If you’re craving a sandwich that’s bursting with flavor and has just the right amount of melty, savory goodness, then this Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches Recipe is absolutely for you. Imagine layers of provolone, mozzarella, salami, pepperoni, and ham melting together inside a perfectly toasted hoagie roll, finished off with fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and zingy banana peppers drizzled with a homemade herby dressing. It’s like an Italian deli came right to your kitchen, delivering a hot, hearty meal that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, this recipe turns a simple sub into an unforgettable feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each element plays a special part: the cheeses melt into gooey layers, the cured meats bring rich, smoky flavor, and the fresh veggies and seasoned oil add a crisp, tangy brightness that balances everything perfectly.
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls, sliced lengthwise: Choose fresh buns with a sturdy crust for the best texture.
- 8 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a mild, slightly nutty flavor.
- 6 slices mozzarella cheese: Gives that classic stretchy cheese pull you’ll love.
- 8 slices salami: Adds a savory, spiced kick to the sandwich.
- 8 slices pepperoni: For that traditional Italian-style zing and color.
- 8 slices ham: A juicy, slightly sweet complement to the other meats.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce: Brings a crunchy, fresh texture that contrasts the melty cheese.
- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced: Offers juicy sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a mild sharpness and crunch.
- 1/4 cup banana pepper rings: Provides a tangy, slightly spicy bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A flavorful base for the seasoned dressing.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Lifts the sandwich with acidity and brightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that complements the meats.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds fragrant, sweet notes to the dressing.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other ingredients.
How to Make Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s hot and ready when your sandwiches are assembled. Lay your hoagie rolls cut side up on a baking sheet—this helps to toast them slightly under the cheese without getting soggy.
Step 2: Layer the Meats and Cheeses
Begin with a layer of provolone cheese on the bottom half of each roll. Next, add the salami, followed by pepperoni and ham, creating that irresistible mix of flavors. Top it all off with the mozzarella cheese—this will melt perfectly and hold everything together.
Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Melted
Place the prepared sandwiches in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the cheese should be fully melted and the meats warmed through, creating an ooey-gooey, savory masterpiece.
Step 4: Make the Seasoned Oil Dressing
While the sandwiches bake, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This simple dressing is what ties the fresh toppings and the rich sandwich together with a zesty finish.
Step 5: Add Fresh Veggies and Dressings
Once the subs come out of the oven, layer on shredded lettuce, thin slices of tomato, red onion, and banana pepper rings. Drizzle your seasoned oil mixture over everything for a final burst of flavor. Finish by placing the top halves of the rolls on your deliciously stacked fillings.
How to Serve Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra banana pepper rings on top can brighten the presentation and add a little extra punch of flavor. If you love a bit of heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes never hurts to lift the entire sandwich experience.
Side Dishes
These sandwiches pair wonderfully with classic sides like potato chips, a crisp Caesar salad, or even a light pasta salad. The key is to keep the sides simple and fresh so the rich baked subs stay the star of the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing twist, slice the sandwiches into smaller, bite-sized portions for a party platter. You can also serve the sandwiches with small bowls of the seasoned oil dressing for dipping, turning this Italian favorite into a fun interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover baked Italian subs, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. They should stay fresh for up to two days, though they’re best enjoyed the same day for optimal texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing is an option if you want to save these for later. Wrap each sandwich individually in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to one month. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sandwich on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy bread and uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meats in this recipe?
Absolutely! This Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches Recipe is very flexible. Feel free to swap out or add meats like turkey, roast beef, or capicola to tailor it to your taste.
Is it possible to make this sandwich dairy-free?
Yes, you can omit the cheeses or use dairy-free cheese alternatives. The sandwich will still be delicious with the seasoned oil dressing and fresh veggies bringing plenty of flavor.
Can I prepare the sandwiches ahead of time?
You can assemble the sandwiches without baking them in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours. Just bake right before serving to enjoy them hot and melty.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Sub rolls or hoagie rolls with a crusty exterior and soft interior work best because they hold up well under baking and support all the fillings without getting soggy.
How spicy are these sandwiches?
The sandwich has a gentle kick from the banana pepper rings and pepperoni, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding more peppers or removing them if you prefer mild flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to make when I want something satisfying, flavorful, and a little bit special without too much fuss. Once you try it, I promise you’ll understand why it makes such an impressive meal for any occasion. Go on, treat yourself and those you love to a warm, cheesy, meaty Italian sub that feels like a hug in sandwich form!
Print
Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches are a delicious twist on the classic hoagie, featuring layers of provolone, mozzarella, salami, pepperoni, and ham melted to perfection in the oven, then topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, red onion, and banana peppers. Drizzled with a flavorful seasoned olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing, these sandwiches offer a warm, hearty meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls, sliced lengthwise
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 6 slices mozzarella cheese
- 8 slices salami
- 8 slices pepperoni
- 8 slices ham
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup banana pepper rings
Seasoned Oil Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the sandwiches.
- Prepare Rolls: Place the hoagie rolls on a baking sheet, cut side facing up. Optionally, toast the rolls in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes before adding fillings for extra crispness.
- Layer Fillings: On the bottom halves of the rolls, layer evenly with provolone cheese, followed by salami, pepperoni, ham, and then top with mozzarella cheese slices.
- Bake Sandwiches: Place the assembled sandwiches in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and the meats are warmed through.
- Prepare Seasoned Oil: While baking, mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Remove sandwiches from the oven and top with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, and banana pepper rings.
- Drizzle Dressing and Serve: Drizzle the seasoned oil dressing over the fresh toppings, place the top halves of the rolls on each sandwich, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crisp bread, toast the rolls for 3 to 4 minutes before adding the fillings.
- Customize the meats or cheeses based on preference.
- Add olives for extra flavor if desired.
- Omitting cheese makes this dairy-free.
