Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches are hearty, customizable, and packed with bold Italian flavor. They’re quick to assemble, bake beautifully, and are easy to scale up for a family dinner or party platter. You’ll love the balance of salty meats, creamy cheese, and tangy dressing wrapped in perfectly toasted bread.
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Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches – The Ultimate Hot and Melty Deli Classic
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Diet: Halal
Description
Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches are warm, melty, and loaded with layers of savory deli meats, gooey cheese, and tangy Italian dressing — baked until golden for the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food.
Ingredients
- 4 sub rolls or hoagie buns
- 8 slices deli ham
- 8 slices salami
- 8 slices pepperoni
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced banana peppers
- 1/4 cup sliced red onions
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Slice each sub roll in half lengthwise without cutting all the way through, keeping them hinged like a book.
- Brush the inside of each roll lightly with Italian dressing.
- Layer each sandwich with ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, and mozzarella cheese.
- Add banana peppers, onions, and olives (if using) on top of the meats and cheese.
- Close the sandwiches and brush the tops with melted butter mixed with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- Wrap each sandwich loosely in foil and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasty.
- Remove from oven, unwrap, and drizzle with extra Italian dressing if desired.
- Slice in half and serve warm with chips, salad, or fries.
Notes
- Use ciabatta rolls or French bread for a heartier sandwich base.
- For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or hot giardiniera before baking.
- These sandwiches can be prepped ahead and baked right before serving — perfect for parties or game days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course / Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Hoagie rolls or sub buns – The perfect base for these sandwiches. Choose sturdy rolls that can handle all the fillings and the baking process without getting soggy.
Sliced ham – Adds a mild, savory flavor and soft texture that balances the spicier meats.
Genoa salami – Brings that signature Italian tang and a rich, garlicky note.
Pepperoni – Gives the sandwich its spicy kick and blends beautifully with melted cheese.
Provolone cheese – Melts perfectly, offering a creamy, slightly smoky taste that ties all the meats together.
Banana peppers – Add a zesty, tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the meats and cheese.
Sliced red onion – Provides a subtle sweetness and crisp texture.
Lettuce and tomato slices – Added after baking for freshness and crunch.
Italian dressing – Brings all the flavors together with its herby, slightly tangy notes.
Butter and garlic powder – Used for brushing the bread, adding a rich, toasty flavor.
Oregano or Italian seasoning – A sprinkle on top gives an aromatic finishing touch.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Split the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise and place them open-faced on the baking sheet.
- Brush the inside of each roll lightly with melted butter and a pinch of garlic powder.
- Layer each sandwich with ham, salami, and pepperoni.
- Top with provolone cheese slices to cover the meats evenly.
- Add banana peppers and sliced red onions on top for flavor and texture.
- Place the top halves of the rolls over the fillings and brush the tops with a little melted butter.
- Sprinkle oregano or Italian seasoning on top for added aroma.
- Wrap each sandwich loosely in foil and bake for about 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden.
- Remove from the oven, open the foil, and let them cool slightly before adding lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of Italian dressing.
- Slice and serve warm with chips, salad, or a cup of soup.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Storage/reheating
Wrap leftover sandwiches tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them (still wrapped) in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes until heated through. You can also warm them in an air fryer for a crisp finish. Avoid microwaving directly, as it may make the bread soggy.
Variations and Customizations
Turkey and Ham Combo – For a milder flavor, swap out the salami and pepperoni for sliced turkey.
Spicy Italian Style – Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy giardiniera for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Option – Replace meats with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, then add extra provolone.
Ciabatta Upgrade – Try ciabatta or focaccia bread for a more gourmet feel and extra crispness.
Pesto Drizzle – Spread basil pesto inside the roll before baking for an herby twist.
Double Cheese Melt – Mix provolone with mozzarella or fontina for ultra-gooey texture.
Honey Mustard Layer – Add a light drizzle of honey mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor contrast.
Italian Sausage Version – Use cooked Italian sausage slices instead of deli meats for a hearty, rustic sandwich.
Olive Tapenade Spread – A spoonful of olive tapenade adds briny, Mediterranean depth.
Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free rolls and check that your deli meats and dressing are certified gluten-free.
FAQs
Can I prepare these sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them without baking, wrap in foil, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely—mozzarella, provolone, or Swiss all melt beautifully in this recipe.
How do I prevent the sandwiches from getting soggy?
Use sturdy bread, and don’t add lettuce or tomato until after baking.
Can I bake them all at once for a party?
Yes, just line them up on a large baking sheet and bake together.
Are these sandwiches freezer-friendly?
They can be frozen before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
What dressing works best?
Classic Italian dressing or a balsamic vinaigrette both pair perfectly.
Can I make these sandwiches without foil?
Yes, but foil helps trap heat and moisture for even melting and toasting.
Can I use pepper jack cheese for a spicier version?
Yes, pepper jack melts well and adds a great spicy twist.
What sides go well with baked Italian subs?
Serve with chips, coleslaw, potato salad, or a light garden salad.
Can I reheat leftovers in the microwave?
You can, but it’s best to reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.
Conclusion
These Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches are everything you want in a hot sandwich—crispy on the outside, melty inside, and bursting with Italian flavor. The layers of seasoned meats, gooey cheese, and tangy dressing make them irresistible. They’re easy to prepare, perfect for feeding a crowd, and endlessly customizable. Whether you serve them for a family dinner, a game-day feast, or a casual get-together, these baked subs will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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