Italian Subs Recipe

Sub rolls: Soft, long rolls that are perfect for holding all the delicious fillings.

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

Salami: A flavorful, cured meat that adds a savory punch.

Ham: A classic deli meat that pairs well with the other ingredients.

Lettuce: Fresh, shredded lettuce adds a crisp texture.

Tomatoes: Sliced tomatoes provide a juicy, fresh element.

Red onions: Thinly sliced for a bit of sharpness and crunch.

Italian dressing: A tangy, zesty dressing that ties all the flavors together.

For an extra burst of flavor, lightly toast the sub rolls before assembling the sandwiches. This will add a delightful crunch and help to melt the provolone cheese slightly, enhancing the overall texture and taste of your Italian subs.

• sub rolls - Substitute with whole wheat rolls: Whole wheat rolls provide more fiber and nutrients compared to traditional 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 offering 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 adds more vitamins and minerals, and has a slightly different texture.

• sliced tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor, and can be a good option if tomatoes are out of season.

• thinly sliced red onions - Substitute with thinly sliced shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be less pungent than red onions.

• italian dressing - Substitute with balsamic vinaigrette: Balsamic vinaigrette offers a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

• To keep your Italian subs fresh, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped subs in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to prevent them from drying out.
• Store the subs in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 1-2 days. This will keep the lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions crisp and the meats and cheese fresh.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the subs. To do this, wrap each sandwich in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil.
• Label each wrapped sub with the date before placing them in the freezer. This helps you keep track of how long they've been stored.
• When you're ready to enjoy a frozen sub, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• To refresh the sandwich, you can toast it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
• If you prefer a cold sub, simply unwrap and enjoy once it has thawed completely.

• 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 toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the subs directly on the rack. Heat for 8-10 minutes, ensuring the bread gets a slight crisp while the provolone cheese melts perfectly.

• If you're in a rush, the microwave can be your friend. Wrap the subs in a damp paper towel to prevent the bread from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• For a stovetop method, use a skillet over medium heat. Place the Italian subs in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-5 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure the cheese melts and the meats warm up.

• If you have a panini press, preheat it and place the subs inside. Press down and heat for 3-5 minutes until the bread is crispy and the cheese is gooey and melted.

• Knife: To slice the sub rolls in half lengthwise and to thinly slice the red onions.

• Cutting board: A surface to safely slice the sub rolls, tomatoes, and onions.

• Measuring cup: To measure out 1 cup of shredded lettuce and 1 cup of sliced tomatoes.

• Measuring spoons: To measure out ¼ cup of Italian dressing.

• Serving platter: To arrange and serve the assembled Italian subs.

• Tongs: To handle and layer the slices of provolone cheese, salami, and ham without touching them directly.

• Mixing bowl: To hold the shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes before adding them to the subs.

Pre-slice ingredients: Pre-slice lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions ahead of time to save preparation time.

Use deli counter: Purchase pre-sliced provolone cheese, salami, and ham from the deli counter.

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

Store dressing: Keep Italian dressing in a squeeze bottle for quick and even drizzling.

Prep in advance: Prepare all components the night before and store them in airtight containers.