If you’ve ever bitten into a perfectly layered Italian sub, you know it’s more than just a sandwich—it’s a flavor-packed meal. In this Italian sub recipe, I’ll show you how to make it at home with fresh ingredients, crisp bread, and all the right toppings.
“A great Italian sub should be a balance of textures and flavors—crispy bread, fresh veggies, tangy dressing, and perfectly seasoned meats.”
My Experience Making This Italian Sub Recipe
I first made this Italian sub recipe for a family picnic. Everyone loved it because it was quick to prepare, easy to pack, and tasted just like a deli version. The secret? Fresh bread and high-quality meats.

Italian Sub Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Foil
Ingredients
- 1 large Italian hoagie roll (or French baguette)
- 3 slices Genoa salami (sub: turkey salami)
- 3 slices deli ham (sub: smoked turkey)
- 2 slices provolone cheese (sub: mozzarella)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 4 tomato slices
- 4-5 red onion rings
- 6-8 banana pepper rings
- 2 tbsp olive oil & red wine vinegar mix (1:1 ratio)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (sub: oregano + basil)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice your hoagie roll lengthwise, leaving one side attached.
- Layer salami, ham, and provolone cheese on the bottom half.
- Add lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and banana peppers.
- Drizzle olive oil and vinegar mix evenly over the veggies.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Press the sandwich gently to keep everything in place.
- Cut in half and serve fresh.
Notes
My Top 7 Tips for an Italian Sub Recipe
- Use fresh bread – Stale bread ruins the texture.
- Go for quality meats – Deli-fresh makes a big difference.
- Thin slice veggies – Prevents the sub from being bulky.
- Add the dressing last – Keeps bread from getting soggy.
- Wrap tightly in foil – Helps flavors meld if stored.
- Serve at room temp – Brings out all the flavors.
- Check nutritional info – Learn more from USDA’s FoodData Central.
Italian Sub Recipe Variations to Try
- Spicy Italian Sub – Add extra banana peppers & jalapeños.
- Veggie Italian Sub – Skip the meat and double the cheese.
- Chicken Italian Sub – Swap deli meats with grilled chicken.
- Mini Party Subs – Use small rolls for snacks.
- Hot Italian Sub – Toast bread & melt cheese before serving.
How to Store Your Italian Sub Recipe
- Fridge: Wrap in foil and store up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (veggies lose texture).
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prep veggies & meats separately; assemble before eating.
Perfect Pairings
- Potato chips
- Pickles
- Sweet iced tea
Troubleshooting Tips
- Bread too soggy? Use less dressing or toast bread.
- Too salty? Choose low-sodium meats.
Nutrition Table (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 480 kcal |
Protein | 23 g |
Carbs | 45 g |
Fat | 23 g |
Sodium | 1320 mg |
Conclusion
This Italian sub recipe is a perfect mix of flavor, freshness, and ease. Whether it’s for lunch, a picnic, or a quick dinner, you’ll love every bite. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Bella Hadid Sandwich Recipe: Delicious and Healthy Option for a Quick Meal—it’s another tasty sandwich you can whip up in minutes.
Explore more recipes here → SpoonnSpice
FAQs
What bread is best for an Italian sub?
The best bread for an Italian sub is a fresh hoagie roll or Italian baguette. It should be soft inside and crusty outside to hold all the fillings.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian Italian sub recipe, skip the meats and double up on cheese and fresh veggies like peppers, cucumbers, and lettuce.
What cheese works best?
Provolone cheese is the classic choice for an Italian sub, but you can also use mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor.
How do I keep it from getting soggy?
To keep your Italian sub recipe fresh, add the oil and vinegar dressing just before serving and avoid overloading with tomatoes.
Can I toast my Italian sub?
Yes! Toasting adds extra crunch and melts the cheese. Simply place your assembled sub in the oven for 3–4 minutes at 350°F.
What’s the best meat combo?
The most popular combo is salami, ham, and provolone. You can also add mortadella or pepperoni for more flavor.
Can I prepare it the night before?
You can prep the ingredients the night before, but for the best texture, assemble your Italian sub just before eating.
How long can it sit out?
An Italian sub can sit out for about 2 hours at room temperature. If it’s hot outside, limit it to 1 hour.
Is it healthy?
Italian subs can be part of a balanced diet if made with whole-grain bread, lean meats, and plenty of veggies.
What’s the difference between an Italian sub and a hoagie?
They are very similar, but “Italian sub” usually refers to a specific meat and cheese combo, while “hoagie” is a broader term for any long sandwich.
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