Italian Subs (Hoagies or Submarine Sandwiches)

Name: Italian Subs with Homemade Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 hoagie rolls; 4 slices ham; 4 slices turkey (optional); 16 slices hard salami; 24 slices sandwich size pepperoni; 4 -8 slices provolone cheese; Italian dressing

Italian subs are quick-to-assemble cold sandwiches layered with cured meats, cheese, and Italian dressing on hoagie rolls—perfect for family meals and meal prep.

🏷️Cheese 🏷️Meat 🏷️European 🏷️Kid friendly 🏷️Savory 🏷️Broil/grill

Italian Subs (Hoagies or Submarine Sandwiches)

Total

18 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$16–$26

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Food.com · by Marg (CaymanDesigns)

Ingredients

4 hoagie rolls
4 slices ham
4 slices turkey (optional)optional
16 slices hard salami
24 slices sandwich size pepperoni
4 -8 slices provolone cheese
Italian dressing

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Instructions

1
Toast open sub rolls under the broiler until lightly browned.
2
Top each roll (covering both sides) with 1 slice ham, 1 slice turkey (optional), 4 slices hard salami, 6 slices pepperoni and 1-2 slices provolone cheese.
3
Place back under the broiler and heat until the cheese it brown and bubbly.
4
Remove from oven and top with Italian Dressing or mayo. Serve with chips and carrot sticks.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Layer meats in this order: ham, then turkey (if using), then salami, then pepperoni—the heavier meats anchor lighter ones and distribute flavors evenly.
Toast hoagie rolls lightly in a 350°F oven for 2–3 minutes to add structure and prevent the bread from becoming soggy when dressed.
Add provolone last so it stays intact; if you warm the rolls, the cheese will soften slightly and adhere better.
Let assembled subs rest in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before serving so dressing flavors penetrate the bread without over-saturating it.

Substitutions

Ham → capicola or mortadella (adds spice and deeper flavor)
Store-bought Italian dressing → homemade vinaigrette with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs (fresher taste, less oil)
Hoagie rolls → ciabatta, focaccia, or Italian bread (varies texture and crust)
Provolone → fresh mozzarella or smoked gouda (creates different flavor profile)

Storage & make-ahead

Wrap assembled subs tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 hours; do not freeze as bread and deli meats lose texture. Store leftover dressing separately in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Common Questions

Can I make Italian subs ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them up to 2 hours before serving. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep ingredients fresh and flavors melded.

Is turkey necessary in this recipe?

No, turkey is marked optional. The sub works perfectly with just ham, salami, and pepperoni if you prefer fewer meat layers.

What's the best way to prevent soggy bread?

Spread dressing lightly and evenly, or brush it on just before serving. Some cooks lightly toast the hoagie rolls first to create a moisture barrier.

Can I use different cheese instead of provolone?

Yes—mozzarella, Italian blend, or Swiss all work well. Use 1-2 slices per sandwich depending on thickness and your preference.

How much Italian dressing should I use per sandwich?

Start with 1–2 tablespoons per sandwich and adjust to taste. Homemade dressing tends to be less oily, so you may need slightly more than store-bought.