Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches are a game-changer for quick and delicious meals, transforming classic deli subs into an extra-satisfying hot and gooey experience. This recipe is your go-to for a crowd-pleasing, budget-friendly way to elevate your sandwich game without the fuss.
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Key Ingredients for Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches:
- 1 loaf of Italian bread, about 12-14 inches long (hoagie roll, French baguette style, or even day-old artisan bread works well)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 8 ounces thinly sliced deli meats (a mix is best! Consider: ham, salami, pepperoni, turkey, capicola)
- 4 ounces thinly sliced provolone cheese (or a mix of provolone and mozzarella)
- 2 ounces thinly sliced Swiss cheese (optional, but adds a nice depth)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (canned, drained)
- 1/4 cup pickled pepper rings or sliced pickled jalapeños (drained)
- 1/4 cup chopped or sliced roasted red peppers (from a jar, drained)
- Optional toppings for serving: shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, mayonnaise, mustard, Italian dressing
How to Make Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches:
Get ready for an incredibly easy, unbelievably delicious, and surprisingly satisfying meal! These Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches simplify a deli favorite into a warm, melty masterpiece with minimal effort. The magic lies in the toasting of the bread and the slow melt of the cheese, creating a rich texture that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of baking, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or fantastic party appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven and prepare the bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the Italian bread lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through. You want it to open like a book, creating a hinge on one side. If your bread is very long, you can cut it in half or thirds to make individual servings easier to handle.
- Make the garlic herb oil: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic (or garlic powder), dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). This fragrant oil is key to infusing the bread and filling with classic Italian flavors.
- Brush the bread with garlic herb oil: Generously brush the cut sides of the Italian bread with the prepared garlic herb oil. Make sure to coat the edges as well, ensuring every bite has a hint of deliciousness. Don’t be shy with this step; the oil helps the bread toast beautifully and adds tons of flavor.
- Layer the deli meats: On the bottom half of the opened bread, artfully arrange your selection of thinly sliced deli meats. Overlap them slightly to ensure even distribution and a hearty filling. A good mix of salty and savory meats works best here, so feel free to get creative with your favorites.
- Add the cheeses: Evenly distribute your chosen cheeses over the layers of deli meat. Start with the provolone, then add the Swiss (if using). The heat from the oven will melt these cheeses into a gooey, luscious layer that binds everything together.
- Top with savory additions: Scatter the sliced black olives, pickled pepper rings or jalapeños, and roasted red peppers over the cheese. These ingredients add pops of briny, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complement the richness of the meats and cheese.
- Assemble and wrap: Carefully close the top half of the bread over the filling. For easier handling and to help the sandwich hold its shape while baking, you can wrap the entire sub snugly in aluminum foil, leaving the top slightly open or loosely tented to allow steam to escape and the cheese to melt properly. Alternatively, you can place the sub on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil, then remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking to get a crispier crust.
- Bake until golden and bubbly: Place the foil-wrapped or prepared sub on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and toasted, and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. The smell alone will be absolutely incredible!
- Rest and slice: Once baked, carefully remove the sub from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut cleanly.
- Serve with your favorite fixings: Slice the Baked Italian Sub Sandwich into individual portions using a serrated knife. Serve immediately with any desired toppings like shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, red onion, mayonnaise, mustard, or drizzled with extra Italian dressing.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Italian Sub Sandwich:
You’ll adore these Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches because they capture the essence of a classic deli experience but elevate it into a warm, comforting, and incredibly satisfying meal. Imagine the aroma as the garlic-infused bread toasts and the savory meats meld with layers of perfectly melted cheese – pure bliss! Unlike a cold sub, baking transforms the textures, making each bite exceptionally rich and gooey, reminiscent of a toasted panini but with the unmistakable heartiness of an Italian deli classic.
The best part? You get all this incredible flavor and satisfaction without stepping foot into a deli or paying premium prices. Making these Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches at home is significantly more cost-effective, allowing you to customize your favorite meats and cheeses in abundance. The symphony of flavors from the tangy pickles, briny olives, sweet roasted peppers, and the melty cheese layered with your preferred deli meats creates a truly unforgettable taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t just dream about it; bring this delightful culinary creation to your kitchen!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Leftover Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches can be stored and enjoyed later, though they are best consumed fresh.
