Baked Italian Sub Sandwich: 5 Tips for Gooey & Savory Subs Try
Introduction
Craving a quick, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than the Baked Italian Sub Sandwich. This mouthwatering creation combines savory deli meats, melty provolone cheese, and fresh toppings, all nestled in a crusty Italian roll. Whether you’re planning a game day feast or seeking a family-friendly dinner option, this Italian sub is sure to impress.
Why is it Perfect for You?
The Baked Italian Sub Sandwich is a versatile dish that caters to various needs:
◾ Quick and easy to prepare
◾ Customizable to suit different tastes
◾ Perfect for feeding a crowd
◾ Great for busy weeknights or lazy weekends
◾ Ideal for parties, picnics, or game day gatherings
Ingredients List
◾ 1 large Italian bread loaf
◾ 1/4 lb sliced ham
◾ 1/4 lb sliced salami
◾ 1/4 lb sliced pepperoni
◾ 8 slices provolone cheese
◾ 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
◾ 1/4 cup sliced black olives
◾ 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
◾ 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
◾ 1 cup shredded lettuce
◾ 2 tbsp olive oil
◾ 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
◾ 1 tsp dried oregano
◾ Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the Italian bread loaf lengthwise, creating a top and bottom half. Place both halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
Step 2: Layer the Meats and Cheese
Begin layering the meats on the bottom half of the bread. Start with the ham, followed by the salami, and then the pepperoni. Top the meats with slices of provolone cheese, ensuring even coverage.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Scatter the pepperoncini, black olives, and red onion slices over the cheese. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this mixture over the vegetables.
Step 4: Bake the Sandwich
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is lightly toasted.
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings and Serve
Remove the sandwich from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Add the sliced tomatoes and shredded lettuce. Place the top half of the bread on the sandwich and press gently. Slice into individual portions and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
The Baked Italian Sub Sandwich is a hearty meal packed with proteins and fats. While it’s not the lightest option, it’s perfect for those days when you need a satisfying, energy-boosting meal.
Calories per Person
Approximately 550-650 calories per serving, depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make this Italian sub healthier, consider these modifications:
◾ Use whole grain bread instead of white Italian bread
◾ Opt for lean meats like turkey or chicken breast
◾ Choose low-fat cheese options
◾ Increase the vegetable content
◾ Use a light vinaigrette instead of oil-based dressing
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Baked Italian Sub Sandwich with:
◾ A side of crispy potato chips
◾ A fresh garden salad
◾ Pickles or giardiniera
◾ A cold Italian pasta salad
◾ Your favorite soup for a hearty meal
Common Mistakes to Avoid
◾ Overloading the sandwich, making it difficult to eat
◾ Underbaking, resulting in cold meat and unmelted cheese
◾ Adding wet ingredients before baking, which can make the bread soggy
◾ Cutting the sandwich immediately after baking, causing the cheese to ooze out
Storing Tips for the Recipe
If you have leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the wrapped sandwich in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sandwich up to a day in advance. Keep it wrapped in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.
What’s the best bread to use for an Italian sub?
A crusty Italian bread or a French baguette works best as they can withstand the heat and moisture without becoming soggy.
Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the meats with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I prevent the bread from getting too crispy in the oven?
If you prefer a softer bread, you can cover the sandwich with foil for the first half of the baking time.
Conclusion
The Baked Italian Sub Sandwich is a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its delicious combination of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining friends, this sandwich delivers on taste and satisfaction every time.
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Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
