Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches are a warm, cheesy twist on a classic deli favorite. Imagine layers of savory Italian meats, fresh veggies, and melted cheese tucked inside a soft, toasted sub roll, all baked to perfection. The bread gets wonderfully crispy on the outside while staying soft and flavorful inside, making every bite something to look forward to.
I love making these sandwiches when I want something hearty but easy to prepare. What’s fun is how customizable they are—you can add extra pickles, switch up the meats, or pile on the veggies just how you like. I usually sneak in some banana peppers for a little kick, and that melted cheese pulling apart fresh from the oven is just the best part.
These subs are perfect when you need a simple dinner that feels a little special. I often serve them with a side of chips or a light salad, and they’re always a hit with friends and family. Plus, they’re great for feeding a crowd because you can bake several at once, making dinner a breeze and plenty delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sub Rolls: Choose fresh, soft sub rolls with a slightly crispy crust. If you can’t find sub rolls, a good-quality French baguette works well too. Avoid bread that’s too dense as it won’t toast properly inside.
Italian Dressing or Vinaigrette: This adds tang and moisture to the sandwich spread. If you don’t have Italian dressing, a mix of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and dried herbs works fine. You can skip it if you prefer less tang.
Meats: Genoa salami, ham, and pepperoni give classic Italian flavor. For a lighter option, substitute with turkey or chicken deli slices. Using good-quality deli meats really makes a difference here.
Provolone Cheese: It melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy taste. You can swap it with mozzarella or fontina as alternatives if needed.
Veggies: Fresh lettuce and tomatoes add crunch and freshness. Banana peppers give a nice mild heat, and red onions add sharpness but both can be left out if you prefer a simpler sandwich.
Seasonings & Parmesan: Garlic powder, oregano, and Parmesan add classic Italian herbs and a cheesy touch on top of the bread. Fresh oregano or garlic can be used if preferred.
How Do You Get the Bread Perfectly Crispy and the Cheese Melted?
Baking the sandwiches wrapped in foil helps trap heat, melting the cheese thoroughly without drying out the bread. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Brush the outside of the bread with butter or olive oil to create a crispy, golden crust.
- Wrap tightly in foil so the steam helps melt the cheese and warm the fillings evenly.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for around 15-20 minutes — enough time for cheese to melt without making the bread too hard.
- For extra crispiness, unwrap the sandwich and broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, but watch closely to avoid burning.
I like checking after 15 minutes and adding a minute or two under the broiler if my oven runs cool. This technique gives a perfect balance of warm, gooey cheese and crusty bread every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for holding your wrapped sandwiches in the oven without mess.
- Aluminum foil – helps keep the sandwiches warm and melty while baking.
- Sharp knife – lets you slice the sub rolls cleanly without squishing the bread.
- Small bowl – handy for mixing the mayo and Italian dressing for an easy spread.
- Pastry brush or spoon – useful for spreading butter or olive oil on the bread’s outside.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap the Italian meats with grilled chicken or turkey for a milder, leaner option.
- Add sliced roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms to boost veggie flavor and texture.
- Use provolone cheese with mozzarella or fontina for a creamier, stretchier melt.
- Mix in fresh basil or arugula instead of lettuce for a peppery, herbal twist.
Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Subs:
- 2 Italian sub rolls (about 8 inches each)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Italian dressing or vinaigrette
- 4 oz sliced Genoa salami
- 4 oz sliced ham
- 4 oz sliced pepperoni
- 4 oz sliced provolone cheese
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced banana peppers (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced red onions (optional)
For Seasoning and Topping:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Butter or olive oil for brushing
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep, and about 15-20 minutes for baking, so roughly a total of 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy way to get a warm, comforting sandwich on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep and Prep the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice each sub roll in half, horizontally, leaving the long edge intact if you want to keep the sandwich together while baking. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and Italian dressing together well. Spread this mixture evenly on the inside cut sides of each roll.
2. Layer Your Delicious Fillings:
Start by layering the sliced Genoa salami, ham, and pepperoni evenly on the bottom half of each roll. Next, place slices of provolone cheese over the meat. On top of the cheese, add tomato slices, banana peppers (if using), and red onions (optional). Finally, sprinkle the shredded lettuce evenly.
3. Assemble and Bake to Perfection:
Close the sandwiches gently and press down slightly. Brush the outside of each sub roll with butter or olive oil to help get a golden crust. Sprinkle garlic powder, oregano, and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Wrap each sandwich tightly in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is warmed through and slightly crispy. Remove from oven, unwrap carefully, slice in half if you like, and serve warm.
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for These Subs?
Absolutely! While Italian sub rolls work best for texture and size, you can use French baguettes or hoagie rolls as alternatives. Just make sure they’re fresh and soft inside with a slightly crusty exterior to get that perfect bake.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the meats with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms or add sliced avocado and extra cheese. You can also use plant-based deli slices to keep that classic sub feel.
Can I Prepare These Sandwiches Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the sandwiches a few hours ahead and keep them wrapped tightly in the fridge. Bake just before serving to keep the bread from getting soggy and to ensure the cheese melts perfectly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Wrap leftover sandwiches tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped in foil until warmed through to preserve the texture and flavor.
