Italian Sub Sandwich Recipe ($3.07/each) - Good Cheap Eats (2024)

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details, please see our disclosure policy.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This recipe for the best Italian sandwiches is an easy dinner or lunch plan you’re going to want to have on repeat. Layered with meats, cheese, lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and spicy peppers, it’s a classic sub sandwich that’s packed with flavor and comes together in less than 15 minutes without any special ingredients or equipment.

this …

Want to save this post?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I’ll send you budget recipes and money-saving tips every week!

If you don’t have a favorite Italian deli where you can grab the perfect bite at an affordable price, no worries! You can make the classic Italian sub at home for less!

Split open a small loaf of crusty bread and layer on thin slices of cured meats, creamy cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and piquant pepperoncini peppers. The whole thing comes together quickly and tastes amazing!

Why Make This

They are quick and easy to make.A bulk batch of these Italian sandwiches takes only 15 minutes to assemble. I know because making themen massewas one of my first college jobs.

They taste delicious.The combination of savory meats, tangy cheese, creamy herb mayo, crispy lettuce, and juicy tomato just cannot be beat.

They are easily packable.Why pay extra for a sub sandwich at a shop when you can make a better one for less at home? Wrapped in plastic wrap, these pack well so that you can brown bag it in style.

Ingredients

Italian Sub Sandwich Recipe ($3.07/each) - Good Cheap Eats (2)

The different ingredients in an Italian Sub are pretty straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need:

sub or grinder roll– You can buy these at the grocery store bakery. They might be called Italian hoagie rolls or Italian sandwich rolls. You can also use a large Italian loaf and slice it or bake your ownHomemade Sub Rolls.

sliced ham and salami– This combo of meats is on point. I usually grab uncured ham and Genoa salami. See the variations below for some favorite restaurant copycat versions.

sliced provolone cheese– This cheese adds a bit of tang without overpowering the meat. You can also try slices of fresh mozzarella cheese for more upscale Italian sandwiches.

sandwich veggies like shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced fresh tomatoes, sliced red onion, pepperoncini– These vegetables offer just the right contrast of textures and tastes to make this sub sandwich really pop.

dressing– I once got in a heated debate with one of my cookbook editors over which flavorful sauce to use in this Italian sandwich recipe. She held thatvinaigretteis a must addition to an Italian sub, while I believe it’s theherbed mayonnaisethat takes this homemade sub sandwich over the top. Choose the one you prefer or you can do as my husband does and add both.

Variations

While I think these are the best Italian sandwiches on the planet, there are lots of ways to mix things up to suit your fancy.

Change the meats:You can change the combinations of the Italian cold cuts to suit your preferences or to copycat your favorite Subway or Jersey Mike’s sandwich:

  • For an Italian BMT: add sliced pepperoni.
  • For a Cold Cut Combo: add bologna.
  • For a Jersey Shore’s Favorite: subcapicolafor the salami.
  • For a Super Sub: sub capicola for the salami and add prosciutto.
  • Other options: sliced roast beef, four pepper turkey

Add more veggies:you can add avocado slices,coleslaw, other lettuce or spinach, sliced cucumbers,roasted vegetables, olive salad,jalapenos, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomato slices, sliced black olives,Dill Picklesor banana peppers.

Try other condiments:IfHerbed Mayonnaiseisn’t your style, you can try aHomemade Chipotle Mayofor a little heat or just keep it simple with thisFoolproof Homemade Mayonnaise.

Alternatively, you can also use a drizzle of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar. Maybe try adding a spread of pesto sauceor add a drizzle ofItalian dressingorBalsamic Salad Dressing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Italian Sub Sandwich Recipe ($3.07/each) - Good Cheap Eats (3)
Italian Sub Sandwich Recipe ($3.07/each) - Good Cheap Eats (4)
Italian Sub Sandwich Recipe ($3.07/each) - Good Cheap Eats (5)
Italian Sub Sandwich Recipe ($3.07/each) - Good Cheap Eats (6)

These Italian sandwiches are super simple to make. If you’re making more than one, make the process even easier, by laying them all out at one time and prepping them assembly-line style.

