Italian Sub Sandwich with Creamy Slaw

Name: Italian Sub Sandwich with Creamy Slaw
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 13 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded lettuce; 1/4 cup red onion, diced; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sliced banana peppers; 2 tbsp banana pepper juice; 2 tbsp submarine dressing; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 2 sub buns; 4 slices sliced ham; 6 slices sliced salami; 8 slices sliced pepperoni; 2 slices pepper jack cheese

This Italian sub sandwich combines cured meats with a zesty creamy slaw made from mayonnaise, banana peppers, and red wine vinegar, then broiled until the cheese melts for a warm, tangy, and satisfying handheld meal.

🌍American 🏷️Italian sub 🏷️Sandwich 🏷️Ham 🏷️Salami Pepperoni

🏷️

🏷️Pepper jack cheese

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TikTok

Total

13 min

Servings

2

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$23–$38

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

2 cups shredded lettuce
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sliced banana peppers
2 tbsp banana pepper juice
2 tbsp submarine dressing
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 sub buns
4 slices sliced ham
6 slices sliced salami
8 slices sliced pepperoni
2 slices pepper jack cheese

12 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded lettuce and diced red onion.
2
Add the mayonnaise, sliced banana peppers, banana pepper juice, submarine dressing, and red wine vinegar to the bowl.
3
Stir everything together until the slaw is well combined. Set aside.
4
Preheat your oven's broiler.
5
Slice the sub buns open and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet.
6
Layer the ham, salami, pepperoni, and pepper jack cheese on the bottom half of each bun.
7
Place the baking sheet under the broiler for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Remove the sandwiches from the oven and generously top with the prepared slaw mixture.
9
Close the sandwiches, slice in half, and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Broil the sandwich on the middle rack with cheese facing up for even melting without burning the bun—watch carefully as timing varies by oven.
Drain excess liquid from the banana peppers before adding to the slaw to prevent a watery mixture that will soak the bread.
Toast or lightly butter the buns before assembly for added structure and flavor that stands up to moist toppings.
Add the creamy slaw as the final topping right before eating to preserve the bun's texture and prevent sogginess.

Substitutions

Sliced ham → turkey or roast beef (lighter flavor, less salty)
Salami → capicola or soppressata (different cured meat profile)
Banana peppers → roasted red peppers or hot cherry peppers (milder or spicier alternative)
Mayonnaise → Greek yogurt mixed with mayo (lighter, tangier slaw)

Storage & make-ahead

Assemble and eat immediately after broiling for best texture. Store unbroiled components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days; broil fresh when ready to serve.

Equipment

broiler or oven · baking sheet

Common Questions

Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the slaw up to 2 hours before serving and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add it to the sandwich just before broiling to prevent the bun from becoming soggy.

What type of cheese works best on this sandwich?

Provolone or mozzarella are traditional choices for Italian subs. Both melt evenly under the broiler and complement the cured meats and tangy slaw.

How do I prevent the slaw from making the bread soggy?

Assemble the sandwich with meat and cheese first, broil to melt the cheese, then top with the slaw immediately before serving.

Can I use a different vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?

Yes. White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar work as substitutes, though red wine vinegar's mild flavor pairs best with the creamy mayo and banana peppers.