If you are craving a sandwich that bursts with bold flavors and a delightful medley of textures, this Chopped Italian Sandwiches Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a classic deli-style sandwich elevated with a fresh and flavorful chopped filling that combines crisp veggies, savory meats, and melty provolone cheese. Every bite is a satisfying mix of tangy, savory, and fresh notes that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re making lunch for friends or feeding the family, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, unforgettable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chopped Italian Sandwiches Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in layering flavor, adding texture, or contributing a pop of color that makes every sandwich inviting. From crunchy lettuce to zesty banana peppers and smoky meats, you’re building a symphony of tastes that works perfectly together.
- Banana pepper rings (1/3 cup): Adds a tangy and mildly spicy kick that brightens the sandwich.
- Red onion (1/4, roughly chopped): Brings a sharp, slightly sweet crunch to balance the richness.
- Iceberg lettuce (1/2 head, cut into 6-8 pieces): Provides refreshing crispness and body.
- Tomato (1, sliced): Offers juiciness and a subtle sweetness to complement the savory elements.
- Salami (4 ounces): Delivers meaty, spiced flavor that is classic to Italian sandwiches.
- Pepperoni (4 ounces): Adds a slightly smoky and peppery taste.
- Turkey breast (6 ounces): Keeps things light and tender with lean protein.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Creamy binder that ensures the filling stays moist and flavorful.
- Red wine vinegar (1 tbsp): Adds a subtle acidic brightness to cut through the richness.
- Banana pepper juice (1 tbsp): Infuses more tang and spice directly from the peppers.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Offers a warm, savory depth to the dressing.
- Oregano (1 tsp): Brings aromatic, traditional Italian herb flavor.
- Provolone cheese (8 ounces): Melts perfectly to add creamy, mild Italian flavor.
- Sub rolls (6): The sturdy and soft base that holds all the delicious fillings in place.
How to Make Chopped Italian Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Cheese
Begin by preheating your oven to broil on high. Slice open the sub rolls and arrange them cut side up on a baking sheet. Evenly distribute the provolone cheese onto the bread. This step is essential because the cheese will melt and help glue the sandwich components together while adding a gooey texture that’s impossible to resist.
Step 2: Chop the Vegetables and Meats
On a large cutting board, layer the banana peppers, red onion, iceberg lettuce, tomato slices, salami, pepperoni, and turkey breast. Then, start chopping everything in one direction and switch to the other to evenly combine all the ingredients. Keep pushing the mixture back together as you chop to ensure a uniform texture. This method gives the chopped filling a perfect balance of meat and veggies in every bite, making it one of the defining steps in this Chopped Italian Sandwiches Recipe.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing and Combine
Transfer the chopped ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Add mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, oregano, and banana pepper juice. Toss everything gently to coat all the ingredients with the flavorful dressing. This step brings everything together, marrying the savory, tangy, and herby notes beautifully to create a cohesive and irresistible sandwich filling.
Step 4: Broil the Rolls with Cheese
Place the baking sheet with the prepared sub rolls back into the oven. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, carefully watching to catch the bread toasted to a golden crisp while the cheese melts perfectly. This quick broil adds crunch and warmth, softening the roll just right so it can hold the filling without getting soggy.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Once the cheese is melted and the rolls are toasted, remove them from the oven. Spoon the chopped filling generously onto each warm sub roll. The warmth of the rolls and melting cheese combined with the chilled, tangy filling makes this sandwich a delight from the very first bite.
How to Serve Chopped Italian Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your sandwiches with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of spice. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dash of freshly ground black pepper also cranks up the flavor and presentation, turning these sandwiches into a feast for both the eyes and palate.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with classic Italian sides like crunchy garlic parmesan fries, a simple antipasto salad, or some marinated olives. For a lighter option, serve with a crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to complement the rich filling.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, transform the chopped filling into slider-sized sandwiches using small rolls or ciabatta buns. Alternatively, serve the filling as a hearty salad on its own with accompanying toasty bread slices for scooping. This versatility makes the Chopped Italian Sandwiches Recipe perfect for picnics, parties, or casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chopped filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the toasted sub rolls separate to prevent sogginess. Assemble sandwiches fresh just before eating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While the chopped filling is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the meats separately if needed. Avoid freezing the vegetables and bread which can become mushy upon thawing. Defrost frozen meats overnight in the fridge before mixing with fresh veggies for optimal taste.
