What To Know
- The iconic bread is a key ingredient in the Subway experience, and it’s something that many have tried to replicate at home.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Make sure the water is comfortably warm, and find a warm spot in your kitchen for the dough to rise.
Subway bread, with its soft, pillowy texture and slightly sweet flavor, is a staple for many sandwich lovers. The iconic bread is a key ingredient in the Subway experience, and it’s something that many have tried to replicate at home. But how do you bake Subway bread that truly captures that familiar taste and texture? This guide will walk you through the steps, from gathering the ingredients to achieving that perfect crust.
The Secret Ingredient: Yeast
The foundation of any good bread is the yeast. It’s responsible for the rise and the airy texture that Subway bread is known for. You’ll need active dry yeast for this recipe.
Assembling Your Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients:
- Warm Water: The water needs to be warm, but not hot. Test it with your finger – it should feel comfortably warm.
- Active Dry Yeast: This is the key to the bread’s rise.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar helps feed the yeast and encourages it to work its magic.
- Salt: Salt adds flavor and helps control the yeast’s activity.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil adds moisture and richness to the bread.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your bread.
- Honey: A touch of honey enhances the sweetness and adds a unique flavor profile.
The Dough-Making Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add the olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture and whisk to combine.
3. Add the Flour: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
4. Kneading the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shaping the Bread
1. Punch Down: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
2. Divide and Shape: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a long, oval loaf.
3. Second Rise: Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Baking the Bread
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Glaze the Bread: Brush the loaves with a mixture of honey and water for a golden-brown crust.
3. Bake: Bake the loaves for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
4. Cooling: Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing and enjoying.
Achieving the Subway Bread Texture
While the recipe above provides a solid foundation, achieving that signature Subway bread texture requires attention to detail:
- Temperature Control: The yeast thrives in a warm environment. Make sure the water is comfortably warm, and find a warm spot in your kitchen for the dough to rise.
- Kneading: Thorough kneading develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a chewy texture.
- Baking Time: Don’t overbake the bread. Overbaking will create a hard crust and a dry interior.
Enjoy Your Homemade Subway Bread
With a little patience and attention to detail, you can recreate the taste and texture of Subway bread right in your own kitchen. The satisfaction of baking your own bread is unmatched, and you’ll be able to enjoy fresh, delicious sandwiches any time you desire.
Beyond the Basics: Variations and Tips
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with adding herbs like oregano or rosemary to the dough for a savory twist.
- Seeds and Nuts: For a more rustic flavor, incorporate seeds like sesame or poppy seeds or chopped nuts into the dough.
- Sweet Bread: Add a little more sugar to the dough for a sweeter bread that’s perfect for breakfast sandwiches.
- Freezing: Leftover bread can be frozen for later use. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, bread flour has a higher protein content which results in a chewier bread.
Q: How long can I store the dough in the refrigerator?
A: You can store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Q: What if my yeast doesn’t foam?
A: If your yeast doesn’t foam, it’s likely expired. Use fresh yeast for the best results.
Q: Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?
A: Yes, you can use a bread machine to make the dough. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific machine.
Q: How do I know if the bread is done baking?
A: The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should be around 190°F (88°C).
