Italian Subs Recipe

Sub rolls: Soft and sturdy bread that holds all the ingredients together.

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

Salami: A cured sausage that brings a savory, slightly spicy taste.

Ham: Thinly sliced, it adds a subtle sweetness to the sub.

Lettuce: Shredded for a fresh, crunchy texture.

Tomato: Sliced for a juicy, tangy component.

Red onion: Thinly sliced to add a sharp, pungent flavor.

Olive oil: Used for drizzling, it adds a rich, fruity note.

Red wine vinegar: Provides a tangy, acidic balance to the richness of the meats and cheese.

Dried oregano: Adds a hint of earthy, herbal flavor.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sub.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity.

When preparing the sub rolls, consider toasting them lightly in the oven for a few minutes before assembling the sandwich. This adds a delightful crunch and helps to prevent the bread from becoming soggy when you add the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Additionally, for an extra burst of flavor, you can marinate the red onion slices in a bit of vinegar and salt for about 10 minutes before adding them to the sandwich. This will mellow out their sharpness and add a tangy kick to your Italian sub.

• sub rolls - Substitute with whole wheat rolls: Whole wheat rolls provide more fiber and nutrients, making the sub healthier.

• provolone cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella has a 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 flavor profile.

• ham - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is leaner and has less sodium, making it a healthier option.

• lettuce - Substitute with spinach: Spinach is more nutrient-dense and provides additional vitamins and minerals.

• tomato - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor, offering a different but delicious taste.

• red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor, which can be less overpowering.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is rich in healthy fats.

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

• dried oregano - Substitute with Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning includes oregano along with other herbs, providing a more complex flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more natural and less processed flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder taste and a slightly different flavor profile, offering a subtle change.

• 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 meats are warmed through.

• For a quick reheat, use a microwave. Place the subs on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to maintain 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. Toast for about 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is crispy 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. Heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the meats and cheese are warmed and the bread is slightly toasted.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the subs in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid over-toasting. This method will give you a nice, crispy bread while keeping the fillings warm.

• Knife: To slice the sub rolls in half lengthwise and to cut the tomato into slices.

• Cutting board: To provide a safe surface for slicing the sub rolls, tomato, and red onion.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the olive oil and red wine vinegar accurately.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

• Mixing bowl: To combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper if you prefer to mix them before drizzling.

• Tongs: To layer the provolone cheese, salami, and ham neatly on the sub rolls.

• Serving platter: To arrange the assembled Italian subs for serving.

• Paper towels: To pat dry the lettuce and tomato slices to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.

• Bread knife: To slice the sub rolls cleanly without squishing them.

Pre-slice the veggies: Prepare the lettuce, tomato, and red onion in advance and store them in airtight containers.

Assemble in batches: Lay out all the sub rolls and layer the provolone cheese, salami, and ham on each roll at the same time.

Mix the dressing: Combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a jar and shake well. Drizzle over the veggies when ready.

Use deli-sliced meats: Purchase pre-sliced salami and ham to save time on slicing.