BEST BAKED ITALIAN SUB SANDWICH

Picture this: layers of savory Italian meats, melted cheese oozing from every crevice, and a crispy, golden-brown crust that crackles with each bite. This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s a Baked Italian Sub Sandwich, and it’s about to become your new favorite way to feed a crowd (or just yourself!). Get ready to experience sandwich perfection, because I’m going to show you exactly how to make it.

The Star Players: Gather Your Ingredients

Bread

• 1 large loaf Italian bread (about 24 inches long): This forms the foundation of our masterpiece. A good, sturdy loaf is key!

Meats

• 8 ounces sliced ham: Adds a touch of sweetness and savory goodness.
• 8 ounces sliced salami: For that classic Italian flavor.
• 4 ounces sliced pepperoni: Brings a little spice and kick.
• 4 ounces sliced provolone cheese: This melts beautifully and has a mild, slightly tangy flavor.
• 4 ounces sliced mozzarella cheese: Adds extra cheesiness and stretch.

Veggies & More

• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base.
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) Dijon mustard: Adds a zesty tang.
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) Italian dressing: Infuses the sandwich with flavor.
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) banana peppers, sliced: Adds a nice vinegary bite (optional, but highly recommended!).
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) red onion, thinly sliced: For a sharp, slightly sweet flavor.
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) tomatoes, sliced: Adds freshness and juiciness.
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty topping.
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning: Brings all the Italian flavors together.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key!

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting the oven ready is always the first step!
2. Carefully slice the Italian bread horizontally. Be sure to use a serrated knife for a clean cut. You want to create a top and bottom half, like you’re opening a book.
3. Optional: Hollow out the bread slightly. This will help prevent the sandwich from getting soggy, especially if you’re using juicy tomatoes. I usually scoop out a bit of the soft bread from the top and bottom halves.

Building the Masterpiece

1. Spread mayonnaise evenly over the bottom half of the bread. This creates a moisture barrier and adds creaminess.
2. Spread Dijon mustard evenly over the top half of the bread. The Dijon adds a great zing that cuts through the richness of the meats and cheeses.
3. Drizzle Italian dressing over the mayonnaise and mustard. Don’t skimp on this – it adds so much flavor!
4. Layer the meats onto the bottom half of the bread. Start with the ham, then the salami, and finally the pepperoni. Make sure to distribute them evenly.
5. Top with provolone and mozzarella cheese slices. Cover the entire meat layer with cheese. This is where the magic happens!
6. Sprinkle with banana peppers and red onion (if using). These add a delicious tang and crunch.
7. Add the sliced tomatoes. Arrange them evenly over the onions and peppers.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Don’t be shy with the seasonings!
9. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. This adds a salty, nutty finish.
10. Carefully place the top half of the bread over the fillings. Gently press down to secure the sandwich.

Baking to Golden Perfection

1. Wrap the sandwich tightly in aluminum foil. This will help the cheese melt evenly and prevent the bread from drying out.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes. This will warm the sandwich through and melt the cheese.
3. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning! This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy crust.
4. Let the sandwich rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to slice.

Tips for Sandwich Success

Choosing the Right Bread

The bread is the foundation, so choose wisely! Look for a fresh, sturdy Italian loaf that can hold all the fillings without getting soggy. A slightly crusty exterior is ideal.

Meat and Cheese Variations

Feel free to customize the meats and cheeses to your liking. You could add capicola, mortadella, or even some cooked Italian sausage. For cheese, consider using fontina, asiago, or even a sprinkle of sharp cheddar. Get creative!

Veggie Power

Don’t be afraid to add more veggies! Roasted red peppers, spinach, or even some artichoke hearts would be delicious additions.

Make-Ahead Magic

You can assemble the sandwich ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in foil, for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Soggy Sandwich Solutions

If you’re worried about the sandwich getting soggy, try toasting the bread lightly before assembling it. This will create a barrier against the moisture from the fillings. Also, scooping out some of the soft bread from the inside helps.

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

This Baked Italian Sub Sandwich is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with some delicious sides! Consider serving it with:

• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Potato chips or fries.
• Pasta salad.
• Pickles and olives.
• A bowl of warm tomato soup.

More Delicious Sandwich Ideas

If you’re a sandwich lover like me, you’re always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes. Here are a few of my favorites you might enjoy:

• Swiss Mushroom Melt: A vegetarian delight with earthy mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese.
• Cheesy Meatball Subs: A classic comfort food that’s always a hit.
• Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: All the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in an easy-to-bake casserole.
• Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches: Slow-cooked beef makes these sandwiches incredibly tender and flavorful. For a simpler version, try the Crock Pot French Dip recipe. Or, if you’re short on time, check out the Philly Cheese Steak recipe.

The Final Bite

So there you have it – the ultimate Baked Italian Sub Sandwich recipe! It’s easy to make, customizable to your liking, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party, game night, or just craving a delicious sandwich, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Enjoy every cheesy, meaty, flavorful bite!

Best Baked Italian Sub Sandwich

Alice Yowell

This baked Italian sub sandwich is packed with layers of savory Italian meats, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables, all nestled in a crispy, golden-brown Italian loaf. It’s an easy-to-make and customizable recipe perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 6

Calories 800 kcal

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Aluminum foil
• serrated knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients

  

• 1 large loaf Italian bread about 24 inches long
• 8 ounces sliced ham
• 8 ounces sliced salami
• 4 ounces sliced pepperoni
• 4 ounces sliced provolone cheese
• 4 ounces sliced mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup Italian dressing
• ¼ cup sliced banana peppers
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
• ¼ cup sliced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Carefully slice the Italian bread horizontally, creating a top and bottom half.
• Optional: Hollow out the bread slightly by scooping out some of the soft bread from the top and bottom halves.
• Spread mayonnaise evenly over the bottom half of the bread.
• Spread Dijon mustard evenly over the top half of the bread.
• Drizzle Italian dressing over the mayonnaise and mustard.
• Layer the ham, salami, and pepperoni onto the bottom half of the bread, distributing them evenly.
• Top with provolone and mozzarella cheese slices, covering the entire meat layer.
• Sprinkle with banana peppers and red onion (if using).
• Add the sliced tomatoes, arranging them evenly over the onions and peppers.
• Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
• Carefully place the top half of the bread over the fillings. Gently press down to secure the sandwich.
• Wrap the sandwich tightly in aluminum foil.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
• Let the sandwich rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize the meats and cheeses to your liking. You can add capicola, mortadella, or cooked Italian sausage. For cheese, consider using fontina, asiago, or sharp cheddar. Don’t be afraid to add more veggies like roasted red peppers, spinach, or artichoke hearts. You can assemble the sandwich ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in foil, for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. To prevent a soggy sandwich, try toasting the bread lightly before assembling it or scooping out some of the soft bread from the inside.