Making your favorite Subway-style bread at home can seem like a daunting task, but it’s not as complicated as it sounds. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can recreate that soft, chewy texture and slightly sweet flavor that makes Subway sandwiches so beloved. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making Subway bread at home, from choosing the right ingredients to mastering the baking process.
Understanding the Basics of Subway Bread
Before diving into the actual recipe, it’s important to understand what makes Subway bread unique. Subway uses a special formulation that includes specific ingredients to achieve its distinct taste and texture.
Key Characteristics of Subway Bread:
– Soft and Chewy: Subway bread is known for its soft and chewy texture, which is achieved through a combination of high-gluten flour and moisture retention.
– Mildly Sweet Flavor: A hint of sweetness in the bread complements sandwich fillings without overpowering them.
– Golden Brown Crust: Proper baking techniques give Subway bread its appealing golden brown crust.
Ingredients You Will Need
To make Subway-style bread at home, you will need the following ingredients:
Essential Ingredients
- Bread Flour: The primary ingredient, providing structure and chewiness to the bread. High-gluten or bread flour is essential.
- Water: Important for hydration and activating the yeast.
- Yeast: Either active dry yeast or instant yeast will work. Yeast is responsible for fermentation and causing the dough to rise.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to the bread and helps in the browning process during baking.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and strengthens the gluten structure.
- Olive Oil: Helps to add moisture and improve the texture of the bread.
Optional Ingredients for Variation
- Milk: For a richer flavor and softer texture.
- Vital Wheat Gluten: If you cannot find high-gluten flour, adding this can help improve the bread’s chewiness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Bread
Now that you have gathered the ingredients, let’s proceed with the step-by-step process to make your very own Subway-style bread.
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- In a Mixing Bowl: Combine 4 cups of bread flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of salt.
- Add Yeast: If using active dry yeast, dissolve 2½ teaspoons of yeast in 1¼ cups of warm water (about 110 degrees Fahrenheit) and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the flour.
- Combine and Knead: Pour the yeast mixture (or water for instant yeast) into the flour mixture and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until the dough comes together. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
Step 2: First Rise
- Shape the Dough: Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl.
- Cover and Let Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Shaping the Loaves
- Punch Down the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Divide the Dough: Shape the dough into loaves or individual sub-sized pieces (around 6-8 ounces each). You can make two large loaves or several smaller ones, depending on your preference.
- Shape the Loaves: For sub rolls, roll each piece of dough into a log shape, then place them seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Second Rise
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cover and Let Rise Again: Cover the shaped loaves with a damp cloth and allow them to rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until they have puffed up.
Baking the Bread
Step 5: Preparing for Baking
- Steam for Crust: To achieve the desired crust, place a pan of hot water at the bottom of the oven while it preheats. This creates steam during baking, which helps form a nice crust.
- Scoring the Loaves: Just before baking, score the tops of the loaves with a sharp knife. This allows steam to escape and helps the bread expand properly in the oven.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cooling: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. This step is crucial as it allows the crust to firm up and the flavors to develop.
Using Your Homemade Subway Bread
Once your bread has cooled, it’s time to enjoy it! Here are some ideas for using your fresh homemade bread:
Classic Subway Sandwich
- Fillings: Layer your favorite deli meats, cheeses, fresh vegetables, and condiments to create your ultimate Subway sandwich.
Toasting or Grilling
- Grilled Cheese: Use your bread for a delicious grilled cheese or panini, adding a twist with different cheeses and fillings.
Storage Tips for Your Subway Bread
To keep your homemade bread fresh for longer, follow these storage tips:
Short-Term Storage
- Room Temperature: Keep your bread in a bread box or a sealed plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Long-Term Storage
- Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze it. This way, it remains good for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply thaw at room temperature or toast straight from the freezer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making homemade Subway-style bread can be a learning experience. To help you along the way, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Incorrect Flour Type
Using all-purpose flour instead of bread flour may result in a less chewy texture. Opt for high-gluten or bread flour for the best results.
Skipping the Kneading
Adequate kneading develops gluten, which is essential for achieving that chewy texture. Don’t rush this step.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Subway-style bread at home is not only rewarding but also allows for customization to your taste. With this detailed guide, you’re now armed with all the necessary knowledge to bake delicious, soft, and chewy bread reminiscent of your favorite sandwiches. Whether you’re preparing a classic sub, experimenting with toppings, or creating grilled delights, your homemade bread will be a hit.
With a little practice and the right techniques, you can continually improve your bread-making skills and even try variations tailored to your preferences. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the bread-making adventure begin! Enjoy your homemade Subway-style bread experience—it’s more than just a cooking task; it’s an art form that evokes comfort, creativity, and deliciousness.
What ingredients do I need to make Subway-style bread at home?
To replicate Subway-style bread, you’ll need the basics for bread-making: all-purpose flour, water, yeast, sugar, salt, and oil. Additionally, you can choose to enhance your bread with various seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs. It’s crucial to use high-quality ingredients to ensure that your bread has the right flavor and texture reminiscent of the famous deli subs.
You may also want to consider the environment in which you’re proofing the yeast. A warm, draft-free place will help activate the yeast, leading to far better results. Using room temperature ingredients can also improve consistency in your dough, leading to a fluffier, more delicious result once baked.
How long does it take to make Subway-style bread from start to finish?
The total time to make Subway-style bread can vary, but generally, you should set aside at least 3 to 4 hours. This includes the time for mixing, kneading, rising, shaping, and baking. The first rise typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen, followed by several minutes of shaping your dough before the second rise, which can take another 30 to 60 minutes.
Baking the bread usually requires around 25-30 minutes in the oven. Keep in mind that these times can vary based on your specific recipe and environmental conditions. Having a good kitchen timer can help you adhere to these time frames and ensure your bread is properly risen and baked to perfection.
Can I use whole wheat flour to make Subway-style bread?
Yes, you can certainly use whole wheat flour to make Subway-style bread, but it’s important to note that this will change the texture and flavor of the final product. Whole wheat flour has a higher protein content and more nutrients than all-purpose flour, which can lead to a denser bread. You may want to experiment with a mix of both flours to capture that light, airy quality typical of Subway breads.
When substituting whole wheat flour, consider using a little more water in your recipe since it can absorb more moisture than all-purpose flour. You may also need to adjust the rising time and kneading process because whole wheat flour develops gluten differently. This trial-and-error process can help you find the perfect balance to suit your taste.
What equipment do I need to make Subway-style bread?
To make Subway-style bread, you’ll need some basic equipment, including a mixing bowl, a measuring cup, measuring spoons, and a baking tray. A stand mixer can be very helpful for kneading the dough more efficiently, but it’s possible to do it by hand if you prefer. Additionally, having a clean, flat surface for kneading is essential to ensure that your dough is well-prepared.
You may also want to have a digital thermometer on hand to check the internal temperature of the bread once baked. This can help ensure it’s fully cooked—usually around 190-200°F (88-93°C) for a perfect loaf. A cooling rack will also come in handy to allow the bread to cool properly after baking.
How do I store my homemade Subway-style bread?
To store your homemade Subway-style bread, it’s best to let it cool completely on a wire rack after baking. Once cooled, you can wrap it in plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. For the best preservation, consider placing the wrapped bread in an airtight bag or container. Storing it at room temperature is fine for a few days, but avoid placing it in direct sunlight or a hot area, as this can dry it out.
If you plan to keep the bread for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option. Slice the bread before freezing, and then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can easily take out one or two slices at a time without thawing the entire loaf.
What can I do if my bread didn’t rise properly?
If your bread didn’t rise properly, the most common reason could be that your yeast was either expired or inactive. If you’re using fresh yeast, ensure that you are activating it correctly with warm water (around 110°F or 43°C) and sugar. If you didn’t see bubbles forming after mixing, it may indicate that the yeast is not viable. In this case, you should try again with new yeast.
Another factor that can affect rising is the temperature of your kitchen. Yeast thrives in warm environments, so if your kitchen is too cold, the dough may not rise adequately. You can provide a warm spot by placing the dough near a preheated oven or using a proofing box if you have one. If your dough isn’t rising, don’t be afraid to try these adjustments to achieve the best results.