Easy Italian Sub Sandwiches

These Easy Italian Sub Sandwiches are a great option for busy weeknights when you need dinner to be simple, filling, and fast. They are easy to assemble, require no cooking, and can even be wrapped up and taken along for soccer practice, activities, picnics, or dinner on the go.

My husband usually isn’t a big fan of cold sandwich recipes for dinner, but this one is an exception. The combination of turkey, ham, salami, provolone, crisp lettuce, mayo, and Italian seasoning gives it plenty of flavor and makes it feel more substantial than an ordinary sandwich.

Whenever these Italian subs are on the menu, I know there will not be any complaints. They are one of those easy meals that work just as well for a quick family dinner as they do for lunches, road trips, or busy evenings when everyone is heading in different directions.

If you have a few extra minutes, these sandwiches are even better when you toast the bread and melt the cheese under the broiler before assembling them. The warm, slightly crisp bread adds great texture, while the melted provolone makes the sandwich feel a little heartier and more satisfying.

Place the sliced rolls or sub buns cut-side up on a baking sheet, add the cheese, and broil for a minute or two, until the bread is lightly toasted and the cheese is melted. Then add the cold cuts, lettuce, mayo, and Italian dressing ingredients. It is a simple extra step, but it really takes these Easy Italian Sub Sandwiches to the next level.

Ingredients for Easy Italian Sub Recipe

• DELI TURKEY – Turkey adds a mild, savory flavor and helps make the sandwich hearty without being too heavy. Thinly sliced deli turkey works best for easy layering.
  
• DELI BLACK FOREST HAM – Black Forest ham adds a slightly smoky, salty flavor that pairs well with the turkey and salami. Its richer flavor helps give the sandwich more of a deli-style taste.
  
• GENOA SALAMI – Genoa salami brings bold, savory flavor and a little extra richness. It is one of the ingredients that gives this sandwich its classic Italian sub flavor.
  
• PROVOLONE CHEESE – Provolone has a mild, slightly tangy flavor that complements the deli meats without overpowering them. It also melts beautifully if you choose to toast the sandwich.
  
• LETTUCE – Lettuce adds freshness and a crisp texture that balances the rich meats and cheese. Shredded iceberg or romaine both work well.
  
• SUB ROLLS – Sub rolls provide a sturdy base for all of the fillings. Choose rolls that are soft inside but firm enough to hold the meats, cheese, dressing, and toppings without falling apart.
  
• MAYONNAISE – Mayonnaise adds creaminess and helps keep the sandwich from tasting dry. Spread it directly on the bread before adding the fillings.
  
• ITALIAN SEASONING – Italian seasoning adds an easy blend of herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme. It gives the sandwich that familiar Italian deli flavor with very little effort.
  
• OLIVE OIL – Olive oil adds richness and helps create the classic oil-and-vinegar dressing for the sandwich. A light drizzle is usually all you need.
  
• RED WINE VINEGAR – Red wine vinegar adds a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the meats, cheese, and mayo. Combined with olive oil and Italian seasoning, it gives the sandwich that signature Italian sub finish.

Instructions for Easy Italian Sub Sandwiches

Open the sub rolls and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Cut the provolone slices in half and place two halves on the bottom portion of each roll. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for a minute or two, just until the cheese is melted and the bread is lightly toasted. Watch closely, since the bread can brown quickly.

Remove the rolls from the oven and layer the turkey, Black Forest ham, and Genoa salami over the melted cheese. Spread mayonnaise over the top half of each roll, then sprinkle with a little Italian seasoning.

Add a generous layer of shredded lettuce over the meat. Drizzle the lettuce lightly with olive oil and red wine vinegar to give the sandwich that classic Italian sub flavor.

Place the top half of each roll over the fillings and gently press the sandwich together. Slice each sub in half if desired and serve right away while the bread is still warm and the cheese is melted.

Tips and Tricks

• Toast the rolls and cheese first. – Broiling the bread with the provolone gives the sandwiches more texture and helps the cheese melt into the bread.
• Layer the meats evenly. Spread the turkey, ham, and salami across the entire roll so each bite has a little of everything.
• Dress the lettuce, not the bread. Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the lettuce instead of directly onto the roll. This gives you the Italian sub flavor without making the bread soggy too quickly.
• Add the lettuce at the last minute. For the best crunch, add the shredded lettuce and dressing just before serving.
• Wrap them for meals on the go. If you are packing these for lunch, sports, or a road trip, wrap each sandwich tightly in parchment or foil. Keep the dressed lettuce separate if the sandwiches will sit for several hours.

For more recipes like this, try:

• Eggo Monte Cristo Sandwiches
• Holiday Panini Bar
• How to Host a Summer Sandwich Bar
• Four Cheese Grilled Cheese

This recipe is adapted from Project Meal Plan.