These hot and hearty Italian sub sandwiches are loaded with layers of flavorful deli meats, gooey melted cheese, tangy banana peppers, and savory sautéed onions, all tucked inside a soft hoagie roll. Finished with a brush of buttery Italian seasoning and baked to golden perfection, these subs are everything you love about a classic Italian sandwich — but warm, melty, and fresh from the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Full of bold, savory flavors from a mix of meats and cheese

• Warm and crispy with melty cheese in every bite

• Easy to assemble and bake — minimal hands-on cooking

• Ideal for family dinners, parties, or game day spreads

• Customizable with your favorite sandwich fillings

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sandwiches:

• 4 hoagie rolls (preferably hinged rolls that are sliced but still connected on one side)

• 8 slices deli ham (about 8 ounces)

• 8 slices hard salami (about 8 ounces)

• 8 slices roast beef or 1 cup cooked ground beef (roughly 8 ounces)

• 20 slices pepperoni (about 4 ounces)

• 8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup pickled banana peppers or pepperoncini slices

• ½ cup sautéed onions (made from 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced and cooked in oil until soft and golden)

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (a blend of dried oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the hoagie rolls by slicing each one lengthwise, making sure not to cut all the way through — keep one side connected to act as a hinge.

3. Open each roll and layer with 2 slices of ham, 2 slices of salami, 2 slices of roast beef (or a scoop of ground beef), and 5 slices of pepperoni.

4. Add 2 slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese on top of the meat in each sandwich.

5. Sprinkle banana pepper slices and a few spoonfuls of sautéed onions over the cheese.

6. Close the sandwiches gently and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

7. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with Italian seasoning. Brush the tops of the hoagie rolls generously with the seasoned butter.

8. Cover the sandwiches loosely with foil and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sandwiches are heated through.

9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are lightly crisp and golden brown.

10. Serve hot and enjoy with your favorite side dishes.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 sandwiches (can be cut in half to serve 8)

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Meat swaps: Try turkey, capicola, mortadella, or prosciutto.

• Cheese alternatives: Use Swiss, cheddar, pepper jack, or a combination of cheeses.

• Add veggies: Include roasted red peppers, sliced tomatoes, arugula, or shredded lettuce (add fresh veggies after baking).

• Spicy version: Add jalapeño slices, spicy giardiniera, or crushed red pepper flakes.

• Vegetarian: Replace meat with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, and use a plant-based cheese if desired.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes, wrapped in foil. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from getting soggy.

• Freezing: Assemble the sandwiches (without baking), wrap tightly in foil, and freeze. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, covered, then uncovered for 3–5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread?

Yes, you can use sub rolls, ciabatta rolls, or French bread as long as they can hold the fillings and won’t fall apart after baking.

What’s the best cheese to use for Italian subs?

Provolone is traditional for its mild flavor and good melt, but mozzarella, Swiss, or even pepper jack work well depending on your preference.

Can I make these subs ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the sandwiches and refrigerate, covered, for up to 6 hours. Bake just before serving.

How do I keep the sandwiches from becoming soggy?

Don’t overload with wet ingredients like pickles or extra dressing. Baking uncovered for a few minutes at the end helps crisp the bread.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes, depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook at 350°F for 6–8 minutes, checking to avoid over-browning.

Are these sandwiches kid-friendly?

Absolutely. You can simplify the ingredients (omit peppers or onions) to match your child’s preferences.

Can I use shredded cheese instead of slices?

Yes. Shredded cheese melts well and can even make it easier to get an even layer across the sandwich.

Is there a way to make these sandwiches lower in fat?

Use lean meats like turkey or chicken, low-fat cheese, and reduce or skip the butter topping.

What can I serve with these sandwiches?

They pair well with potato chips, pasta salad, coleslaw, a green salad, or tomato soup.

How do I sauté the onions for this recipe?

Slice 1 medium onion thinly and cook in a skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, until soft and lightly browned.

Conclusion

These Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches are everything you want in a warm, comforting sandwich — meaty, cheesy, flavorful, and satisfyingly crisp on the outside. With easy prep and endless possibilities for customization, they’re perfect for casual dinners, entertaining, or anytime you’re craving something hearty and delicious.