The distinctive flavor and texture of Subway style bread have made it a favorite among sandwich lovers worldwide. Achieving this unique taste and texture at home requires a combination of the right ingredients, precise techniques, and a bit of patience. At the heart of Subway style bread is a simple yet specific formula that involves yeast, flour, water, salt, sugar, and a proprietary blend of ingredients that Subway keeps secret. However, through experimentation and culinary expertise, home bakers can replicate a very similar version in their own kitchens.
The Fundamentals of Subway Style Bread
To begin, it’s essential to understand the basic components of Subway style bread. The dough is made from a combination of high-protein flour, which gives the bread its chewy texture, yeast for fermentation, salt to control yeast growth and enhance flavor, sugar to feed the yeast, and water to hydrate the dough. The specific ratio of these ingredients and the conditions under which they are mixed and allowed to rise are critical to achieving the desired outcome.
Ingredients and Their Roles
A closer look at each ingredient reveals its importance in the bread-making process. High-protein flour, such as bread flour, contains more gluten than all-purpose flour, which is crucial for the bread’s structure and rise. Yeast, specifically active dry yeast, is responsible for fermentation, converting the sugars present in the dough into carbon dioxide gas, which causes the dough to rise. Salt not only adds flavor but also regulates the rate of yeast fermentation, ensuring the dough rises at a consistent pace. Sugar provides a readily available food source for the yeast, promoting healthy fermentation. Lastly, water hydrates the flour, allowing the gluten network to form and the yeast to activate.
| Ingredient | Quantity (for 1 loaf) |
|---|---|
| High-protein flour | 2 cups |
| Yeast | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 1 cup |
Techniques for Achieving Subway Style Bread
Beyond the ingredients, the technique used in mixing, kneading, and baking the bread plays a pivotal role in replicating Subway style bread at home. The process begins with activating the yeast in warm water (around 100°F to 110°F) mixed with a small amount of sugar. Once the yeast is activated, it’s added to the dry ingredients, which have been combined in a separate bowl. The mixture is then kneaded for approximately 10 minutes, either by hand or using a stand mixer, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. The dough is then allowed to rise in a warm, draft-free place until it has doubled in size, which can take about an hour, depending on the temperature and yeast activity.
Baking the Bread
After the first rise, the dough is punched down to release any air bubbles that have formed. It’s then shaped into its final form, typically a long, thin rectangle for Subway style bread. The shaped dough is allowed to rise again for about 30 minutes before being baked in a preheated oven at 375°F for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Immediately after baking, the bread is brushed with butter to give it a golden glow and a richer flavor, a step that Subway is known for.
The baking process can be further enhanced by using a steam injection oven or by placing a pan of water in the oven to create steam, which helps in achieving the characteristic crust of Subway bread. However, for home bakers without access to such equipment, a conventional oven with careful temperature control and baking time adjustment can still produce excellent results.
What type of flour is best for making Subway style bread?
+The best type of flour for making Subway style bread is high-protein flour, such as bread flour. This type of flour contains more gluten than all-purpose flour, which is essential for achieving the chewy texture characteristic of Subway bread.
How long should the dough rise for Subway style bread?
+The dough for Subway style bread should rise until it has doubled in size, which typically takes about an hour, depending on the temperature and yeast activity. It's crucial not to overproof the dough, as this can lead to a less desirable texture and flavor.
In conclusion, making Subway style bread at home is a achievable goal with the right ingredients, techniques, and a bit of practice. By understanding the fundamentals of bread making and applying specific techniques tailored to replicate Subway’s signature bread, home bakers can enjoy freshly baked, delicious Subway style bread without leaving their kitchens.
