Craving a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful sandwich that hits all the right notes? These Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches are a delicious solution. Layers of savory Italian meats, creamy provolone, and fresh vegetables are drizzled with melted butter and baked to melty perfection.
Perfect for lunch, casual dinners, or game-day bites, these sandwiches are simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to wow family and friends. Each bite is a satisfying mix of warm, melty cheese, tender meats, crisp veggies, and soft, golden bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy — ready in under 30 minutes
- Beginner-friendly — minimal prep and cooking skills required
- Flavor-packed layers of cheese, meats, and fresh vegetables
- Customizable — swap meats or veggies to your liking
- Perfect for serving family or guests — fun to bake and enjoy together
Ingredients
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls: Soft, sturdy base for layers
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Adds creamy richness
- 2 tablespoons Italian dressing: Tangy, herby flavor boost
- 8 slices provolone cheese: Mild, melty cheese
- ¼ pound salami, thinly sliced: Savory, slightly spicy
- ¼ pound deli ham, thinly sliced: Tender and flavorful
- ¼ pound mortadella, thinly sliced: Smooth, savory Italian meat
- ¼ pound pepperoni, thinly sliced: Bold, spicy kick
- 1 tomato, thinly sliced: Fresh, juicy layer
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced: Sweet and slightly sharp flavor
- ½ cup shredded lettuce: Crisp freshness
- ¼ cup sliced banana peppers: Tangy and slightly spicy
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Herbaceous accent
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds richness and golden finish
Optional Add-Ons: Roasted red peppers, olives, cucumber slices, or a dash of red pepper flakes for heat.
How to Make Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches
1. Prep the Oven and Spread
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and Italian dressing to create a creamy, flavorful spread.
2. Prepare the Rolls
- Slice the hoagie rolls in half horizontally and place open-faced on a baking sheet.
- Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly on the bottom half of each roll.
3. Layer the Ingredients
- Place two slices of provolone cheese on each bottom half over the mayonnaise.
- Layer an even mix of salami, ham, mortadella, and pepperoni.
- Top the meats with remaining slices of provolone cheese.
4. Bake the Sandwiches
- Place sandwiches in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and edges of the bread are lightly toasted.
5. Add Fresh Toppings
- Remove sandwiches from the oven.
- Layer tomato slices, onion slices, shredded lettuce, and banana peppers on top of the melted cheese.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6. Finish and Serve
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top half of each roll and place this half on top.
- Press down gently, cut into halves if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Slice vegetables thinly for easy stacking and even flavor distribution.
- Customize the sandwich with your favorite Italian meats or cheeses.
- Add red pepper flakes to the mayo spread for a spicy twist.
- Serve immediately after baking for warm, melty perfection.
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Small mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Oven
Recipe Variations
- Vegetable Twist: Add roasted red peppers, cucumber, or olives.
- Spicy Italian: Include extra pepperoni or add a dash of red pepper flakes.
- Cheesy Overload: Add provolone and mozzarella layers for extra melty goodness.
- Mini Subs: Use smaller rolls for individual-sized sandwiches, perfect for parties.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crispy chips, fries, or a side salad.
- Pair with a pickle spear or marinated olives for a classic Italian deli experience.
- For extra flavor, drizzle hot honey or balsamic glaze on top.
FAQs
Can I use other breads?
Yes, French baguettes or ciabatta rolls work well as alternatives.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Assemble sandwiches in advance, but bake just before serving for best results.
Can I substitute the meats?
Absolutely! Swap for your favorite deli meats like turkey, roast beef, or capicola.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
You can make it vegetarian by omitting meats and adding roasted veggies or plant-based deli slices.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven to maintain crisp edges.
Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
Description
These Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches feature layers of savory meats, creamy cheese, and fresh veggies, all drizzled with butter and baked to perfection. A satisfying treat for any sandwich lover!
Ingredients
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Italian dressing
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 1/4 pound salami, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound deli ham, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound mortadella, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound pepperoni, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup sliced banana peppers
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix mayonnaise and Italian dressing in a small bowl.
- Slice hoagie rolls in half and place open-faced on a baking sheet.
- Spread the mayo mixture evenly on the bottom half of each roll.
- Layer two slices of provolone cheese over the mayonnaise on each roll.
- Layer salami, ham, mortadella, and pepperoni evenly on each sandwich.
- Top meats with remaining provolone slices.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese melts and edges of bread are lightly toasted.
- Remove from oven and layer tomato, onion, lettuce, and banana peppers on top.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle melted butter on the top half of each roll and place it over the sandwich.
- Press gently, cut into halves if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can customize the meats based on preference or availability.
- Optional vegetables: roasted red peppers, olives, or cucumber slices.
- For spicier sandwiches, add red pepper flakes to the mayo mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Sandwich
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Final Thoughts
These Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches are a perfect blend of melty cheese, savory meats, and fresh, crisp veggies. Quick, easy, and customizable, they make any lunch or dinner feel special. With buttery golden edges, creamy cheese, and vibrant toppings, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
