sub bread

Name: sub bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups (420g) bread flour, plus more for dusting; 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (105-115°F); 2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon sugar

Sarah

Writer & Blogger

Baking
April 23, 2025

Ultimate Sub Bread Recipe: Bake Your Own Delicious Hoagies! 🥖🏡😋

1. Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a homemade sub sandwich, and the key to an amazing sub is fantastic bread. This sub sandwich bread recipe will guide you in creating the perfect base for your favorite fillings. Forget store-bought loaves – with a little effort, you can bake hoagie bread recipe that’s crusty on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with flavor. If you’re looking to exploreother baking recipes, check out our baking category. This versatile baguette sandwich bread is perfect for everything from classic Italian subs to creative gourmet creations. Whether you’re looking for an Italian sub bread recipe or simply want to elevate your sandwich game, this guide has you covered. Maybe you can try it next time instead of making a Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomato! Let’s dive into making your own delicious, bakery-quality sub bread!

2. Ingredients Needed

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients to hand. This ensures a smooth baking process and optimal results for your homemade sub bread. Here’s what you’ll need:

3 1/2 cups (420g) bread flour, plus more for dusting
1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (105-115°F)
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar

3. Equipment Required

Having the right equipment is just as important as having the right ingredients. Here’s a list of the tools you’ll need to bake your perfect sub bread:

Large mixing bowl or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Clean kitchen towel
Wire rack for cooling

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create bakery-worthy sub bread right in your own kitchen. Each step is designed to ensure that even novice bakers can achieve delicious results.

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Activating the yeast is the first and arguably most crucial step. It ensures that your bread will rise properly. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in 1 1/2 cups of warm water (105-115°F). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use. Its important to use warm water, not hot or too cold, so that the yeast activates correctly.

Yeast activating in water for homemade sub bread.

Step 2: Make the Dough

This is where the magic begins! Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add 3 1/2 cups of bread flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. If using a stand mixer, knead the dough with the dough hook for 6-8 minutes. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10-12 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the sub bread its delightful chew.

Dough mixing in a stand mixer for sub bread recipe.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Patience is key in this step. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size. This rising process allows the yeast to do its work, creating a light and airy texture in your sub sandwich bread recipe. While you wait for the dough to rise, why not browse our dinner recipes for inspiration on what to fill your freshly baked sub bread with?

Risen dough covered with a towel for homemade sub bread.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Almost there! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Gently deflate the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a long, slender loaf, about 10-12 inches in length. Place the loaves on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Cover them loosely with a towel and let them rest for 20 minutes. Before baking, slash the tops of the loaves diagonally with a sharp knife or razor. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. This careful baking process ensures a crusty exterior and a soft, chewy interior for your baguette sandwich bread.

Shaping sub bread loaves on a floured surface.

5. Tips for the Perfect Sub Bread

Here are some essential tips to guarantee success with your Italian sub bread recipe:

Use Bread Flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content, which helps to develop gluten and gives the bread a chewier texture.
Water Temperature: Make sure the water is between 105-115°F (40-46°C). If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast; if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly.
Kneading: Proper kneading is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives the bread its structure. Don’t skimp on this step!
Proofing: Ensure the dough rises in a warm, draft-free place. This will help it rise properly and give the bread a light, airy texture.
Scoring: Scoring the loaves before baking allows steam to escape and prevents the bread from bursting.

6. Variations and Add-ins

Want to get creative? Here are some fun variations and add-ins to customize your homemade sub bread: Want to get creative with other types of bread? Check out our baking category.

Herb-Infused: Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano) to the dough for an herby twist.
Cheese Bread: Mix 1 cup of shredded cheese (such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan) into the dough before the first rise.
Garlic Bread: Brush the baked loaves with garlic butter while they are still warm for a flavorful garlic bread. You can serve it with Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil
Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the loaves before baking for added texture and flavor.

7. Serving Suggestions

This sub sandwich bread recipe is perfect for making all kinds of subs and sandwiches. Here are a few ideas:

Classic Italian Sub: Layer the bread with salami, ham, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a drizzle of Italian dressing.
Meatball Sub: Fill the bread with homemade or store-bought meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese.
Veggie Sub: Stack the bread with roasted vegetables, hummus, and your favorite toppings. Try it also with our Sheet Pan sausage and veggies
Breakfast Sandwich: Use the bread to make a breakfast sandwich with eggs, bacon, and cheese. If you like breakfasts, check out our breakfast recipes

8. Storage Instructions

To keep your Italian sub bread recipe loaves fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight bag or container for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the loaves. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, let the bread sit at room temperature until softened.

9. Conclusion

Making your own hoagie bread recipe is a rewarding experience that elevates your sandwich game to a whole new level. This baguette sandwich bread recipe provides a simple yet effective way to create delicious, crusty bread that’s perfect for any filling. Why not cap off your successful baking venture with some desserts? So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own incredible sub bread. Happy baking!

sub bread

Author: Serena Miller
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 4 loaves 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Bake the ultimate sub bread at home with this easy recipe! Perfect for hoagies, Italian subs, and more, this homemade bread is crusty on the outside and soft on the inside.

Ingredients

Scale

3 1/2 cups (420g) bread flour, plus more for dusting
1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (105-115°F)
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Make the Dough: Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add bread flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 6-8 minutes with a mixer or 10-12 minutes by hand until smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape and Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and shape into long loaves. Let rest for 20 minutes. Slash the tops diagonally. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.