Italian Subs Recipe

Sub rolls: The base of your sandwich, providing a sturdy and delicious vessel for all the fillings.

Salami: Adds a rich, savory flavor with a hint of spice.

Ham: Provides a mild, slightly sweet taste that complements the salami.

Provolone cheese: A mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully.

Lettuce: Adds a fresh, crisp texture to the subs.

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

Onions: Thinly sliced for a bit of sharpness and crunch.

Banana peppers: Provide a tangy, slightly spicy kick.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps to meld the flavors together.

Red wine vinegar: Brings a tangy acidity that brightens the overall taste.

Oregano: A dried herb that adds a classic Italian flavor.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sandwich.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth.

When preparing the sub rolls, consider toasting them lightly in the oven for a few minutes. This adds a delightful crunch and helps to prevent the bread from becoming soggy when you add the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Make sure to keep an eye on the rolls to avoid over-toasting.

• sub rolls - Substitute with whole wheat rolls: Whole wheat rolls add a nutty flavor and extra fiber for a healthier option.

• salami - Substitute with turkey salami: Turkey salami is a leaner alternative with less fat and calories.

• ham - Substitute with roast beef: Roast beef provides a different flavor profile and is a good option for those who prefer red meat.

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

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with spinach leaves: Spinach leaves offer more nutrients and a slightly different texture.

• sliced tomatoes - Substitute with sundried tomatoes: Sundried tomatoes add a concentrated tomato flavor and a chewy texture.

• thinly sliced onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter taste compared to regular onions.

• sliced banana peppers - Substitute with pepperoncini: Pepperoncini have a similar tangy flavor and slight heat, making them a good alternative.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a neutral taste.

• red wine vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a slightly sweet and rich flavor to the dressing.

• 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 different mineral content and can enhance the flavor more subtly.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder taste and can be used for a less pungent pepper flavor.

• For short-term storage, wrap each Italian sub tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep the bread from drying out and the vegetables fresh.
• Store the wrapped subs in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to prevent any odors from the fridge from seeping in.
• Place the container or bag in the refrigerator. The Italian subs will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
• If you plan to store the subs for longer, consider freezing them. To do this, wrap each sub tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Label each sub with the date of freezing to keep track of their freshness.
• Place the wrapped subs in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
• When ready to eat, thaw the subs in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, you can thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.
• To refresh the bread, you can toast the subs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
• Avoid adding lettuce and other fresh vegetables before freezing, as they can become soggy. Instead, add these ingredients fresh after thawing and reheating the subs.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the Italian subs in aluminum foil to keep them moist. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the meats are warmed through.
• For a quicker option, use a microwave. Wrap the subs in a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
• If you prefer a crispy exterior, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the subs directly on the rack. Heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the filling is hot.
• For a stovetop method, use a skillet over medium heat. Place the subs in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides are warmed evenly.
• 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, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

• Knife: essential for slicing the sub rolls, tomatoes, onions, and banana peppers.

• Cutting board: provides a stable surface for cutting and slicing ingredients.

• Measuring cups: used to measure out the shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, onions, and banana peppers.

• Measuring spoons: necessary for measuring the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano.

• Mixing bowl: useful for tossing the shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and banana peppers if you prefer to mix them before adding to the sandwich.

• Tongs: handy for layering the meats and cheese onto the sub rolls.

• Spoon: for drizzling the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the veggies.

• Serving platter: to arrange the completed subs for serving.

• Plastic wrap: for wrapping the subs tightly if you plan to refrigerate them for later.

Pre-slice ingredients: Buy pre-sliced salami, ham, and provolone cheese to save prep time.

Use a mandoline: Quickly slice onions and tomatoes with a mandoline for uniform thickness.

Pre-mix dressing: Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano in advance to drizzle easily.

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

Store ingredients properly: Keep lettuce and banana peppers fresh by storing them in airtight containers.