Description
This Chopped Italian Sandwich recipe takes the classic flavors of an Italian deli sub and transforms them into an easy-to-eat, flavor-packed experience. By chopping all the ingredients – the salami, pepperoni, ham, cheeses, and fresh veggies – and tossing them with a tangy Italian dressing, you create a harmonious blend that’s perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or even a casual dinner. It’s a vibrant, customizable, and utterly delicious twist on a beloved favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 baguette or Italian hoagie roll (or 4 small sub rolls) – The foundation of the sandwich, offering a chewy and slightly crusty texture.
- 1/4 lb salami, sliced – Adds a robust, savory, and slightly smoky flavor.
- 1/4 lb pepperoni, sliced – Contributes a spicy and zesty kick.
- 1/4 lb deli ham, sliced – Provides a mild, salty, and slightly sweet balance to the other meats.
- 1/4 lb provolone cheese, sliced – Melts beautifully and offers a mild, buttery, and slightly tangy flavor.
- 1/4 lb mozzarella cheese, sliced – Adds a creamy and fresh element to the sandwich.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced – Offers a sharp, pungent bite that cuts through the richness of the meats and cheeses.
- 1/4 cup banana peppers or peperoncini, sliced – Adds a tangy, slightly spicy, and briny flavor.
- 1/2 cup fresh romaine lettuce, chopped – Provides a crisp, refreshing, and slightly bitter counterpoint.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped – Bursting with juicy sweetness and acidity.
- 2 tablespoons olive tapenade or roasted red peppers (optional) – Olive tapenade adds a salty, olive-rich flavor, while roasted red peppers bring a sweet and smoky note.
- 3 tablespoons Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade) – The key to binding all the flavors together, providing a tangy, herby, and slightly sweet dressing.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – To enhance and balance the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional) – Adds richness and shine to the mixture.
Preparation:
Step 1: Slice the baguette or hoagie rolls in half lengthwise, leaving one side intact if you prefer a more traditional sub style. If using smaller rolls, slice each into individual sandwich-sized pieces. Set aside. The type of bread you use greatly influences the final experience. A crusty baguette provides a satisfying chew, while a softer hoagie roll is easier to bite into. Remember to select a roll that is fresh and not too dense to allow the filling to be the star. If you’re opting for individual rolls, ensure they are of similar size for even filling distribution.
Step 2: Chop the salami, pepperoni, ham, provolone, and mozzarella into small, bite-sized pieces. Combine all the chopped meats and cheeses in a large bowl. This is where the “chopped” element truly shines. Chopping the ingredients allows you to get a bit of everything in each bite, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. Ensure the pieces are roughly the same size for a uniform eating experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of Italian deli meats if you have preferences!
Step 3: To the bowl with the meats and cheeses, add the chopped red onion, banana peppers, lettuce, and cherry tomatoes. Toss everything together until evenly mixed. The addition of fresh vegetables is crucial for balancing the richness of the meats and cheeses. The red onion provides a sharp bite, the banana peppers a tangy kick, the lettuce a refreshing crispness, and the cherry tomatoes a burst of juicy sweetness. Tossing everything together ensures that the flavors begin to meld and harmonize.
Step 4: Drizzle the Italian dressing over the mixture and toss again to coat all the ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste. The Italian dressing is the glue that holds everything together. It adds moisture, tanginess, and a herbaceous note that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Be mindful not to overdress the sandwich, as it can become soggy. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. Remember that the saltiness of the meats and cheeses will contribute to the overall seasoning, so taste before adding too much salt.
Step 5: Spread the olive tapenade or roasted red peppers (if using) on the inside of the rolls. Then, spoon the chopped mixture of meats, cheeses, and veggies into the sandwich rolls. Drizzle with a bit of extra olive oil if desired for additional flavor. This final step is where the magic happens. The olive tapenade or roasted red peppers add an extra layer of flavor complexity. Spoon the mixture generously into the rolls, ensuring that each bite is packed with goodness. A drizzle of olive oil adds richness and a touch of elegance.
Why you will love this recipe
This Chopped Italian Sandwich recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Customizable: The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily swap out meats, cheeses, or vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to add roasted vegetables, different types of olives, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
- Convenient: Perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or a simple dinner, it requires minimal cooking and is easy to assemble.
- Flavorful: The combination of salty meats, tangy vegetables, creamy cheeses, and zesty Italian dressing creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Easy to Eat: Chopping the ingredients makes it easier to eat than a traditional layered sandwich. No more struggling to take a bite without everything falling out!
- Crowd-Pleaser: This is a great recipe to serve at parties or gatherings because it’s easy to make in large quantities and everyone loves it.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Wrap tightly in parchment paper for a portable lunch or picnic.
- Pair with a side of chips, potato salad, or a simple green salad.
- Cut into smaller portions for appetizers.
- Serve with a glass of crisp white wine or an ice-cold beer.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Italian dressing or use spicy salami or pepperoni.
- If you’re making the sandwich ahead of time, wait to dress the mixture until just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Toast the bread for a warmer, crunchier sandwich.
- If you don’t have Italian dressing, you can make your own by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the meats with marinated artichoke hearts, grilled eggplant, or roasted bell peppers.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes (although toasting the bread adds a few minutes) Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 600-800 per sandwich (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Protein: 30-40 grams
- Sodium: 1000-1500 mg (depending on the sodium content of the meats and cheeses)
Conclusion
The Chopped Italian Sandwich is a delightful twist on a classic deli favorite. Its ease of preparation, customizable ingredients, and vibrant flavors make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a crowd-pleasing party snack, or a satisfying dinner, this sandwich is sure to become a go-to recipe in your repertoire. Enjoy the explosion of Italian flavors in every bite!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chopped mixture of meats, cheeses, and vegetables ahead of time. However, it is best to wait to add the Italian dressing until just before serving to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy. You can also prepare the bread by slicing it and spreading the olive tapenade or roasted red peppers in advance. Store the undressed mixture and prepared bread separately in the refrigerator, then assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready to serve.
Q2: What are some substitutions I can make if I don’t have all the ingredients?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. If you don’t have provolone or mozzarella cheese, you can use other Italian cheeses like fontina or asiago. For the meats, feel free to use any combination of Italian deli meats that you enjoy. If you don’t have banana peppers or peperoncini, you can use other pickled vegetables or a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. If you don’t have Italian dressing, you can make a simple vinaigrette with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Q3: How can I make this sandwich healthier?
A: There are several ways to make this sandwich healthier. You can use leaner meats like turkey or chicken breast. Choose low-fat or part-skim cheeses. Load up on the vegetables and use a lighter vinaigrette dressing. You can also opt for whole-wheat bread or a smaller portion size.
Q4: Can I grill or toast this sandwich?
A: Yes, you can definitely grill or toast this sandwich! If you want to grill it, assemble the sandwich as directed and then press it in a panini press or grill it on a grill pan over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. If you want to toast it, spread the olive tapenade or roasted red peppers on the bread and then toast the bread until it is lightly golden. Fill the bread with the mixture and enjoy.
Q5: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: If you have leftover chopped mixture, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2-3 days. It’s best to store the bread separately to prevent it from getting soggy. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, assemble the sandwich with fresh bread. It is not recommended to store a fully assembled sandwich as it will become soggy.
