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Italian Chopped Sandwiches
During those sizzling summer days, this is my family’s favorite lunch! It’s super simple and comes together in no time. Mixing these ingredients instead of simply layering them on bread is a game-changer! Each bite becomes an explosion of flavors, perfectly balancing salty, creamy and bold notes. It’s no wonder this recipe is a hit on social media! All you need to do is chop up and mix the ingredients right on a large cutting board, then scoop everything into fluffy hoagie rolls. Doesn’t get easier than that, right?
Tell me more…
You’ll love customizing this sandwich to fit your taste! I’ll share our family’s favorite standard options and some alternatives to inspire you.
Cold Cuts – Pepperoni, Salami and Ham. Alternatives: Prosciutto, Sopressata, Mortadella or Capicola. I ask for a thicker cut when I get these from the deli counter – usually a #2 – it adds a good bite and heartiness to the sandwich.
Cheese – White American. Alternatives: Provolone, Mozzarella or Gouda. This sandwich is traditionally made with Provolone, but there is something about that White American cheese that just hits different – and we like it!
Veggies – Red onion, tomato, iceberg lettuce and pepperoncini. Alternatives: roasted red bell pepper (chopped), black olives, artichoke hearts or spinach. I use shredded lettuce as a shortcut.
The Sauce – Mayonnaise, quality olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and dried Italian seasoning. I sometimes use Herbs de Provence instead of Italian seasoning. You can also use mayo substitutes, such as avocado mayo.
The Bread – In my humble opinion, you can’t beat a hoagie roll; however, you can use regular bread, Baguettes, Brioche rolls, or even eat this mixture plain or in a lettuce wrap.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make the filling and seal it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days – it can last longer, but I think the ingredients lose their texture quality over that time. When you’re ready to use it, grab your bread and scoop the filling into it.
When to serve these Italian Chopped Sandwiches
Picnics – Store this filling in an airtight container, then scoop it into your pre-cut bread while at the park to enjoy a tasty, cold lunch.
Game Day – What a crowd-pleaser! Chop up the ingredients and serve them assembly-line style. Everyone can make their own sandwiches and grab sides before the game starts.
Everyday meals – This is an excellent option for a fast lunch or dinner with minimal cleanup.
Recommended Equipment
Ingredients:
4 hoagie rolls
8 oz shredded lettuce
6 slices pepperoni
6 slices salami
6 slices ham
6 slices White American cheese
4 slices of beefsteak tomato
6 pepperoncini (you can sub banana peppers)
1/4 red onion, sliced
Dressing
1/4 cup mayo (I like to use Duke’s)
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/4 tbsp dried Italian seasoning (or Herbs de Provence)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Get a large wood cutting board and place the lettuce, meats, cheese, tomatoes, pepperoncinis, and red onion on it.
- Using a chef’s knife, chop the ingredients. Start by chopping across the entire mixture in one direction. Then, gather the food into a pile and chop in the other direction. Repeat this process several times until you achieve a fine dice. If your kids are helping, they will love this part! Take a look at these kid-friendly knives that my children have used for years while cooking in the kitchen.
- Grab a small bowl and add all of the dressing ingredients into it. Mix them until they are well incorporated. Pour them over the chopped ingredients and toss until evenly coated.
- Get a healthy-sized scoop of all chopped ingredients and place directly into a hoagie.
Serve with chips, potato salad or pickles.
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If you love a nice, cold sandwich on a hot summer day, try making this Guilt-Free High Protein Chicken Salad!