  1. On a cutting board with a serrated knife, slice the rolls lengthwise, leaving a hinge on one side. Spread the mayo on both sides of the roll.
  2. Layer two slices of provolone on the bottom half of the bread.
  3. Add two slices of ham and four slices of salami.
  4. Add a layer of tomatoes. And then a layer of onion. Add a few handfuls of shredded lettuce. Garnish with a few slices of pepperoncini.
  5. Carefully fold the sandwich, keeping the filling inside. Serve immediately, or wrap well and store in the fridge until serving.

Make-ahead Instructions

These Italian Sub sandwiches are perfect for packing to school, work, picnics, orroad trips. Prepare the sandwiches, wrap well in plastic or a beeswax wrapper and store in the fridge or in a cooler until serving.When I made hundreds of these sandwiches every day, we prepared them at 6 in the morning to be served until closing time that night.

The mayonnaise is needed to keep the sandwich from being dry, but it will make the sandwich soggy if prepped too far in advance. If you’re going to make these sandwiches a day in advance, I’d leave off the mayo and add it before serving.

FAQs

What’s in an Italian Sub made of?

The ingredients in an Italian Sub are pretty straightforward: sub or grinder roll, sliced provolone, sliced ham and salami, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced onion, pepperoncini.

Can you freeze an Italian Sub?

Bread, meats, and cheeses all freeze and thaw well, however, mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomatoes do not. If you’d like to freeze an Italian sub, assemble it with just the bread, meat, and cheese, wrap well with foil, and store in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator a few hours before serving. Consider heating it in the foil or toasting it open faced prior to serving to eliminate any excess moisture. Then you can add mayo, dressing, lettuce, and tomatoes if you wish.

Italian Sub Sandwich Recipe ($3.07/each) - Good Cheap Eats (7)

More Great Sandwiches & Sandwich Fillings

Pulled Chicken Sliders (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, Stovetop)

Homemade Everything Hamburger Buns Recipe

Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe (No Ketchup)

Italian Sub Sandwich Recipe ($3.07/each) - Good Cheap Eats (12)

Tell us what you think!

We love to hear your experiences with Good Cheap Eats. Click the STARS on the recipe card or leave a STARRED comment to let us know what you think of the recipe.

Italian Sub Sandwich Recipe ($3.07/each) - Good Cheap Eats (13)

Italian Sub Sandwiches

The classic Italian Sub is an easy and affordable sandwich to make yourself. You’ll enjoy a great lunch at a price that can’t be beat!

4.50 from 10 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course, Snack

Cuisine: American, Italian

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 652kcal

Author: Jessica Fisher

Cost: $12.28

Ingredients

  • 4 Italian sub rolls
  • ½ cup herbed mayonnaise
  • 8 provolone cheese slices
  • 8 oz sliced ham
  • 4 oz salami slices
  • 2 tomato sliced
  • ½ red onion sliced
  • 6 oz shredded lettuce
  • 8 pepperoncini sliced

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Slice the Italian roll lengthwise, but not completely through; leave a hinge.

  • Spread 1-2 tablespoons of herbed mayo on the roll.

  • Layer the cheese, ham, salami, tomato, onion, shredded lettuce, and pepperoncini. Close the sandwich tightly.

  • Wrap securely in saran wrap. Chill until serving.

Notes

Make Ahead: Prepare the sandwiches, minus the mayo, wrap well in plastic or a beeswax wrapper and store in the fridge or in a cooler until serving. Serve the herbed mayonnaise on the side.

If you prefer, you can add Italian salad dressing instead of the mayo or in addition to it.

Promptly store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.

Nutritional values are approximate and based on 1 sandwich.

Variations: You can change the combinations of the meat to suit your preferences or to copycat your favorite Subway or Jersey Mike’s sandwich.

  • For an Italian BMT: add sliced pepperoni.
  • For a Cold Cut Combo: add bologna.
  • For a Jersey Shore’s Favorite: sub capicola for the salami.
  • For a Super Sub: sub capicola for the salami and add prosciutto.

Nutrition

Calories: 652kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 1812mg | Potassium: 555mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 830IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 12mg

Tried this recipe?Tell us what you think! Your reviews help us develop better recipes and give newcomers the confidence to try your favorites. Scroll down to leave a starred comment.

This post was originally published on October 5, 2019. It has been updated for content and clarity.

