Making sandwich bread like Subway is a challenging task, but with the right techniques and ingredients, you can create delicious, mouthwatering bread that rivals the popular sandwich chain. In this article, we will explore the secrets behind Subway’s signature bread and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make it at home.
Understanding the Science behind Subway’s Bread
Subway’s bread is known for its soft, fluffy texture and slightly sweet flavor. To achieve this, Subway uses a combination of ingredients and techniques that set their bread apart from other sandwich breads. Here are some key factors that contribute to the unique characteristics of Subway’s bread:
Yeast and Fermentation
Yeast is a crucial ingredient in bread making, and Subway uses a specific type of yeast that is designed to produce a high volume of carbon dioxide gas. This gas is responsible for the bread’s light and airy texture. To achieve this, Subway’s bread dough is allowed to ferment for a longer period than other breads, which gives the yeast more time to produce carbon dioxide.
High-Protein Flour
Subway uses high-protein flour to make their bread, which contains a higher percentage of protein than all-purpose flour. This type of flour is ideal for bread making because it produces a stronger gluten network, which gives the bread its chewy texture and helps it to hold its shape.
Water and Hydration
The amount of water used in bread making is critical, and Subway’s bread recipe uses a higher water content than other breads. This helps to create a softer, more tender crumb and a crisper crust.
Sugar and Salt
Subway’s bread recipe includes a small amount of sugar, which helps to feed the yeast and promote fermentation. Salt is also added to the dough to enhance the flavor and help control yeast growth.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make sandwich bread like Subway, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of high-protein flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 packet of active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 cup of warm water (around 100°F to 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Equipment:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or dough whisk
- Dough scraper or spatula
- Baking sheet or bread stone
- Oven
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sandwich Bread like Subway
Now that we have covered the science behind Subway’s bread and the ingredients and equipment needed, let’s move on to the step-by-step guide to making sandwich bread like Subway.
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast, and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Whisk together until the ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Add the Yeast Mixture and Oil
Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, knead the dough for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can also knead the dough by hand for 20 to 25 minutes.
Step 5: Ferment the Dough
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it ferment in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Punch down the dough and shape it into a long, thin rectangle. Place the dough onto a baking sheet or bread stone that has been sprinkled with cornmeal.
Step 7: Proof the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it proof in a warm, draft-free place for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size again.
Step 8: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the bread for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 9: Cool the Bread
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you achieve the perfect sandwich bread like Subway:
Tips:
- Use a high-protein flour to produce a stronger gluten network and a chewier texture.
- Use a higher water content to create a softer, more tender crumb.
- Let the dough ferment for a longer period to produce a more complex flavor.
- Use a baking stone or baking steel to produce a crisper crust.
Variations:
- Try adding different herbs and spices to the dough to create unique flavor profiles.
- Use different types of flour, such as whole wheat or rye, to create a more robust flavor.
- Add nuts or seeds to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Making sandwich bread like Subway requires patience, practice, and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this article and using the right ingredients and equipment, you can create delicious, mouthwatering bread that rivals the popular sandwich chain. Remember to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create unique flavor profiles and textures. Happy baking!
What type of flour is best for making Subway-style sandwich bread?
The type of flour best suited for making Subway-style sandwich bread is bread flour with a high protein content. This type of flour will give your bread the chewy texture and structure that Subway is known for. You can also use all-purpose flour as a substitute, but you may need to adjust the amount of water and yeast in the recipe.
When selecting a bread flour, look for one that has a protein content of at least 12%. This will ensure that your bread has the necessary strength and elasticity to hold its shape and rise properly. Some popular brands of bread flour that you can use to make Subway-style sandwich bread include King Arthur, Bob’s Red Mill, and Caputo.
How do I achieve the perfect crust on my Subway-style sandwich bread?
Achieving the perfect crust on your Subway-style sandwich bread requires a combination of proper dough preparation, temperature control, and baking technique. To start, make sure that your dough is at room temperature and has been allowed to rise for the recommended amount of time. This will help the yeast to activate and give your bread a light and airy texture.
When baking your bread, use a steamy oven to create a crispy crust. You can do this by placing a pan of water on the bottom shelf of the oven or by using a steam injector. Bake the bread at a high temperature (around 425°F) for a short amount of time (around 15-20 minutes). This will help to create a golden-brown crust that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
What is the secret to making Subway-style sandwich bread that is soft and fresh?
The secret to making Subway-style sandwich bread that is soft and fresh is to use a combination of yeast, sugar, and salt in the dough. The yeast will help to ferment the sugars and produce carbon dioxide, which will give your bread a light and airy texture. The sugar will help to feed the yeast and promote fermentation, while the salt will help to control the yeast and add flavor to the bread.
Another key factor in making soft and fresh Subway-style sandwich bread is to not overmix the dough. Overmixing can cause the gluten in the flour to develop, leading to a dense and tough bread. Instead, mix the ingredients just until they come together in a shaggy mass, then let the dough rest for a few minutes before kneading. This will help to develop the gluten slowly and evenly, resulting in a soft and tender bread.
Can I make Subway-style sandwich bread at home without a bread machine?
Yes, you can make Subway-style sandwich bread at home without a bread machine. While a bread machine can be a convenient and easy way to make bread, it is not necessary. You can make the dough by hand using a stand mixer or by mixing the ingredients together in a bowl and kneading the dough by hand.
To make the dough by hand, simply combine the ingredients in a large bowl and mix until they come together in a shaggy mass. Then, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size.
How do I get the perfect texture on my Subway-style sandwich bread?
To get the perfect texture on your Subway-style sandwich bread, you need to make sure that the dough is properly developed and that the bread is baked at the right temperature. A well-developed dough will have a smooth and elastic texture, and will be able to hold its shape when formed into a loaf.
To achieve the perfect texture, make sure to knead the dough for the recommended amount of time (around 10-15 minutes) and let it rise for the recommended amount of time (around 1-2 hours). Then, bake the bread at a high temperature (around 425°F) for a short amount of time (around 15-20 minutes). This will help to create a bread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Can I freeze Subway-style sandwich bread to keep it fresh for longer?
Yes, you can freeze Subway-style sandwich bread to keep it fresh for longer. In fact, freezing is a great way to preserve the freshness and texture of your bread. To freeze the bread, simply place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below.
When you are ready to eat the bread, simply thaw it at room temperature or reheat it in the oven or microwave. Frozen bread will typically keep for 2-3 months, although it is best consumed within 1-2 months for optimal flavor and texture. You can also freeze the dough before baking, which will allow you to make fresh bread whenever you want.
How do I make Subway-style sandwich bread with a crispy crust and a soft interior?
To make Subway-style sandwich bread with a crispy crust and a soft interior, you need to use a combination of proper dough preparation, temperature control, and baking technique. To start, make sure that your dough is at room temperature and has been allowed to rise for the recommended amount of time. This will help the yeast to activate and give your bread a light and airy texture.
When baking your bread, use a steamy oven to create a crispy crust. You can do this by placing a pan of water on the bottom shelf of the oven or by using a steam injector. Bake the bread at a high temperature (around 425°F) for a short amount of time (around 15-20 minutes). This will help to create a golden-brown crust that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.