Subway is one of the most popular sandwich chains worldwide, and their freshly baked bread is a significant contributor to their success. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from a Subway store is unmistakable and irresistible. While Subway’s bread recipe is a trade secret, we can try to replicate it at home using some clever techniques and ingredients. In this article, we’ll explore the process of making authentic Subway sandwich bread at home.
Understanding the Ingredients and Equipment
Before we dive into the recipe, it’s essential to understand the ingredients and equipment required to make Subway-style bread. Here are the key ingredients and equipment you’ll need:
- High-protein flour (such as bread flour or all-purpose flour with a high protein content)
- Yeast (active dry or instant)
- Salt
- Sugar
- Water
- Vegetable oil
- A stand mixer or a large mixing bowl
- A dough scraper or a wooden spoon
- A baking sheet or a bread stone
- A oven
The Importance of High-Protein Flour
High-protein flour is essential for creating a chewy, dense crumb that’s characteristic of Subway bread. Bread flour typically has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which makes it ideal for bread making. If you can’t find bread flour, you can use all-purpose flour with a high protein content (around 12-14%).
Using the Right Type of Yeast
Yeast is responsible for fermenting the sugars in the dough, producing carbon dioxide gas bubbles that make the bread rise. Active dry yeast and instant yeast are the two most common types of yeast used in bread making. Active dry yeast needs to be rehydrated in warm water before adding it to the dough, while instant yeast can be added directly to the dry ingredients.
The Recipe
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients and equipment, let’s move on to the recipe. Here’s a simple recipe for making Subway-style sandwich bread at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of high-protein flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast
- 1 cup of warm water (around 100°F to 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
- Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Add the vegetable oil and continue mixing until the dough comes together in a sticky ball.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-15 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a long, thin rectangle.
- Place the dough on a baking sheet or a bread stone, leaving about 1 inch of space between each loaf.
- Bake the bread for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Crust
The crust is a critical component of Subway bread, and achieving the perfect crust can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust:
- Use a baking stone: A baking stone can help to create a crispy crust by absorbing moisture from the dough.
- Preheat the oven: Preheating the oven to a high temperature (around 400°F) can help to create a crispy crust.
- Use steam: Steam can help to create a crispy crust by creating a steamy environment that promotes browning.
- Don’t overbake: Overbaking can cause the crust to become dry and hard. Take the bread out of the oven when it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Shaping the Dough
Shaping the dough is a critical step in creating Subway-style bread. Here are some tips for shaping the dough:
- Use a dough scraper or a wooden spoon to shape the dough into a long, thin rectangle.
- Make sure the dough is evenly shaped and has a smooth, even surface.
- Use a sharp knife or a pastry cutter to cut the dough into individual loaves.
Creating the Perfect Loaf
Creating the perfect loaf requires a combination of technique and patience. Here are some tips for creating the perfect loaf:
- Make sure the dough is evenly shaped and has a smooth, even surface.
- Use a sharp knife or a pastry cutter to cut the dough into individual loaves.
- Place the loaves on a baking sheet or a bread stone, leaving about 1 inch of space between each loaf.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Making Subway-style bread at home can be a challenge, and there are several common issues that can arise. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you overcome common issues:
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Dough Not Rising
If your dough is not rising, it may be due to a number of factors, including:
- Insufficient yeast: Make sure you’re using enough yeast, and that it’s not past its expiration date.
- Incorrect temperature: Make sure the water is at the right temperature (around 100°F to 110°F) and that the dough is rising in a warm, draft-free place.
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Overmixing: Overmixing can cause the dough to become tough and dense, which can prevent it from rising.
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Dough Too Sticky
If your dough is too sticky, it may be due to a number of factors, including:
- Insufficient flour: Make sure you’re using enough flour, and that it’s the right type (high-protein flour).
- Too much water: Make sure you’re not using too much water, and that the dough is not too wet.
- Overmixing: Overmixing can cause the dough to become tough and dense, which can make it sticky.
Conclusion
Making Subway-style sandwich bread at home requires a combination of technique, patience, and practice. By following the recipe and tips outlined in this article, you can create delicious, authentic Subway-style bread at home. Remember to use high-protein flour, the right type of yeast, and to shape the dough into a long, thin rectangle. With a little practice and patience, you can create perfect Subway-style bread at home.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| High-protein flour | 2 cups |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Active dry yeast | 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) |
| Warm water | 1 cup |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
By following the recipe and tips outlined in this article, you can create delicious, authentic Subway-style bread at home. Happy baking!
