Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! If you’re anything like me, you love a good Italian sub, but sometimes, all those ingredients sliding around can be a bit… messy. Well, today, we’re solving that problem and elevating the experience with the viral sensation that is the Chopped Italian Sandwich! Imagine all the savory meats, tangy peppers, crisp lettuce, and creamy dressing perfectly blended into every single bite. It’s a game-changer for lunch, dinner, or your next gathering!

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore these Chopped Italian Sandwiches because they take a classic concept and make it even better. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, especially once you get into the rhythm of chopping. The magic lies in ensuring every mouthful is a perfect blend of salty meats, sharp cheese, crisp veggies, and that irresistible tangy dressing. It’s wonderfully customizable, fun to make, and guarantees maximum flavor distribution. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to serve a hearty, delicious sandwich that stays together, offering a satisfying experience from start to finish.

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these fantastic Chopped Italian Sandwiches:

• 6 sub rolls (Italian-style are best)
• 6 slices Genoa salami
• 6 slices capocollo
• 6 slices Calabrese salami
• 6 slices provolone cheese
• ⅓ cup banana pepper rings (from a jar)
• 3 pepperoncinis (from a jar)
• 1 small red onion
• 2 cups green lettuce, chopped (such as romaine or iceberg)
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano, plus more for garnish

Swaps and Notes

• Meats: The combination of Genoa salami, capocollo, and Calabrese salami provides a fantastic depth of flavor. Feel free to swap or add other Italian deli meats like pepperoni, mortadella, or prosciutto.
• Cheese: Provolone is classic for Italian subs. You can use mild or sharp, depending on your preference. Mozzarella or even a bit of Parmesan could be interesting additions.
• Peppers: Banana peppers and pepperoncinis add crucial tang and a slight kick. Adjust quantities to your taste. If you like more heat, a few finely chopped hot cherry peppers could be added.
• Lettuce: Crisp lettuce like romaine or iceberg holds up well and provides a satisfying crunch.
• Dressing Base: Mayonnaise provides creaminess. You can adjust the amount to your desired consistency. For a lighter touch, you could use less mayo and a bit more olive oil and vinegar.
• Herbs & Seasoning: Dried oregano is essential for that Italian deli flavor. Freshly ground coarse black pepper adds a great bite.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Prepare Vegetables: Start by removing the seeds from the pepperoncinis and discarding them (this tames their heat slightly). Finely chop the banana pepper rings, pepperoncinis, red onion, and green lettuce. Transfer all of these finely chopped vegetables to a large mixing bowl.
2. Chop Meats and Cheese: Next, take the slices of Calabrese salami, Genoa salami, capocollo, and provolone cheese. Stack them and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. Add these chopped meats and cheese to the large mixing bowl with the vegetables.
3. Add Dressing Ingredients: To the bowl with the chopped sandwich ingredients, add the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, coarse black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of dried oregano.
4. Combine Thoroughly: Use a sturdy wooden spoon or a spatula to thoroughly mix all the chopped sandwich ingredients until they are well combined and evenly coated with the dressing. The goal is to integrate everything so each scoop delivers a full flavor profile.
5. Assemble and Serve: Carefully scoop the well-mixed chopped Italian sandwich filling into the sub rolls. You can pile it high! Top each filled sub roll with an extra pinch of dried oregano for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly balanced Italian masterpiece!

Tips for Success

• Fine Chop is Key: The success of a “chopped” sandwich is truly in the chopping! Finely chopping all ingredients ensures that every bite has a piece of everything and creates that satisfying texture.
• Don’t Over-Dress: Start with the recommended amount of mayonnaise, oil, and vinegar, then add more if needed. You want the mixture coated, not swimming in dressing.
• Quality Meats & Cheese: Since these are prominent flavors, using good quality deli meats and provolone will elevate your sandwich significantly.
• Toast Rolls (Optional): Lightly toasting the sub rolls can add an extra layer of texture and prevent them from getting soggy too quickly, though for a traditional “chopped” experience, soft rolls are often preferred.
• Mix Thoroughly: Take your time mixing. You want all those delicious flavors and textures to be evenly distributed throughout the filling.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Chopped Italian Sandwiches are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with:

• Crispy Chips: A bag of your favorite potato chips is a classic and satisfying accompaniment.
• Pickle Spears: A crunchy dill pickle spear on the side adds a welcome tang.
• Simple Side Salad: A very light, un-dressed green salad could offer a fresh contrast.
• Beverages: A cold Italian soda, a crisp lager, or even a glass of iced tea would be perfect.
• Other Sandwich Favorites: If you enjoy building fantastic sandwiches, you might also like my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter or a light and fresh Chicken Salad (with no mayo in sight!) for variety.

Storage and Leftover Tips

The chopped filling can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. This actually allows the flavors to meld even more. However, for the best texture, I recommend assembling the sandwiches just before serving to prevent the rolls from becoming soggy. Leftover assembled sandwiches are not ideal as the bread will absorb moisture.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the ease and incredibly satisfying nature of these Chopped Italian Sandwiches, and you’re a fan of hearty, flavorful meals, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other popular recipes:

• For another amazing cheesy, shareable dish, you have to try How I Turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip. It’s fantastic for parties!
• If you’re a fan of convenient one-pan dinners packed with flavor, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a lifesaver.
• And for an easy way to feed a crowd with cheesy goodness, these Sheet Pan Quesadillas are always a winner!

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Final Thoughts

The Chopped Italian Sandwich is a brilliant culinary hack that transforms a beloved classic into an even more enjoyable and cohesive experience. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a guaranteed hit. Give it a try – you’ll quickly see why this chopped sensation is taking over!

What are your favorite “chopped” variations of classic dishes, or your go-to sandwich fillings? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.