Reheating
To reheat sandwiches, remove the filling from the bread, warm the bread in a toaster oven or oven until crisp, and let the filling come to room temperature before assembling. This method keeps the sandwich fresh and prevents the bread from becoming soggy or chewy.
FAQs
Can I use different meats for the Chopped Italian Sandwiches Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add your favorite Italian deli meats like capicola, mortadella, or prosciutto, depending on your taste preferences and availability.
What type of bread works best for these sandwiches?
Sturdy sub rolls or hoagie buns are ideal because they hold up well to the moist filling and melted cheese without falling apart.
Is there a vegetarian version of this sandwich?
Yes! You can omit the meats and add more roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or grilled peppers, along with extra cheese and the banana pepper dressing for a delicious vegetarian take.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Definitely. Prepare the chopped filling a few hours in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. This actually helps the flavors meld together even better.
How spicy is this sandwich?
The mild heat from the banana pepper rings and their juice adds a gentle zing, making this sandwich flavorful without being overly spicy—perfect for most palates.
Final Thoughts
This Chopped Italian Sandwiches Recipe is one of those dishes that feels wonderfully comforting, yet exciting every time you make it. Its simple ingredients come together to create something truly memorable and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it up for a casual lunch or impressing guests with a flavorful crowd-pleaser, this sandwich never fails to delight. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how delicious Italian deli flavors can be when chopped, tossed, and piled onto a warm, cheesy roll.
Print
Chopped Italian Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Chopped Italian Sandwiches are a flavorful and easy-to-make meal featuring a medley of classic Italian deli meats, fresh vegetables, and provolone cheese combined with a tangy, creamy dressing. The filling is finely chopped for the perfect texture and layered onto toasted sub rolls with melted cheese, making these sandwiches perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1/3 cup banana pepper rings
- 1/4 red onion, roughly chopped
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, cut into 6–8 pieces
- 1 tomato, sliced
Meats
- 4 ounces salami
- 4 ounces pepperoni
- 6 ounces turkey breast
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon banana pepper juice (from the jar of banana pepper rings)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp oregano
Additional
- 8 ounces provolone cheese
- 6 sub rolls
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare breads: Preheat the oven to broil on high. Slice the sub rolls open and place them cut side up on a baking sheet. Evenly distribute the provolone cheese over each sub roll and set aside.
- Chop the filling ingredients: On a large cutting board, layer the banana peppers, red onion, iceberg lettuce, tomato slices, salami, pepperoni, and turkey breast. Using a sharp knife, chop the ingredients by cutting in one direction first and then switching to the opposite direction to get an even, fine chop. Use the knife to gather and mix the pieces as you chop until you reach the desired size. Transfer all chopped ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the dressing and combine: Add mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, oregano, and banana pepper juice to the mixing bowl containing the chopped ingredients. Toss everything together thoroughly to create the sandwich filling.
- Toast the rolls: Place the baking sheet with the prepared sub rolls and cheese into the oven. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes while closely monitoring to ensure the cheese melts and the rolls turn toasted and golden brown without burning. Remove from the oven promptly.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spoon the prepared filling mixture generously into the warm toasted sub rolls. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Keep a close eye on the sandwiches while broiling to avoid burning the cheese and rolls.
- You can adjust the amount of banana pepper juice for desired tanginess.
- Feel free to substitute or add your favorite Italian deli meats or cheeses.
- If preferred, the chopped filling can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before assembling sandwiches.
- For a spicier version, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the filling mix.
