Description
This Italian Christmas Sub is a festive and flavorful sandwich loaded with classic Italian cold cuts, provolone cheese, fresh vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing, all nestled inside a large sub roll. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it combines a variety of textures and tastes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 large sub roll or hoagie bread
Meats and Cheese
- 4 ounces sliced genoa salami
- 4 ounces sliced provolone cheese
- 4 ounces sliced smoked ham
- 4 ounces sliced pepperoni
Vegetables
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup sliced banana peppers
Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the sub roll: Slice the large sub roll lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through, creating a hinge that holds the sandwich together for easy layering.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined to create a flavorful dressing.
- Spread dressing: Generously spread the dressing on the inside of both sides of the sub roll to add moisture and tang to every bite.
- Layer the meats and cheese: Start by layering sliced genoa salami evenly on the bottom half of the roll, then add sliced provolone cheese, followed by smoked ham and finally pepperoni to build rich, savory flavors.
- Add the vegetables: Top the meats with shredded lettuce for crunch, then add sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, black olives, and banana peppers for a burst of color and zest.
- Drizzle additional dressing: Lightly drizzle some more dressing over the vegetable toppings to enhance the flavor profile and keep the sandwich moist.
- Garnish with basil: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a refreshing aromatic touch that compliments the Italian flavors beautifully.
- Close and press the sub: Carefully close the sandwich roll and press down gently to compress the ingredients, making it easier to handle and eat.
- Slice into sections: Using a sharp knife, slice the sub into manageable portions suitable for serving, ensuring each piece contains a balanced combination of fillings.
- Serve or chill: Serve the sub immediately for the freshest taste or wrap in foil and refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors meld together for a deeper, more harmonious taste.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, high-quality deli meats and cheese.
- You can customize the sandwich by adding or substituting other Italian cold cuts or vegetables as desired.
- Allowing the sandwich to rest wrapped in foil enhances flavor melding and softens the bread slightly.
- Serve with chips or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Keep refrigerated if not serving immediately to maintain freshness.
