Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked Italian sub sandwiches offer the best of both worlds—cheesy, melty goodness on the inside and a crisp, golden-brown crust on the outside. The combination of deli meats, provolone or mozzarella, and a tangy kick from banana peppers and red onion makes every bite full of flavor. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and bake, making them a great option for a quick family dinner, lunch, or a fun gameday snack. These sandwiches are guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients
(Makes 4 Subs)
- 4 sub rolls or hoagie buns
- ¼ lb salami
- ¼ lb pepperoni or capicola
- ¼ lb roast beef (optional for extra heartiness)
- 8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup banana peppers or pepperoncini, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice each sub roll or hoagie bun in half lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through. Place the sandwich halves on a baking sheet, open-faced.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Brush this mixture generously over the inside of each roll.
- Drizzle a little Italian dressing over the inside of the rolls for extra flavor.
- Layer the deli meats on the bottom half of each sub roll. Start with the salami, followed by the pepperoni or capicola, and add the roast beef if you’re using it.
- Place two slices of cheese on top of the meat on each roll.
- Add the sliced banana peppers (or pepperoncini) and red onion on top of the cheese.
- Place the top half of each roll over the fillings.
- Bake the subs in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once out of the oven, cut the sandwiches into individual portions and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 subs
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 20-22 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian option: Skip the deli meats and load up on roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
- Cheese variations: Use your favorite cheese such as cheddar, gouda, or a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a different flavor.
- Spicy kick: Add a little hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicier version of these subs.
- Extra toppings: Consider adding fresh lettuce, tomatoes, or olives for added crunch and freshness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the sandwiches in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for these sandwiches?
Yes, you can use any type of bread, such as baguettes or soft rolls, depending on your preference.
Can I prepare these sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the fridge, then bake them when you’re ready to eat.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Try using provolone, mozzarella, cheddar, or even a combination of cheeses for a unique flavor profile.
Can I add more vegetables to the sandwich?
Yes, feel free to add more veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, olives, or even roasted bell peppers for a different twist.
Can I make these sandwiches spicy?
Yes, you can add hot sauce, jalapeños, or red pepper flakes to give them a spicy kick.
How do I know when the sandwiches are done?
The sandwiches are done when the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Can I make these sandwiches without baking them?
You can prepare the sandwiches without baking them, but baking gives them a crispy, toasted exterior and melts the cheese. If you prefer to skip baking, simply assemble and serve as a cold sub.
Can I freeze these sandwiches?
While it’s best to eat them fresh, you can freeze the sandwiches (without baking) and bake them directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
How do I make the sandwiches more crispy?
If you prefer extra crunch, you can toast the buns lightly in a pan with butter before assembling the sandwiches.
Conclusion
Baked Italian sub sandwiches are a delicious and easy meal that’s packed with flavor. The combination of savory deli meats, melted cheese, and tangy banana peppers makes these subs irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for lunch, dinner, or game day, these sandwiches are sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. They’re simple to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious—what’s not to love?
Print
Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food, filled with layers of deli meats, melted cheese, and tangy banana peppers. The golden-brown, crispy bread and flavorful Italian seasoning make this sandwich irresistible. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day!
Ingredients
(Makes 4 Subs)
4 sub rolls or hoagie buns
¼ lb salami
¼ lb pepperoni or capicola
¼ lb roast beef (optional for extra heartiness)
8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
½ cup banana peppers or pepperoncini, sliced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup Italian dressing
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Slice each sub roll or hoagie bun in half lengthwise, leaving the rolls open-faced on a baking sheet.
-
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Brush generously over the inside of each roll.
-
Drizzle Italian dressing inside each roll for extra flavor.
-
Layer the deli meats on the bottom half of each sub roll, starting with salami, followed by pepperoni or capicola, and adding roast beef if desired.
-
Place two slices of cheese on top of the meat.
-
Add sliced banana peppers and red onion over the cheese.
-
Place the top half of each roll over the fillings.
-
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the bread is toasted and cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Cut into individual portions and serve hot.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, replace the deli meats with roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
Use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or gouda.
Add a spicy kick with hot sauce, jalapeños, or red pepper flakes.
Top with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, or olives for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
