If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant and hearty sandwich that bursts with flavors, look no further than the Italian Christmas Sub Recipe. This classic sub brings together layers of savory Italian meats, creamy provolone, and crisp veggies, all nestled inside a warm, crusty hoagie roll. It’s not just a sandwich; it’s an experience—a celebration of textures, colors, and tastes that make every bite feel like a festive occasion. Whether you’re assembling it for a holiday gathering or just treating yourself to something special, this Italian Christmas Sub will quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients create the magic in this Italian Christmas Sub Recipe. Each component is chosen for a reason—from the savory cured meats to the fresh, crunchy veggies and the tangy dressing, all combining to give you layers of flavor and texture that sing together perfectly.
- Italian hoagie roll or sub bun: The foundation with a soft inside and a crispy crust to hold all those ingredients without falling apart.
- Sliced salami: Adds a peppery, slightly spicy flavor that starts the meat trio off strong.
- Sliced capicola: Brings a delicate smoky and spicy touch for depth.
- Sliced mortadella: Smooth and mild, balancing the other meats beautifully.
- Sliced provolone cheese: A creamy, slightly sharp layer that melts just enough against the meats.
- Shredded romaine lettuce: Adds a fresh crunch and bright green color.
- Ripe tomato, sliced: Juicy and sweet, cuts through the richness of the meats and cheese.
- Sliced red onion: Sharp and tangy, providing a punch of flavor.
- Sliced roasted red peppers: Sweet and smoky, lifting the sandwich’s flavor profile.
- Sliced black olives: Briny and bold, giving a nice contrast to other ingredients.
- Extra virgin olive oil: For that rich, fruity dressing that ties everything together.
- Red wine vinegar: Adds the perfect acidic zip to the dressing.
- Dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that enhances the sandwich’s overall taste.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all ingredients to life.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): For a fragrant, herbal finish that elevates the sub beautifully.
How to Make Italian Christmas Sub Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Roll
Begin by slicing the Italian hoagie roll lengthwise, being careful not to slice all the way through. This keeps the structure intact and makes it perfect for piling on the delicious fillings without things spilling everywhere.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing is what brings all the flavors together, giving the sandwich that unmistakable Italian flair and a little tang that wakes up all the other ingredients.
Step 3: Dress the Roll
Drizzle half of the dressing inside each half of the hoagie roll. This step ensures every bite is flavorful and moist without making things soggy, creating a perfect balance of texture and taste.
Step 4: Layer the Meats
Start layering with the salami first, followed by the capicola, and then mortadella. Spreading the meats evenly across the roll gives you a consistent taste from end to end, with each slice offering that perfect hint of savory Italian goodness.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Next, layer the provolone cheese over the meat. Allow the slices to slightly overlap for a creamy blanket of melty flavor that complements the robust meats beneath.
Step 6: Add Fresh Crunch with Romaine
Scatter a generous handful of shredded romaine lettuce over the cheese. The crunch provides an essential contrast and freshness, making each bite lively and satisfying.
Step 7: Arrange the Veggies
Neatly place slices of tomato, red onion, roasted red peppers, and black olives on top of the lettuce. These veggies not only add color but also layers of sweetness, acidity, and briny depth that elevate the sandwich from simple to spectacular.
Step 8: Drizzle the Remaining Dressing
Pour the rest of the dressing over the vegetables, infusing the sub with a bright, zesty kick that ties together all the flavors harmoniously.
Step 9: Garnish with Fresh Basil
If you want to add a fragrant herbal note, tuck in some fresh basil leaves right on top. This optional step transforms your Italian Christmas Sub Recipe into something truly special and unforgettable.
Step 10: Close and Press
Carefully fold the roll back over the filling and press down gently. This helps the ingredients meld together, making the sub easier to handle and more cohesive.
Step 11: Let It Rest
Wrap your sub in parchment paper or foil and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld, making every bite more harmonious and delicious.
Step 12: Slice and Serve
Slice the sandwich into halves or quarters, depending on your preference, and serve. Now you’re ready to enjoy the festive flavors of this incredible Italian Christmas Sub Recipe.
How to Serve Italian Christmas Sub Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few sprigs of fresh basil or a sprinkle of dried oregano on the side can brighten your presentation and add extra aroma. Consider placing a few pepperoncini peppers or pickles alongside for a little punch of acidity that complements the richness of the sub.