- Refrigeration: Allow cooled sandwiches to cool completely. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating:
- Oven/Toaster Oven: This is the preferred method for the best texture. Unwrap the sandwich and place it on a baking sheet. Reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is re-melted and the bread is warmed through. You can remove the foil for the last few minutes to re-crisp the bread.
- Skillet: For a quick reheat of a single portion, you can place the sandwich in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, covered, for about 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warm and gooey.
- Microwave (use with caution): While convenient, microwaving can make the bread soft. If you must, cover the sandwich and microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals until heated through. It’s not ideal for crispiness but works in a pinch.
- Freezing: Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches do not freeze particularly well due to the texture of the bread and melted cheese. However, if you wish to prepare them ahead and freeze for later, assemble the unbaked sandwich ingredients on the bread, wrap tightly, and freeze. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding several extra minutes to the baking time as needed.
Final Thoughts:
These Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special and universally loved. They offer a warm, comforting, and incredibly satisfying meal option that’s perfect for any occasion. Give them a try – you won’t be disappointed!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches
These Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches are a game-changer for quick and delicious meals, transforming classic deli subs into an extra-satisfying hot and gooey experience. This recipe is your go-to for a crowd-pleasing, budget-friendly way to elevate your sandwich game without the fuss.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the Italian bread lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through. You want it to open like a book, creating a hinge on one side. If your bread is very long, you can cut it in half or thirds to make individual servings easier to handle.1 loaf Italian bread
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic (or garlic powder), dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). This fragrant oil is key to infusing the bread and filling with classic Italian flavors.1/4 cup olive oil, 1 clove garlic, minced, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon dried basil, Pinch red pepper flakes
- Generously brush the cut sides of the Italian bread with the prepared garlic herb oil. Make sure to coat the edges as well, ensuring every bite has a hint of deliciousness. Don’t be shy with this step; the oil helps the bread toast beautifully and adds tons of flavor.1 loaf Italian bread, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 clove garlic, minced, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon dried basil, Pinch red pepper flakes
- On the bottom half of the opened bread, artfully arrange your selection of thinly sliced deli meats. Overlap them slightly to ensure even distribution and a hearty filling. A good mix of salty and savory meats works best here, so feel free to get creative with your favorites.1 loaf Italian bread, 8 ounces deli meats, thinly sliced
- Evenly distribute your chosen cheeses over the layers of deli meat. Start with the provolone, then add the Swiss (if using). The heat from the oven will melt these cheeses into a gooey, luscious layer that binds everything together.1 loaf Italian bread, 8 ounces deli meats, thinly sliced, 4 ounces provolone cheese, thinly sliced, 2 ounces Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
- Scatter the sliced black olives, pickled pepper rings or jalapeños, and roasted red peppers over the cheese. These ingredients add pops of briny, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complement the richness of the meats and cheese.1 loaf Italian bread, 1/4 cup black olives, sliced, 1/4 cup pickled pepper rings or sliced pickled jalapeños, 1/4 cup roasted red peppers
- Carefully close the top half of the bread over the filling. For easier handling and to help the sandwich hold its shape while baking, you can wrap the entire sub snugly in aluminum foil, leaving the top slightly open or loosely tented to allow steam to escape and the cheese to melt properly. Alternatively, you can place the sub on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil, then remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking to get a crispier crust.1 loaf Italian bread
- Place the foil-wrapped or prepared sub on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and toasted, and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. The smell alone will be absolutely incredible!
- Once baked, carefully remove the sub from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut cleanly.
- Slice the Baked Italian Sub Sandwich into individual portions using a serrated knife. Serve immediately with any desired toppings like shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, red onion, mayonnaise, mustard, or drizzled with extra Italian dressing.1 loaf Italian bread, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, mayonnaise, mustard, Italian dressing
Notes
Leftovers can be stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven for best results.