The Italian Sub
The Italian Sub, also known as the Italian Hero or Italian Hoagie, is a classic sandwich beloved for its robust flavors and satisfying layers of Italian meats, cheeses, and veggies. Originating from Italian-American communities, this hearty sandwich typically features a combination of sliced salami, ham, pepperoni, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pepperoncini peppers, and a drizzle of oil and vinegar, all piled high on a crusty Italian sub roll. Bursting with savory, tangy, and spicy flavors, the Italian Sub is a delicious choice for lunch or a casual dinner, whether enjoyed at home, on a picnic, or on the go.
Ingredients
- 4 Italian sub rolls or hoagie rolls
- 1/4 lb sliced Genoa salami
- 1/4 lb sliced ham
- 1/4 lb sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 lb sliced provolone cheese
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 large tomato thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- Pepperoncini peppers sliced (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil and red wine vinegar for drizzling
- Mayonnaise mustard, or Italian dressing (optional)
- Sandwich spread or pesto optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Sub Rolls: Slice the Italian sub rolls in half horizontally, but not all the way through, leaving one side intact to form a hinge.
- Layer the Meats and Cheeses: On the bottom half of each sub roll, layer the sliced Genoa salami, ham, pepperoni, and provolone cheese.
- Add the Vegetables: Arrange the shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion slices on top of the meats and cheeses. If desired, add sliced pepperoncini peppers for extra flavor and a hint of spice.
- Season and Dress the Sub: Season the sandwich with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil and red wine vinegar over the vegetables and meats. Alternatively, you can spread mayonnaise, mustard, Italian dressing, sandwich spread, or pesto on the top half of the sub roll before closing the sandwich.
- Close and Serve: Carefully close the top half of each sub roll over the filling, pressing down gently to secure the ingredients in place.
- Slice and Enjoy: Use a sharp knife to slice each Italian Sub in half diagonally. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
The Italian Sub is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also wrap the sandwiches tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate them for later. Just be sure to serve them at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Buon appetito!