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A delicious and cheesy Baked Italian Sub Sandwich is pictured as the featured image.

Best Baked Italian Sub Sandwich

This baked Italian sub sandwich recipe transforms cold cuts and bread into a warm, melty, and delicious meal. Layered with savory meats, cheeses, and tangy toppings, then baked to golden-brown perfection, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The key is in the oil and vinegar dressing and the strategic layering of ingredients to prevent sogginess.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 800
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large Italian loaf about 24 inches long
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 pound thinly sliced ham
  • 1/2 pound thinly sliced salami
  • 1/2 pound thinly sliced pepperoni
  • 1/4 pound thinly sliced provolone cheese
  • 1/4 pound thinly sliced mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup giardiniera, drained
  • 1/4 cup banana peppers, drained
  • Optional: Shredded lettuce
  • Optional: Sliced tomatoes
  • Optional: Mayonnaise
  • Optional: Mustard

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • Serrated bread knife
  • small bowl
  • whisk
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Halve the Italian loaf horizontally.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Brush this mixture evenly over the cut sides of both halves of the Italian loaf.
  5. On the bottom half of the loaf, layer the ham, salami, and pepperoni. Overlap the slices to ensure even coverage.
  6. Top the meats with provolone and mozzarella cheese. Make sure the cheese covers the meats completely to create a melty barrier.
  7. Sprinkle giardiniera and banana peppers evenly over the cheese.
  8. Place the top half of the loaf over the fillings.
  9. Brush the top of the loaf with the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
  10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Let the sandwich rest for 5 minutes before slicing into 6 equal portions.
  12. Serve immediately. Optional: Add shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, mayonnaise, and mustard to each slice before serving.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the oil and vinegar mixture. You can substitute any of your favorite Italian deli meats. If you don't have giardiniera, you can use pickled vegetables or a relish of your choice. For a softer crust, wrap the sandwich in foil for the first 10 minutes of baking, then remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes.