Patrick Oconnell
The Italian sub is a sandwich with many variations, but some ingredients are more common than others. For the cheese, provolone is standard, but Swiss, Asiago, Pecorino Romano, mozzarella, creamy goat cheese, and American cheese are also used. If you want to make your sandwich extra special, try using creamy Burrata or spectacular Burrata cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Provolone, Swiss, Fresh mozzarella, Asiago, Pecorino Romano, Burrata, Creamy goat cheese, American |
| Bread | Soft Italian roll, French bread, Braided roll with sesame seeds, Baguette, Seeded hero rolls |
| Meat | Salami, Ham, Capicola, Prosciutto, Mortadella, Turkey breast, Pepperoni |
| Vegetables | Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onion, Banana peppers, Olives, Pickles, Spinach |
| Seasoning | Salt, Pepper, Oregano, Red wine vinaigrette, Olive oil, Red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning |
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What You'll Learn
Provolone is the standard choice
Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as melted on pizzas or grilled cheese sandwiches, or cubed and added to salads or charcuterie boards. For Italian subs, it is typically sliced thinly and layered over the bottom half of the roll, ensuring full coverage in every bite.
The cheese is often paired with a variety of Italian cured meats such as salami, capicola, prosciutto, and mortadella. These meats, along with the provolone, form the foundation of an Italian sub. While there is no single standard recipe for an Italian sub, these ingredients are commonly used and provide a base upon which additional toppings can be added.
When constructing an Italian sub with provolone, it is recommended to first drizzle the roll with olive oil and season it with salt, pepper, and oregano. The provolone slices are then layered over this, followed by the meats and any additional toppings of choice, such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, banana peppers, olives, and vinaigrette.
While provolone is the standard choice, it is worth noting that some variations of Italian subs may use other types of cheese, such as fresh mozzarella, Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even American cheese, depending on availability and regional preferences. Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference, and experimenting with different cheeses can lead to delicious results.
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Fresh mozzarella is a classic
Mozzarella is a soft, creamy cheese that can add a delicious creamy texture to the Italian sub. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavour that complements the other ingredients without overwhelming them. The freshness of the cheese also adds a layer of depth and complexity to the sandwich.
When choosing fresh mozzarella for an Italian sub, it is essential to select a high-quality product. Look for mozzarella made with whole milk, as it will have a richer flavour and a creamier texture. It should be soft and moist, with a slightly stretchy consistency.
To assemble the Italian sub, start by slicing a soft Italian loaf in half. Drizzle both halves with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Layer thin slices of fresh mozzarella over the bottom half of the loaf, followed by your choice of cured meats such as ham, salami, capicola, or prosciutto.
Finally, add your favourite vegetables, such as shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes, banana peppers, or onions. Drizzle with additional olive oil, vinegar, or vinaigrette, and top with Italian seasoning or fresh herbs such as basil or parsley. Close the sandwich and enjoy the perfect bite of fresh mozzarella in every mouthful.
Fresh mozzarella truly is a classic option for an Italian sub, adding a touch of simplicity and authenticity to this beloved sandwich.
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Try Asiago or Pecorino Romano for sharpness
While fresh mozzarella is a classic choice, if you're looking for a cheese with a bit of sharpness to top off your Italian sub, consider Asiago or Pecorino Romano. These cheeses will add a nice kick to your sandwich, complementing the other ingredients perfectly.
When it comes to creating the ultimate Italian sub, the type of bread you use is also crucial. Opt for something soft on the inside and crusty on the outside, like a loaf of French bread, a braided roll with sesame seeds, or a baguette. This will ensure you get the perfect balance of textures in every bite.
As for the fillings, the options are endless, but typically, an Italian sub will feature cured meats such as salami, capicola, prosciutto, and mortadella. You can also add vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, banana peppers, and olives, along with condiments such as mayonnaise, vinaigrette, or extra virgin olive oil.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of meats, cheeses, and vegetables to create your perfect Italian sub. You can also try different types of bread to find your favourite. With so many delicious options, you can make each Italian sub unique and tailored to your taste preferences.
Remember, there is no single standard for the Italian sub, so feel free to get creative and make it your own. The beauty of this sandwich lies in its versatility and the ability to adapt it to your liking.
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Swiss cheese is another option
While there is no standard Italian sub, the choice of cheese is an important consideration. Provolone is a popular option, but Swiss cheese is another option that can add a nice twist to your sandwich.
Swiss cheese is a good choice for an Italian sub because of its mild, nutty flavour and distinctive appearance. Its creamy and buttery texture pairs well with the other ingredients in an Italian sub. It has a slightly sweet taste that can complement the meats and vegetables in the sandwich. Swiss cheese also has a lower melting point than some other cheeses, so it can get nice and gooey, adding a creamy texture to your sub.
When choosing Swiss cheese for your Italian sub, look for a variety that has a smooth, closed texture with small holes. This type of Swiss cheese will have a milder flavour and a softer texture, which can be ideal for sandwiches. You can also choose between different types of Swiss cheese, such as Baby Swiss, which is milder and creamier, or Lacy Swiss, which has a slightly stronger flavour and a more open texture.
To assemble your Italian sub with Swiss cheese, start by slicing your roll in half and drizzling both sides with olive oil. Season the roll with salt, pepper, and oregano to taste. Layer your choice of meats on the bottom half of the roll, such as salami, capicola, prosciutto, or ham. Then, add your Swiss cheese. You can shingle the slices or tear the cheese into smaller pieces to ensure every bite has some cheese.
Finally, top the Swiss cheese with your choice of vegetables, such as shredded iceberg lettuce, chopped tomatoes, banana peppers, or olives. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar over the vegetables, and add Italian seasoning to taste. Close your sandwich, and it's ready to serve!
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Some places use American cheese
While there is no standard Italian sub, some places use American cheese. One of the oldest Italian sub shops used American cheese, likely because it was easier to source locally. This is a common theme in food from other cultures—people will often put a spin on traditional dishes based on locally available ingredients.
The Italian sub is thought to have originated from a sandwich made from leftover antipasti and last night's bread. As such, the "Italian" part of the name is more about the type of meat and other ingredients than the strict authenticity of the dish. In fact, a traditional Italian sub would likely have only one or two types of meat, rather than three to five.
That said, the Italian sub is typically made with Italian cured meats, such as salami, capicola, prosciutto, and mortadella. Provolone is the most common cheese used, but some places do use American cheese, especially if the sandwich is served on a hoagie roll. Other common ingredients include lettuce, tomatoes, onion, banana peppers, olive oil, and vinegar.
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Frequently asked questions
Provolone is the most common cheese used in Italian subs, but you can also use Swiss, Asiago, Pecorino Romano, mozzarella, goat cheese, or American cheese. For a truly special Italian sub, use creamy Burrata or fresh mozzarella with mortadella.
An Italian sub is a sandwich that features Italian meats, veggies, and seasonings. The best bread for an Italian sub is soft on the inside and crusty on the outside, like a French bread loaf or a baguette.
Italian subs typically include cured Italian meats such as salami, capicola, prosciutto, and mortadella. Other meats such as pepperoni, ham, and turkey breast can also be added.
Italian subs usually include a mix of pickled and crunchy vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, banana peppers, olives, and onions.
Italian subs are often seasoned with oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mayonnaise is also a common spread used in Italian subs.
