If your dinner plans need a serious upgrade but your schedule doesn’t allow for much fuss, these Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches are your golden ticket. They’re warm, cheesy, packed with deli meats, and finished with a buttery, herbed crust that takes every bite over the top. I make these on family dinner nights when we want something satisfying, shareable, and a little indulgent—without a pile of dishes or hours of prep.
The best part? They’re endlessly customizable. Whether you keep it classic with ham and salami or switch things up with roast beef or ground beef, these subs always deliver.
Why These Subs Are Always a Hit
Let’s be honest—what’s not to love about melted cheese and toasty bread stuffed with Italian meats? Here’s why I come back to this recipe time and again:
- Everything bakes in one go: Assemble, wrap, bake. No stovetop mess.
- The bread gets crispy and golden: Thanks to a quick brush of seasoned butter.
- Big flavor with minimal effort: Just layer, bake, and slice.
- Perfect for feeding a group: Make a batch for dinner, game day, or even meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes 4 hearty sandwiches | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15–18 mins)
- 4 hoagie rolls (or sub rolls)
- ½ lb deli ham
- ½ lb salami
- ½ lb roast beef or cooked ground beef
- ¼ lb pepperoni (optional, but delicious)
- 8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pickled banana peppers or pepperoncini
- ½ cup sautéed onions (optional, but recommended)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
How I Make Baked Italian Subs
1. Prep the Oven and Rolls
I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Then I slice each hoagie roll lengthwise—but not all the way through—so they open like a hinge. This keeps all that delicious filling inside.
2. Layer the Good Stuff
Now the fun part: I layer each sandwich with ham, salami, roast beef (or ground beef), and pepperoni. I tuck in slices of provolone or mozzarella between the meats, then top with banana peppers and sautéed onions for that extra zing and sweetness.
3. Assemble and Bake
I place the filled subs on a baking sheet. Then I brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle Italian seasoning over everything. This adds amazing flavor and makes the rolls beautifully golden.
I loosely cover the tray with foil so the sandwiches heat through without drying out and bake for 10–15 minutes—just until the cheese is gooey and the meats are hot.
4. Crisp the Tops
For that final crunch, I remove the foil and let them bake uncovered for another 2–3 minutes. The tops get lightly crisped and the butter-sprinkled seasoning bakes right into the bread.
5. Serve and Enjoy
I serve them warm, usually with some chips, pickles, or olives on the side. And if there are leftovers (rarely!), they reheat perfectly in the toaster oven.
My Tips for the Best Subs Ever
- Use quality deli meat: It really makes a difference in flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip the banana peppers: They add acidity and cut through the richness.
- Make it spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Use foil to keep things neat: You can even wrap each sandwich individually before baking to keep them extra soft.
- Make it meatless: Load up on sautéed veggies, mushrooms, and cheese for a vegetarian twist.
What I Serve with These Subs
These subs are a meal on their own, but here are a few things I love to pair with them:
- Potato chips or kettle chips for crunch
- Mixed olives or pickles for a briny contrast
- Simple salad with Italian vinaigrette
- Marinara or giardiniera on the side for dipping
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Definitely. Assemble them earlier in the day, wrap in foil, and store in the fridge. Pop them in the oven when ready to bake.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes! Wrap tightly in foil and freeze. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or until heated through.
Q: What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
A: Use a blend of oregano, basil, garlic powder, and a pinch of chili flakes or rosemary.
Q: Can I add sauce inside?
A: Absolutely—spread a little marinara or garlic aioli inside the rolls for extra moisture and flavor.
Why You’ll Want These Subs on Repeat
These Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches are the kind of meal that everyone gets excited about. They’re warm, hearty, melty, and packed with classic Italian deli flavor. Plus, they’re quick to assemble and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or just want an easy, comforting dinner, these subs are ready to steal the show.
Stacked, Toasted, and Totally Irresistible: My Go-To Baked Italian Subs
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 4 Italian sub rolls
- 8 oz sliced salami
- 8 oz sliced ham
- 8 oz sliced provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
- 1/4 cup sliced olives
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 tomato, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and Italian seasoning.
- Slice the Italian sub rolls in half lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet.
- Layer the salami, ham, provolone cheese, pepperoncini, and olives on the bottom half of each sub roll.
- Spread the shredded lettuce and tomato slices on top of the meats and cheese.
- Brush the tops of the sub rolls with the butter and seasoning mixture.
- Place the top halves of the rolls on the sandwiches.
- Wrap the entire baking sheet in aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven, slice, and serve warm.
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