The Perfect Italian Sandwich: Cheesy Delights

The Italian sandwich, also known as a hero, hoagie, grinder, or sub, is a beloved staple of Italian-American cuisine. While there are many variations, the classic Italian sandwich is made with a combination of cured meats, such as salami, pepperoni, and capicola, and cheese. The type of cheese used in an Italian sandwich is a matter of some debate, with provolone being the most common choice, but Swiss and American cheese also having their proponents.

Provolone is the standard cheese for an Italian sandwich

Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese with a sharp, salty flavour. It is often sliced thinly for Italian sandwiches, providing a contrast to the airy ribbons of cured meats. While some recipes suggest Swiss cheese or American cheese as alternatives, provolone is considered the standard.

The choice of meat for an Italian sandwich is flexible, and typically includes a variety of cured meats such as salami, pepperoni, capicola, mortadella, and prosciutto. These meats are sliced very thin to ensure the sandwich is not dense. The sandwich is then piled high with crisp, crunchy vegetables such as lettuce, tomato, red onion, banana peppers, and black olives.

The bread used for an Italian sandwich is typically a sturdy Italian loaf, such as Ciabatta, with a crusty exterior and soft interior. The inside of the loaf may be scooped out slightly to make room for generous amounts of fillings. The sandwich is often finished with a drizzle of Italian dressing, made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.

The beauty of the Italian sandwich is that it can be made ahead of time and gets better with age. The flavours meld and marinate, and the bread remains firm without becoming soggy. This makes it a perfect choice for a crowd-pleasing lunch or a take-along snack.

Swiss cheese is another option

When making an Italian sandwich, the first step is to select your bread. A crusty loaf of Italian bread is a good choice, but you could also opt for a basic sub roll, ciabatta, or a demi Italian loaf. If you want to go the extra mile, you can even bake your own loaf of bread!

Next comes the meat. Italian sandwiches typically feature a combination of cured meats such as salami, pepperoni, mortadella, and capicola. You can choose a few different types of meat to include in your sandwich, and be sure to ask for thin slices so you get that perfect, airy texture.

Now it's time for the cheese. While provolone is the classic choice, Swiss cheese is another option that pairs well with the other ingredients. Layer on thin slices of Swiss cheese, just like you would with provolone.

Finally, add your vegetables. A mix of crunchy, pickled veggies like shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, banana peppers, and black olives will give your sandwich a refreshing bite. Don't forget to finish with a drizzle of dressing, such as olive oil and red wine vinegar, and a pinch of dried oregano.

There you have it! An Italian sandwich with Swiss cheese is a delicious option for your next meal.

Cured meats are a must

When it comes to crafting the perfect Italian sandwich, there is one golden rule: cured meats are a must. The beauty of an Italian sandwich lies in the harmonious interplay of flavours and textures, and cured meats play a pivotal role in achieving this delicate balance. With their distinctive savoury notes and chewy texture, cured meats form the foundation of this iconic dish.

The key to a sublime Italian sandwich lies in the variety of cured meats used. A symphony of flavours is created by combining different types of cured meats, each contributing its unique savoury, spicy, or nutty notes. The most popular selections include salami, renowned for its robust flavour and slightly chewy texture; pepperoni, which adds a subtle kick; mortadella, a bologna-like delicacy studded with pistachios; capicola, a spicy Italian ham that brings a touch of heat; and prosciutto, known for its delicate, melt-in-the-mouth quality.

To elevate your sandwich further, pay attention to the thickness of your meat slices. Ask your local deli to slice the meats paper-thin, creating airy ribbons of porky goodness that melt in your mouth. This not only ensures a more delicate texture but also allows the flavours of the other ingredients to shine through. The key is to avoid a dense sandwich, so go easy on the amount of meat you pile on. Three to four types of cured meats are usually sufficient to create a symphony of flavours without overwhelming the palate.

When crafting your Italian sandwich, remember that the order in which you layer the ingredients matters. Start with the cured meats, creating a foundation of savoury flavours. Then, add the cheese, vegetables, and condiments, finishing with a drizzle of dressing. This assembly ensures that each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavours and textures, making your sandwich a true masterpiece.

So, the next time you're craving an Italian sandwich, remember that cured meats are the star of the show. With their complex flavours and unique textures, they transform a simple sandwich into a culinary journey through Italy's rich culinary heritage. So, pile on those cured meats and take your taste buds on an adventure!

You can use mayonnaise

An Italian sandwich is a hearty meal, perfect for a crowd or a quick lunch. It is a combination of cured meats, cheese, and crunchy vegetables on a sturdy Italian loaf.

If you are making an Italian sandwich at home, start with a crusty loaf of Italian bread. Spread a layer of mayonnaise on the soft inside of the bread, before piling on the fillings. You can add cured meats such as salami, pepperoni, capicola, mortadella, and prosciutto. For the cheese, provolone is the classic choice, but Swiss cheese is also a nice option.

Next, add your vegetables. Shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, banana peppers, black olives, and giardiniera are all great options. If you are using mayonnaise, you may want to add some tangy or spicy elements to your sandwich to balance out the flavours. Pepper relish, hot peppers, or a drizzle of Italian dressing can all work well with the mayonnaise.

Finally, if you are taking your sandwich on the go, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh. An Italian sandwich is a delicious and filling option for a packed lunch or picnic, and the addition of mayonnaise will ensure it stays moist and tasty.

Olive oil and red wine vinegar are also used

Olive oil and red wine vinegar are essential components of an Italian sandwich. They are combined with parmesan, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to make a dressing that brings big flavour to the sub. The olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing adds a tangy and acidic kick to the sandwich without being overpowering.

To make the dressing, combine olive oil and red wine vinegar with grated parmesan cheese, a clove of finely chopped garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Seal these ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake well to combine. This dressing can be drizzled over the vegetables and meats of the sandwich, adding a zingy finish to the Italian hero.

The olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing is a key element in an Italian sandwich, providing a flavourful contrast to the cured meats and crisp vegetables. This dressing is simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for those looking to build a delicious Italian sandwich at home.

In addition to its role in the dressing, olive oil can also be used to enhance the flavour of other ingredients in the sandwich. For instance, it can be combined with garlic and basil to create a garlic/basil olive oil, adding a unique twist to the traditional Italian sandwich.

Frequently asked questions