Side Dishes
Keep the sides simple yet complementary. Classic potato chips, a crisp green salad with vinaigrette, or a bowl of marinated olives make perfect companions. For a heartier meal, a warm bowl of minestrone soup pairs delightfully well and adds comforting Italian charm.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual gatherings, serve the sub as a large platter with all ingredients separated on the side, inviting guests to build their own subs. This interactive approach adds fun and customization. Alternatively, cut the sub into bite-sized sliders, perfect for finger food at festive celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover sub tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It’s best eaten within 24 hours to keep the bread from becoming soggy and to maintain the freshness of the veggies.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for the Italian Christmas Sub Recipe because the fresh vegetables and bread texture can degrade. If you must freeze it, do so before adding the veggies and dressings, and thaw completely before assembling.
Reheating
If you want to warm your leftover sub, unwrap it and heat gently in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread chewy and vegetables wilted. Add fresh veggies and dressing after reheating for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use different meats in the Italian Christmas Sub Recipe?
Absolutely! While salami, capicola, and mortadella are traditional, feel free to customize with other cured meats like prosciutto or soppressata to suit your taste.
Is this sub suitable for making ahead of time for a party?
Yes, just assemble the sub a few hours before serving and let it rest wrapped in parchment paper or foil. This resting time really helps the flavors combine beautifully.
What cheese can I substitute for provolone?
Provolone provides a distinct mild and creamy flavor, but mozzarella or fontina can be great alternatives if you want a slightly different but still melty cheese option.
How can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
Replace the meats with grilled or roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and roasted peppers, and add extra cheese for richness. The dressing and veggies will keep it flavorful and satisfying.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely! The dressing can be whisked together the day before and refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick stir before using for the best taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
The Italian Christmas Sub Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a slice of Italy and a burst of festive joy to your table any time of year. Its perfect balance of robust meats, fresh veggies, and tangy dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser and a go-to for holiday meals or casual gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own, turning every sandwich bite into a little celebration of flavor and tradition.
Print
Italian Christmas Sub Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 0h 15m
- Yield: 1 large sandwich (serves 4)
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
The Italian Christmas Sub is a festive and flavorful sandwich built on a large Italian hoagie roll, layered with classic Italian cold cuts like salami, capicola, and mortadella, complemented by provolone cheese and fresh vegetables. A tangy oregano vinaigrette ties the flavors together, making it an ideal no-cook, make-ahead dish for holiday gatherings or a hearty lunch.
Ingredients
Sandwich
- 1 large Italian hoagie roll or sub bun
- 4 oz sliced salami
- 4 oz sliced capicola
- 4 oz sliced mortadella
- 4 oz sliced provolone cheese
- 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 ripe tomato, sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced roasted red peppers
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the Hoagie Roll: Start by slicing the Italian hoagie roll in half lengthwise, making sure not to cut all the way through so it stays hinged for easier layering.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste to create a flavorful oregano vinaigrette.
- Apply the Dressing: Drizzle half of the dressing onto the inside surface of each side of the hoagie roll, ensuring the bread absorbs the dressing for enhanced flavor.
- Layer the Meats: Begin layering the sandwich with the salami first, followed evenly by the capicola, and then the mortadella, distributing the meats to cover the bread thoroughly.
- Add the Cheese: Place the sliced provolone cheese over the meats, allowing the slices to slightly overlap for full coverage.
- Add Crunch with Lettuce: Add a generous handful of shredded romaine lettuce over the cheese to introduce a fresh crisp texture.
- Layer the Vegetables: Arrange the sliced tomato, red onion, roasted red peppers, and black olives neatly on top of the lettuce for color and flavor complexity.
- Drizzle Remaining Dressing: Pour the remaining dressing over the layered vegetables, enhancing the taste with tang and herbaceous notes.
- Add Basil Leaves: If desired, tuck fresh basil leaves on top for a fragrant herbal accent that complements the other ingredients.
- Close and Press: Carefully close the sandwich and press down gently to compact all ingredients, making it easier to handle and eat.
- Wrap and Rest: Wrap the sub tightly in parchment paper or foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the sandwich into halves or quarters as preferred and serve with your favorite side dish.
Notes
- This sub is best served after resting to allow the dressing to soak in and the flavors to meld.
- If you prefer a warm sandwich, you can lightly toast the hoagie roll before assembling.
- Feel free to substitute or add other Italian meats or cheeses to customize the sub.
- The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make this sub gluten-free, use a gluten-free sub roll.
