Layered with Italian cold cuts, melted cheese, and crunchy lettuce mix, this toasted Italian sub is your new favorite sandwich recipe. Quick, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying!

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Toasted Italian Sub with a Crunchy Twist

Let’s settle something right off the bat – do you call it a sub, a hero, a grinder, or a hoagie? Around here, it’s always been a submarine or sub for short, but I know plenty of folks who swear by the term grinder, especially when it’s toasted and oozing with melty cheese. Whatever you call it, one thing’s for sure…this sandwich means business.

This toasted Italian Assorted Sub is stacked with layers of flavor – salty, savory, tangy, crunchy, cheesy. It’s everything you want in a hearty lunch or dinner, and then some. It’s one of those throw-together meals that feels like it came from a deli, but better because you made it in your own kitchen (and didn’t have to pay $16 for it).

Don’t miss some of my other favorite Italian recipes:
Pasta e Fagioli
Quick and Easy Pasta Dishes
Italian Antipasto Platter
Cannoli Cake

Why I Love This Sandwich

I’ve been enjoying some version of this Italian sub since I was a little kid and my father would bring home all the fresh ingredients from his trip to the Italian market each Saturday.

It’s always been a hit—whether wrapped up for a picnic or thrown under the broiler for a quick and toasty meal at home. The combo of Italian cold cuts, gooey melted cheese, and that crisp, vinegar-y lettuce mix on top? Irresistible.

Check out some other delicious sandwiches:
Air Fryer Egg Salad Sandwich
Avocado BLT Sandwich
Sloppy Joe Sandwich
Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap

Italian Assorted Sub

Ingredients:

15″ loaf of Italian bread
8 mortadella slices
8 soppressatta slices
8 prosciutto slices
8 salami slices
8 mozzarella slices
8 provolone slices
3 tbsp parmesan cheese
½ small head iceburg lettuce (thinly sliced)
1 large tomato (thinly sliced)
½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
3 tbsp banana peppers (sliced)
5 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp pickle relish
1 tsp Italian seasoning
salt & pepper (to taste)

How to Put Together This Sandwich

Preheat your broiler to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep cleanup easy.

Slice the Italian bread in half lengthwise and lay both sides cut-side up on the baking sheet.

Layer all the meats evenly on the bottom half of the bread. On the top half, arrange the slices of cheese. Pop it in the oven and broil for 3–5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are getting crispy.

While that’s working its magic, whisk together the mayo, Dijon, vinegar, relish, and Italian seasoning in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the banana peppers, onion, and lettuce to the bowl and toss it all together.

Once the bread is out of the oven, top the melty cheese with the lettuce mixture. Add your tomato slices and sprinkle on the parmesan. Top with a dash of salt and pepper, if desired.

Slice into four big sandwiches and enjoy while everything’s still warm and toasty..

Make It Your Own

This sub is easily customizable. Swap in different meats, try shredded romaine instead of iceberg, or go bold with a drizzle of hot honey or balsamic glaze. You really can’t go wrong.

And if you’re feeding a crowd? This big sandwich cuts beautifully into smaller bites for parties or game-day spreads.

This toasted Italian assorted submarine is packed with savory deli meats, melty cheese, and a zesty lettuce topping. A quick, satisfying sandwich that some may call a grinder or hoagie, but whatever the name, it’s delicious.

Let us know what you think if you try this recipe or make it your own. Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag us on social media with #CoolBeanCooking.