What makes Subway sandwich bread authentic?
Authentic Subway sandwich bread is made with a specific type of dough that is slightly sweet and has a soft, airy texture. The bread is also baked in a specific way to give it a crispy crust on the outside and a soft interior. To make authentic Subway sandwich bread at home, you will need to use a combination of yeast, sugar, salt, and flour, as well as a specific baking technique.
The key to making authentic Subway sandwich bread is to use a high-quality yeast that will help the dough rise and give the bread its characteristic texture. You will also need to use a combination of all-purpose flour and bread flour to give the bread its strength and structure. Additionally, you will need to use a specific type of sugar, such as granulated sugar, to give the bread its sweetness.
What type of flour should I use to make Subway sandwich bread?
To make authentic Subway sandwich bread, you will need to use a combination of all-purpose flour and bread flour. All-purpose flour will provide the bread with its structure and texture, while bread flour will give it its strength and rise. You can use a ratio of 2:1 or 3:1 of all-purpose flour to bread flour, depending on your personal preference.
It’s also important to note that you should use unbleached and unbromated flour to make authentic Subway sandwich bread. Bleached and bromated flour can affect the texture and flavor of the bread, making it less authentic. You can find unbleached and unbromated flour at most health food stores or specialty baking stores.
How do I get the perfect rise on my Subway sandwich bread?
To get the perfect rise on your Subway sandwich bread, you will need to use a combination of yeast and sugar. The yeast will help the dough rise, while the sugar will feed the yeast and help it to activate. You will also need to make sure that your ingredients are at room temperature, as cold ingredients can affect the rise of the bread.
It’s also important to let the dough rise for the right amount of time. You should let the dough rise for at least an hour, or until it has doubled in size. You can also let the dough rise for a longer period of time, such as 2-3 hours, to give it an even better rise. Just be sure to keep an eye on the dough and punch it down when it has finished rising.
How do I get the crispy crust on my Subway sandwich bread?
To get the crispy crust on your Subway sandwich bread, you will need to bake the bread in a hot oven. You should preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the bread for 10-15 minutes, or until it is golden brown. You can also use a baking stone or baking steel to help the bread to cook more evenly and to give it a crispy crust.
It’s also important to score the bread before baking it. Scoring the bread will help it to expand and contract during baking, which will give it a crispy crust. You can use a sharp knife or a razor blade to score the bread, and be sure to make the cuts at an angle to help the bread to expand.
Can I make Subway sandwich bread without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can make Subway sandwich bread without a stand mixer. While a stand mixer can make the process of mixing and kneading the dough easier, it is not necessary. You can mix and knead the dough by hand, using a wooden spoon or a dough whisk to mix the ingredients and your hands to knead the dough.
It’s also important to note that making Subway sandwich bread without a stand mixer will require more time and effort. You will need to mix and knead the dough for a longer period of time, and you will need to be more careful to make sure that the dough is fully incorporated and kneaded. However, with a little practice and patience, you can make delicious Subway sandwich bread without a stand mixer.
How do I store Subway sandwich bread to keep it fresh?
To store Subway sandwich bread and keep it fresh, you should cool the bread completely on a wire rack before storing it. This will help to prevent the bread from becoming soggy or stale. You can then store the bread in an airtight container, such as a plastic bag or a glass container, at room temperature.
You can also freeze the bread to keep it fresh for a longer period of time. Simply place the bread in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you are ready to eat the bread, simply thaw it at room temperature or toast it in the oven.
Can I customize Subway sandwich bread to my taste?
Yes, you can customize Subway sandwich bread to your taste. While the traditional recipe for Subway sandwich bread is delicious, you can also add your own ingredients and flavors to make the bread more interesting. Some ideas for customizing Subway sandwich bread include adding herbs and spices, such as rosemary or garlic, or using different types of flour, such as whole wheat or rye.
You can also try adding different types of sugar, such as honey or maple syrup, to give the bread a sweeter flavor. Additionally, you can try using different types of yeast, such as sourdough or active dry yeast, to give the bread a more complex flavor. Just be sure to adjust the recipe accordingly and to test the bread before serving it.