8. Preheat the Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A well-heated oven ensures a nice crust on your bread.
9. Bake the Bread
Once the loaves have risen, it’s baking time:
- Carefully place the loaves in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
How to Know When Your Bread is Done
- The internal temperature of the bread should reach around 190°F (88°C) to 200°F (93°C) for it to be fully cooked.
- A perfect loaf will have a golden crust and should easily release from the baking pan.
10. Cool Down the Bread
After baking, it’s essential to let the bread cool:
- Remove the loaves from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Allow them to cool completely before slicing. This helps the texture set and retains moisture.
Storing Your Homemade Bread
Once your bread is made, it’s crucial to store it properly to maintain its freshness:
- Cool completely before storing.
- Wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place in an airtight container.
Avoid refrigerating the bread, as it can become stale more quickly. Instead, store at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
Enhancing Your Subway Sandwich Experience
Now that you have your bread, the fun part begins: assembling a delicious Subway-style sandwich! Consider the following tips to take your sandwich to the next level:
1. Choose Fresh Ingredients
Opt for high-quality fillings like freshly sliced meats, crisp vegetables, and your favorite cheeses. Freshness makes all the difference!
2. Get Creative with Condiments
Subway is known for its delicious array of sauces. Try out honey mustard, chipotle southwest sauce, or classic mayonnaise to add layers of flavor.
3. Toast It Up
If you enjoy a warm sub, pop your assembled sandwich in the oven or a panini press for a few minutes to achieve that warm, toasty perfection.
Conclusion
Making Subway sandwich bread at home is a rewarding experience that brings the taste of your favorite sub shop right to your kitchen. With this detailed guide, you’ll not only learn how to create the perfect bread, but you also have the opportunity to customize it according to your preferences. So roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and let the baking adventure begin! Your homemade sandwiches are about to reach a whole new level of deliciousness!
What ingredients do I need to make Subway-style sandwich bread at home?
To create Subway-style sandwich bread, you’ll need a few key ingredients: all-purpose flour, yeast, water, sugar, salt, and a fat source like olive oil or butter. All-purpose flour provides the right texture and chewiness typical of sandwich bread. Active dry yeast or instant yeast is crucial for the rising process, while sugar helps to activate the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the bread.
Additionally, you’ll need warm water to dissolve the yeast and create a dough. The fat, such as olive oil or melted butter, gives the bread a richer flavor and helps keep it soft. Optional ingredients like vital wheat gluten can also be added to improve the bread’s structure and texture, but they are not necessary.
How long does it take to make Subway sandwich bread from scratch?
Making Subway-style sandwich bread from scratch typically takes about 3 to 4 hours, including preparation, rising, and baking time. The initial mixing and kneading of the dough usually take about 15 to 30 minutes. After kneading, you’ll need to let the dough rise, which generally takes 1 to 2 hours depending on the temperature of your kitchen and the yeast’s activity.
Once the dough has doubled in size, you’ll shape it into loaves and let it rise again for about 30 to 60 minutes. After shaping and the second rise, the bread will bake in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, resulting in a delicious homemade loaf ready for your favorite sandwich fillings.
What is the best way to knead the dough for sandwich bread?
Kneading dough for sandwich bread is essential for developing gluten, which gives the bread its structure and chewiness. Start by using a clean, floured surface to prevent sticking. If you’re kneading by hand, fold the dough over onto itself, push it down and away with the heel of your hand, then rotate it a quarter turn and repeat. This method helps to stretch the gluten strands evenly throughout the dough.
If you prefer a more hands-off approach, you can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Mix the ingredients on low speed until a shaggy dough forms and then increase to medium speed for about 5 to 7 minutes. Regardless of the method, the dough should become smooth and elastic. You can test the readiness by performing the windowpane test: stretch a small piece of dough; if it forms a thin, translucent membrane without tearing, it’s kneaded enough.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour when making your Subway-style sandwich bread, but it’s important to adjust the recipe slightly. Whole wheat flour absorbs more water than all-purpose flour, so you may need to add more liquid to achieve the right dough consistency. A common approach is to replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option while maintaining good texture.
When using whole wheat flour, you might also find that the resulting bread has a denser texture and a more pronounced nutty flavor. To achieve a lighter loaf, consider adding a small amount of vital wheat gluten or adjusting the rising time to ensure the dough has sufficient structure. Experimenting with different ratios can help you find the perfect balance for your taste!
What is the best way to store homemade sandwich bread?
To store homemade sandwich bread properly, wait until it has completely cooled after baking. Once cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also place the bread in an airtight container to further seal in moisture and freshness. Stored this way, your homemade sandwich bread will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days at room temperature.
If you want your bread to last longer, consider freezing it. Slice the bread before freezing for easy access to individual pieces later. Wrap the slices in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen sandwich bread can last for about 3 months; just thaw the slices in the refrigerator or at room temperature before use.
How do I achieve a crusty exterior on my sandwich bread?
To achieve a crusty exterior on your homemade sandwich bread, you can incorporate steam during the baking process. Preheat your oven with a baking stone or a baking sheet to help create a crisp crust. Just before placing your dough in the oven, add a pan filled with hot water to the bottom rack. This steam will help develop the crust while the bread bakes.
Another technique is to brush the loaf with water or an egg wash (a mixture of beaten egg and water) before placing it in the oven. The moisture will help create a shiny, crisp finish as the bread bakes. Additionally, baking at a high temperature, followed by lowering the temperature midway through baking, can enhance the crustiness of the exterior while allowing the interior to cook through properly.
Can I add ingredients like herbs or cheese to my sandwich bread dough?
Absolutely! Adding ingredients like herbs, cheese, or spices can elevate the flavor of your homemade sandwich bread and make it uniquely yours. Dried herbs such as oregano, basil, or rosemary can be mixed into the dry ingredients, while grated cheese like cheddar or parmesan can be folded in after kneading to incorporate flavor and richness.
When adding extra ingredients, be mindful of the dough’s hydration levels, as they can change the moisture content. Make sure to adjust the water or flour amounts accordingly. Also, avoid overloading the dough with add-ins; a good rule of thumb is to keep added ingredients to about 20% of the total flour weight for optimal results. Experimenting with different flavors can lead to delicious and personalized sandwich bread recipes!