Italian Subs Recipe

Sub rolls: Soft and chewy bread rolls that form the base of the sub.

Provolone cheese: A semi-hard cheese with a mild, nutty flavor.

Salami: A type of cured sausage that adds a savory depth.

Ham: Thinly sliced, adds a subtle sweetness and protein.

Shredded lettuce: Adds a fresh, crunchy texture.

Sliced tomatoes: Juicy and flavorful, they add moisture and brightness.

Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp, tangy bite.

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

Red wine vinegar: Provides a tangy contrast to the rich meats and cheese.

Dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that enhances the overall flavor.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity.

When preparing the sub rolls, consider toasting them lightly in the oven for a few minutes before assembling the sandwich. This adds a delightful crunch and helps to keep the bread from becoming soggy when you add the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Additionally, for an extra burst of flavor, you can marinate the red onion slices in a bit of vinegar and salt for about 10 minutes before adding them to the sandwich. This will mellow out their sharpness and add a tangy kick to your Italian subs.

• sub rolls - Substitute with whole wheat rolls: Whole wheat rolls provide more fiber and nutrients compared to regular sub rolls.

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

• salami - Substitute with turkey pepperoni: Turkey pepperoni is lower in fat and calories while still providing a similar spicy flavor.

• ham - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is leaner and has less sodium compared to ham.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach offers more vitamins and minerals than shredded lettuce.

• sliced tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor, enhancing the sandwich.

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

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a versatile substitute.

• red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and adds a slight fruity note.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil provides a different but complementary herb flavor to the sandwich.

• 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 taste and a slightly different flavor profile.

• To keep your Italian subs fresh, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to maintain the sandwich's structure and prevents the ingredients from drying out.
• Place the wrapped subs in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This extra layer of protection ensures that the subs stay fresh and flavorful.
• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator if you plan to eat the subs within 24 hours. The cold temperature will keep the lettuce, tomatoes, and onions crisp while preserving the meats and cheese.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the subs. Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped sandwiches in a resealable freezer bag.
• When you're ready to enjoy a frozen Italian sub, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the ingredients.
• If you prefer a warm sub, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and rewrap the sandwich in aluminum foil. Heat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the meats are warmed through.
• Avoid microwaving the subs as it can make the bread soggy and the vegetables limp. The oven method ensures a better texture and flavor.
• If you notice any excess moisture in the subs after thawing, gently pat the vegetables dry with a paper towel before reheating or serving. This helps maintain the sandwich's integrity and prevents sogginess.
• For added freshness, consider adding the lettuce, tomatoes, and onions just before serving if you plan to store the subs for an extended period. This way, the vegetables remain crisp and vibrant.

• 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 quick reheat, use a microwave. Wrap the subs in a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check to ensure the cheese is melted and the meats are heated through.

• If you prefer a crispy texture, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the subs directly on the rack. Heat for about 10 minutes, keeping an eye on them to avoid over-toasting.

• For a stovetop method, use 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. This method helps maintain a crispy exterior while warming the interior.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the subs in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method will give you a crispy exterior and a warm, melty interior.

• Knife: To slice the sub rolls, tomatoes, and red onion.

• Cutting board: To provide a stable surface for slicing the ingredients.

• Measuring cups: To measure the shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano.

• Small bowl: To mix the olive oil and red wine vinegar if desired.

• Spoon: To drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the veggies.

• Tongs: To layer the provolone cheese, salami, and ham on the sub rolls.

• Plastic wrap: To wrap the sandwiches tightly if refrigerating for later.

• Plate: To serve the sandwiches immediately.

Pre-slice ingredients: Pre-slice lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions ahead of time and store them in airtight containers.

Use deli-sliced meats: Purchase salami and ham that are already thinly sliced from the deli to save prep time.

Assemble in batches: Lay out all sub rolls and assemble multiple Italian subs at once to streamline the process.

Pre-mix dressing: Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano in a small jar and shake well. This way, you can quickly drizzle it over the veggies.