Italian Sub Sandwich Recipe ($3.07/each) - Good Cheap Eats (2024)

FAQs

What ingredients does an Italian sub typically contain? ›

It's all about the ingredients: crispy, seedy Italian bread, layers upon layers of paper-thin capicola, salami, pepperoni and ham, vinegar-drenched shredded lettuce, fresh tomatoes, sliced onions, and cherry peppers. Plus some [not so] top-secret deli hacks to tie it all together.

Are Italian sub sandwiches healthy? ›

Traditionally, the classic Italian deli sandwich is known for packing a lot of fat and a lot of calories. It's also known for having a ton of fillers, artificial ingredients, and nitrites (used to preserve deli meat).

Do you put mayo on an Italian sub? ›

As long as you put oil and vinegar, mayo is OK but definitely not mustard.

Do people put mayo on Italian subs? ›

What condiments are good on an Italian sub? This recipe keeps things simple. Mayonnaise and a splash of Italian dressing are all it truly needs! Of course, you could always add your other favorites.

What are the 3 main ingredients in sandwich making? ›

There are 3 main components of a sandwich: the bread, the spread, and the filling.

How to layer a sub sandwich? ›

Layer lettuce, onion, and tomatoes on bottom half of sandwich bread. Top with salami, turkey, ham, Deli American, and top half of sandwich bread.

What is a 3 way sandwich? ›

This was a type of roast beef sandwich that was distinguished by, it seemed, the inclusion of cheese, mayonnaise and an ungodly amount of barbecue sauce. This trio of critical ingredients is known as a “3-way” in North Shore Beef jargon. And the sandwich is eaten only in a collection of towns north of Boston.

How to make a sandwich easy? ›

Layer meats, like ham, roast beef, or turkey on the bottom slice. Add slices of cheese, like Cheddar, Provolone, or Swiss. Top your sandwich with fresh veggies, like lettuce, onion, and tomato. Finish your sandwich with salt, pepper, or oregano.

What is the formula for the perfect sandwich? ›

The basic formula is this: bread, spread, filling, garnish. But there are many ways to analyze sandwich construction further. British sandwich chef Max Halley has a whole book dedicated to the “six-point formula for a perfect sandwich,” which requires hot, cold, sweet, sour, crunchy, and soft elements.

What's in an Italian sub from Subway? ›

This all-time Italian classic is filled with Genoa salami, spicy pepperoni, and Black Forest Ham. Get it made the way you say with your favorite veggies on freshly baked bread. Some items may not be available in all markets. Prices and participation may vary.

What is the unhealthiest sandwich meat? ›

“Fatty, processed luncheon meats like bologna, salami and pepperoni have large amounts of saturated fat and sodium, both of which have been linked to cancer, obesity and heart disease,” Zumpano shares. In fact, processed meats are actually considered carcinogenic.

Is an Italian sub better hot or cold? ›

Some like it served as a cold sub, and others prefer it baked until the cheese melts and the roll is toasty. Either way, it's delicious."

What does an Italian sub have on it Subway? ›

This all-time Italian classic is filled with Genoa salami, spicy pepperoni, and Black Forest Ham. Get it made the way you say with your favorite veggies on freshly baked bread. Some items may not be available in all markets. Prices and participation may vary.

What does Jersey Mike's put on their Italian sub? ›

Nothing says Jersey Mike's more than our Original Italian sub. A truly authentic Jersey-style Italian sub, it's crafted with provolone, ham, prosciuttini, cappacuolo, salami, and pepperoni. Order a giant Original Italian sub Mike's Way for one truly memorable experience.

What is the difference between American sub and Italian sub? ›

American sub sandwich also known as a hoagie or American hero is a submarine sandwich that is similar to the Italian sub. While the Italian one used cured ham and cheese from Italy, the American version focuses on American cheeses and deli meats.

What is on an Italian sub from Jimmy John's? ›

A tasty Italian sandwich, made with hand-sliced salami, capocollo, & provolone cheese. The Vito® comes topped with fresh-sliced lettuce, tomato, onion, oil & vinegar and oregano-basil.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5597

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Birthday: 1995-01-14

Address: 55021 Usha Garden, North Larisa, DE 19209

Phone: +6812240846623

Job: Corporate Healthcare Strategist

Hobby: Singing, Listening to music, Rafting, LARPing, Gardening, Quilting, Rappelling

Introduction: My name is Foster Heidenreich CPA, I am a delightful, quaint, glorious, quaint, faithful, enchanting, fine person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.