Italian Subs Recipe

Sub rolls: The foundation of your sandwich, providing a sturdy and chewy base.

Provolone cheese: A mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor.

Salami: A flavorful, cured meat that brings a spicy and savory element.

Ham: Adds a touch of sweetness and a tender texture to the sandwich.

Lettuce: Provides a fresh, crisp bite and a bit of color.

Tomatoes: Juicy and slightly acidic, they balance the richness of the meats and cheese.

Onions: Adds a sharp, pungent flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Banana peppers: These pickled peppers add a tangy and slightly spicy kick.

Olive oil: Used to drizzle over the veggies, adding a smooth and rich flavor.

Red wine vinegar: Adds a tangy acidity that brightens up the sandwich.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the overall taste.

For an extra burst of flavor, try toasting the sub rolls lightly before assembling the sandwiches. This will give them a nice crunch and help to melt the provolone cheese slightly, enhancing the overall texture and taste of your Italian subs.

• sub rolls - Substitute with whole wheat rolls: Whole wheat rolls provide more fiber and nutrients compared to regular sub rolls.

• provolone cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella has a similar mild flavor and melts well, making it a good alternative.

• salami - Substitute with turkey pepperoni: Turkey pepperoni is lower in fat and calories while still providing a similar spicy flavor.

• ham - Substitute with roast turkey: Roast turkey is a leaner option with less sodium and fat compared to ham.

• lettuce - Substitute with spinach: Spinach offers more vitamins and minerals, adding nutritional value to the sandwich.

• tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor, providing a different but complementary taste.

• onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, making them a good alternative to onions.

• banana peppers - Substitute with pickled jalapeños: Pickled jalapeños add a similar tangy and spicy kick to the sandwich.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement.

• red wine vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a slightly sweeter and richer flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more complex flavor profile compared to regular table salt.

• pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes add a bit of heat and a different texture, enhancing the sandwich's flavor.

• To keep your Italian subs fresh, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help maintain the moisture and prevent the bread from becoming stale.
• Place the wrapped subs in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This extra layer of protection ensures that the sandwiches stay fresh and flavorful.
• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator. Italian subs can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, consume them within this timeframe to enjoy the optimal taste and texture.
• If you plan to freeze the subs, first wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe resealable bag. Label the bag with the date to keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
• When ready to eat, thaw the subs in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the integrity of the ingredients.
• For a warm and toasty sub, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap or foil and place the thawed sub on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
• If you prefer a quicker option, you can also reheat the subs in a microwave. Remove any foil and wrap the sandwich in a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
• To keep the vegetables crisp and fresh, consider storing them separately and adding them to the subs just before serving. This prevents them from becoming soggy during storage.
• For the best flavor, drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar just before serving, rather than before storing. This keeps the bread from absorbing too much moisture and becoming soggy.
• Always check the subs for any signs of spoilage before consuming, especially if they have been stored for a few days. Look for changes in color, texture, or smell to ensure they are still safe to eat.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the Italian subs in aluminum foil to keep them from drying out. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the meat is warmed through.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the subs on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a crispy texture, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the subs directly on the rack. Heat for about 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

• For a stovetop method, use a skillet over medium heat. Place the subs in the skillet and cover with a lid to trap the heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cheese is melted and the meat is heated.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the subs in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.

• Knife: To slice the sub rolls, tomatoes, and onions.

• Cutting board: To provide a safe surface for slicing the ingredients.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the lettuce, tomatoes, onions, banana peppers, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.

• Serving platter: To arrange and serve the completed Italian subs.

• Tongs: To handle and layer the cheese, salami, and ham without touching them directly.

• Small bowl: To mix the olive oil and red wine vinegar before drizzling.

• Spoon: To drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the veggies.

• Salt and pepper shakers: To season the sandwiches to taste.

Pre-slice ingredients: Pre-slice the lettuce, tomatoes, and onions in advance to save time during assembly.

Use deli-sliced meats: Purchase salami and ham pre-sliced from the deli to avoid extra prep work.

Prepare dressing ahead: Mix the olive oil and red wine vinegar in a small bottle beforehand for quick drizzling.

Assemble in batches: Lay out all the sub rolls and assemble multiple sandwiches at once to streamline the process.