Dive into the flavors of Italy with these mouthwatering Italian subs. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, these subs are packed with layers of savory meats, fresh vegetables, and tangy dressings. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these subs are sure to impress.
If you're heading to the supermarket, be sure to look for pepperoncini and provolone cheese. These ingredients might not be staples in every household but are essential for achieving the authentic Italian sub flavor. Pepperoncini adds a mild heat and tang, while provolone cheese provides a creamy, slightly sharp taste that complements the meats perfectly.

Ingredients For Italian Subs Recipe
Sub rolls: Soft and sturdy bread rolls that hold all the delicious fillings together.
Salami: A flavorful, cured sausage that adds a spicy kick to the subs.
Ham: Thinly sliced, savory meat that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Provolone cheese: A creamy, slightly sharp cheese that melts beautifully.
Lettuce: Fresh, shredded greens that add a crisp texture.
Tomatoes: Juicy, sliced tomatoes that provide a burst of freshness.
Onions: Sliced onions that add a bit of bite and sweetness.
Pepperoncini: Mildly spicy, tangy peppers that enhance the flavor profile.
Olives: Sliced olives that bring a salty, briny taste.
Olive oil: A rich oil that adds moisture and flavor.
Red wine vinegar: A tangy vinegar that balances the richness of the meats and cheese.
Oregano: A fragrant herb that adds an earthy, Italian touch.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the subs.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and depth.
Technique Tip for Making Italian Subs
When layering the meats and cheese on the sub rolls, make sure to slightly overlap each slice. This ensures even distribution and prevents the ingredients from sliding out when you take a bite. Additionally, for a more flavorful experience, consider marinating the onions in the red wine vinegar for about 10 minutes before adding them to the sandwich. This will give them a tangy kick and soften their sharpness.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
sub rolls - Substitute with whole wheat rolls: Whole wheat rolls provide more fiber and nutrients compared to regular sub rolls.
salami - Substitute with turkey pepperoni: Turkey pepperoni is a leaner option with less fat and fewer calories.
ham - Substitute with roast turkey: Roast turkey is a leaner protein and has a milder flavor that can complement the other ingredients.
provolone cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative.
lettuce - Substitute with spinach: Spinach is more nutrient-dense and provides a different texture and flavor.
tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor, offering a different taste profile.
onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter taste compared to onions.
pepperoncini - Substitute with banana peppers: Banana peppers have a similar tangy flavor and can be used interchangeably.
olives - Substitute with capers: Capers provide a briny and tangy flavor similar to olives but with a different texture.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor that works well in dressings.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy flavor, offering a different but complementary taste.
oregano - Substitute with basil: Basil provides a fresh and slightly sweet flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the sub.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and can be used in smaller quantities.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to add a subtle heat without overpowering the other ingredients.
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How to Store or Freeze Your Subs
- To keep your Italian subs fresh for later enjoyment, wrap each sandwich tightly in aluminum foil. This helps maintain the sandwich's structure and prevents the ingredients from drying out.
- Store the wrapped subs in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Place them in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 1-2 days.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the subs. Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap before covering it with aluminum foil. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn.
- When freezing, label each sandwich with the date to keep track of freshness. Italian subs can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- To thaw, transfer the frozen sub to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. This gradual thawing process helps preserve the texture and flavor of the bread and ingredients.
- If you prefer a warm sub, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the foil and plastic wrap, then place the sandwich on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is warmed through.
- For a quick reheating option, use a microwave. Remove the foil and plastic wrap, then place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- To maintain the crispness of the lettuce and vegetables, consider adding them fresh after reheating the sandwich. Store the veggies separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Always check the sandwich for any signs of spoilage before consuming, especially if it has been stored for an extended period. Look for changes in color, texture, or smell.
How to Reheat Leftovers
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 quicker method, 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, checking occasionally to ensure they don't overheat.
If you prefer a crispier texture, unwrap the subs and place them open-faced on a baking sheet. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. This will toast the bread and melt the cheese beautifully.
For a microwave option, wrap the subs in a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. This method is quicker but may result in a softer bread.
If you have a panini press, preheat it and place the subs inside. Press down gently and heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
For a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the subs in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even warming.
Essential Tools for Making Italian Subs
Knife: To slice the sub rolls, tomatoes, onions, and pepperoncini.
Cutting board: A surface to safely cut and prepare the ingredients.
Measuring cups: To measure out the lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pepperoncini, and olives.
Measuring spoons: To measure the olive oil, red wine vinegar, 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 meats, cheese, and vegetables onto the sub rolls.
Serrated knife: To slice the sub rolls in half lengthwise without crushing them.
Foil: To wrap the sandwiches tightly if you plan to serve them later.
Serving platter: To present the sandwiches if serving immediately.
How to Save Time on Making Subs
Pre-slice ingredients: Pre-slice lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pepperoncini, and olives ahead of time and store them in airtight containers.
Use deli-sliced meats: Buy pre-sliced salami and ham from the deli to save time on slicing.
Assemble in batches: Lay out all sub rolls and assemble multiple sandwiches at once to streamline the process.
Prepare dressing ahead: Mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano in a small bottle for quick drizzling.
Wrap for later: Wrap sandwiches in foil immediately after assembly to keep them fresh and ready to grab.

Italian Subs Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Sub rolls
- 8 slices Salami
- 8 slices Ham
- 8 slices Provolone cheese
- 1 cup Lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup Tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup Onions, sliced
- 1 cup Pepperoncini, sliced
- 1 cup Olives, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Instructions
- 1. Slice the sub rolls in half lengthwise.
- 2. Layer the salami, ham, and provolone cheese on the bottom half of each roll.
- 3. Add the lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pepperoncini, and olives on top of the meats and cheese.
- 4. Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar over the veggies.
- 5. Sprinkle oregano, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- 6. Place the top half of the roll on the sandwich and press down gently.
- 7. Serve immediately or wrap tightly in foil for later.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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