My authentic Italian Sub Sandwich is easy to make in your very own kitchen. Every bite packs incredible flavor from rich Italian meats, fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs, layered between crusty, toasted bread. It just makes your mouth water. Your new favorite sandwich!
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Italian Sandwich Recipe Video
Watch as I assemble this authentic Italian sub with the best ingredients.
Easy Italian Sandwich Recipe
My Italian sub recipe makes for a satisfying sandwich with simple, balanced ingredients, and it’s also easy to layer using my simple process that helps each ingredient shine!
Perhaps the most important ingredient for Italian Sub Sandwich success is the bread; in fact, in Italy, a sandwich can be made with just 3 ingredients if the bread is fresh. A good crusty bread adds irresistible crunch and chewiness, but more on my favorite bread for Italian sandwiches below.
Ingredients for Italian Sub Sandwiches
Here’s what you need to make the best Italian sub sandwiches:
- Fresh baguette – If I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again: the bread makes this sandwich, and fresh or Homemade Bread gives the best result. I encourage you to visit a local bakery or bake your own! My favorite varieties include Sourdough Bread, Baguette, Focaccia, Homemade Croissants, or Crusty French Bread.
- Fresh Mozzarella – sliced and patted try, or swap with low-moisture part-skim sliced mozzarella or provolone.
- Roma tomatoes – these are similar to Italian Marzano tomatoes, but any tomato will work, sliced into thick slices. Heirloom tomatoes also taste amazing in season.
- Red wine vinegar – This acidity is needed to meld and balance all the flavors of the sandwich. You can swap with sliced pepperoncini or thinly sliced red onion.
- Fresh basil – adds a bright herby pop that complements the tomato. Swap with arugula for a peppery flavor, if desired.
- Garlic – It’s an Italian sandwich after all! Adding grated or pressed garlic into extra virgin olive oil infuses it with tons of flavor.
- Italian Meats – traditional Italian subs use salami or prosciutto, but you can swap it with sliced ham, turkey, crispy bacon, or bold flavors like pepperoni, soppressata, capicola, or even mortadella (milder).
- Pesto – My Homemade Basil Pesto works perfectly, or use a good-quality store-bought pesto.
P.S. If you have any fresh Italian ingredients leftover from this recipe, don’t let them go to waste! Try my Caprese Pasta Salad, Bruschetta, and Stromboli.
How to Make an Italian Sandwich
Italian sandwiches are known for big flavor and fresh ingredients, but it’s how you prep those ingredients that REALLY makes the sandwich.
- Make the garlic oil & prep bread – In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil and garlic. Slice the baguette in half lengthwise, and then cut 4 pieces. Brush the cut sides with the garlic oil.
- Toast the bread – Toast the bread, cut-side down, in a large skillet until golden and crisp. Flip and lightly toast the other side for extra crunch, and remove from the heat.
- Layer the filling – On the bottom halves, layer in this order:
- Mozzarella slices
- Salami and prosciutto
- Tomato slices sprinkled with salt and pepper
- Light drizzle of red wine vinegar (just enough to brighten the flavor)
- Basil leaves
- Finish & Assemble – Spread pesto evenly over the top halves, and then place the tops over the sandwiches and gently press. Rest the subs for 1-2 minutes to help everything settle, and then slice and serve.
Tips for the Best Italian Sandwich
This is what separates a good Italian sandwich from a GREAT one:
- Use good bread – I can’t say it enough–this matters more than anything else!
- Don’t overdress – too much oil = soggy sandwich
- Season the tomatoes – salt really brings out their flavor
- Don’t skip vinegar – adding a drizzle of this acidic ingredient transforms your sandwich.
- Use a good Rest 2-3 minutes before cutting – this lets the flavors settle for a cohesive bite.
My Italian Sub Sandwich tastes just like it came from an authentic Italian panineria or Italian deli. The layers of creamy mozzarella, hearty cured meat, fresh tomato, and pesto meld together between two slices of toasted, crunchy bread. It’s a mouthwatering lunch and a favorite to share with friends.
Italian Sandwich
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Prep the Bread – In a small bowl, mix olive oil and garlic. Slice the loaf in half lengthwise, then into 4 pieces total (you can cut into 8 pieces for 4 smaller sandwiches to better fit in a skillet). Brush the cut sides of the bread with the garlic oil.
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Toast the Bread: Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Toast the bread cut-side-down until golden and crisp, about 1-2 minutes. Flip the bread over and toast another minute to crisp up the top if desired.
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Assemble: On the bottom half, layer mozzarella, salami, and prosciutto. Add tomatoes, season lightly with salt and pepper, and drizzle lightly with red wine vinegar (just enough to brighten the tomatoes). Top with basil.
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Assemble and Serve: Spread pesto on the top halves (about 2 Tbsp per sandwich). Close the sandwiches, rest 1-2 minutes, then slice and serve.
Make-Ahead and Storage: Italian subs are best eaten the same day they are assembled. If making ahead, wrap the sandwich tightly in parchment paper and refrigerate until ready to serve. For the best texture, enjoy within a few hours, though it can be refrigerated for up to 1 day. Since fresh mozzarella, pesto, and tomatoes can soften the bread over time, longer storage is not recommended.
599kcal Calories35g Carbs25g Protein40g Fat
Nutrition Facts
Italian Sandwich
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
More Easy Sandwich Recipes
Once you see how easy it is to make iconic sandwiches like my Italian Sub at home, you have to try these other crowd-favorite sandwiches:
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