This Chopped Italian Sandwich, a TikTok viral sensation, is a delicious take on Italian subs. Think of it like an antipasto salad on a sub roll. It’s easy to make, deliciously filled with pepperoni, salami, ham, and mozzarella cheese, all chopped up, drizzled with dressing, and stuffed in a soft fresh hoagie roll. Great for lunch, dinner, picnics, and parties.
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Hearty Sandwiches
Hearty sandwiches? They're like the MVPs of any meal packing a punch of flavor and satisfaction in every bite! Picture this: you've got layers of juicy meats, crunchy veggies, and maybe some gooey cheese, all piled high between two slices of bread that never fail to hit the spot.
Whether you're sinking your teeth into a BLT Sandwich with Avocado, savoring a Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich with not one but three cheeses, or chowing down on a classic French Dip Sandwich with rich au jus for dipping, these babies are all about flavor and satisfaction. They're not just food; they're a whole vibe, ready to fill you up and leave you smiling with every delicious bite.
Why You'll Love This Chopped Italian Sandwich Recipe
Get set for a flavor fest with this Chopped Italian Sandwich! It's blowing up Tik Tok right now and for good reason. This isn't your run-of-the-mill classic sub sandwich; it's bursting with amazing flavors and textures that'll keep you coming back for more. Here's why you don't want to miss this out-of-this-world chopped Italian sub:
Effortlessly Accessible: It's easy to throw together, using simple ingredients that are readily available in your pantry. It makes it the ideal choice for hectic weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Tailored to Taste: It's easy to customize this Italian sandwich sensation from the meats to the cheeses to the creamy dressing.
Party Pleaser: This party sandwich entices friends and family to gather around and grab one from the platter. Great for picnics, game time, or potluck get-togethers.
Flavor Explosion: The melding of Italian meats, cheeses, and tasty condiments creates a blend of savory, tangy, and briny notes, that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Tempting Textures: From the crisp crunch of fresh vegetables to the creamy richness of cheeses and the salty flavor of the different meats, every layer offers a delightful contrast that is sure to be a huge hit!
More Reasons to Love This Chopped Italian Sub
On-the-Go Meal: Need a quick bite on the run? Look no further. Once assembled, this sandwich transforms into the ultimate portable feast, perfectly suited for a picnic, road trip, or a packed lunch. Simply wrap it up and go wherever the day takes you.
Eye Candy: Feast your eyes on this culinary masterpiece. With its vibrant, colorful ingredients, it's not just delicious—it's practically begging you to take a bite.
Serious Nostalgia: This chopped Italian sandwich is like a delicious trip down memory lane, bringing back cozy feelings of sharing classic deli sandwiches and Italian antipasto platters with loved ones. It will make any occasion feel special.
Versatile: Traditionally enjoyed as a sandwich, the ingredients can easily be deconstructed and repurposed as an Italian grinder salad or featured on a charcuterie board.
Prep-Ahead: By keeping the lettuce, sandwich filling, and dressing components separate until serving time, you can effortlessly assemble this delicious sandwich on demand, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor with minimal effort.
This Chopped Italian Sandwich can't be beat! Whether you're craving a quick bite, hosting game day, or simply seeking inspiration, this easy recipe promises a host of flavors, textures, and memories that will become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to prepare these viral grinder sandwiches. The exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.
Italian sandwich meats and cheese:
- Pepperoni slices
- Hard salami or Genoa salami slices
- Slices of Ham
- Sliced mozzarella cheese - or you can opt for provolone cheese
Italian sandwich veggies:
- Red onion
- Baby bell peppers or pepperoncini peppers
- Tomato slices
- Romaine lettuce or iceberg lettuce
For the Italian sandwich dressing:
- Red wine vinegar
- Olive oil
- Mayonnaise
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Italian seasoning
To assemble the sandwich:
- Italian sub rolls, hoagie rolls, or other crusty bread
How to Make Chopped Italian Sandwiches
Here are the steps and some photos for making the best chopped Italian sandwich recipe:
- Begin by chopping all the ingredients, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, salami, and ham, on a large cutting board.
- Combine the chopped meats and cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- Add shredded lettuce, onions, peppers, and tomatoes.
- Stir well.
- Drizzle red wine vinegar over the meat and vegetable filling.
- Add olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Blend in mayonnaise.
- Stir to moisten all the ingredients.
Halve the sub rolls or hoagie rolls and generously layer them with the chopped medley.
Isn’t your mouth just watering looking at all that deliciousness? This Italian chopped sandwich offers up a vibrant blend of flavors and textures that will have you savoring each and every bite. Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch, a hearty dinner, or a party appetizer, this Italian sub is a convenient and delicious option for any occasion.
Recipe Tips
So, making the ultimate chopped Italian sandwich? It's not just about tossing stuff together. I've got some must-know tips to take your sandwich game from okay to out-of-this-world. We're talking picking the freshest ingredients, nailing those slicing skills, and even some clever presentation tricks. Trust me, these tips will have you serving up sandwich perfection in no time!
- Freshness is Key: Elevate the flavor and texture of your chopped Italian sandwich by opting for fresh, high-quality meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Using fresh ingredients will enhance the overall taste of this hearty sandwich.
- Precision Tools Matter: For clean and effortless slicing always use a sharp knife. A sharp blade guarantees smooth cuts through the layers without compromising their integrity, allowing you to showcase the sandwich's fillings. A serrated bread knife is best for slicing the sandwich into smaller portions.
- Secure with Toothpicks or Skewers: Keep your masterpiece intact by sticking toothpicks or small skewers in the sandwich before slicing. It's a super easy move, but it works wonders. No more layers sliding around or falling apart—just a nice-looking sandwich that's easy to serve up or take on the go.
- Chill for Flavor Enhancement: Before serving, refrigerate the assembled sandwich for at least an hour. Chilling allows the flavors to marry and intensify, while also making slicing easier.
Recipe Variations
Get ready to get creative! The viral Italian grinder sandwich is like a blank canvas, begging for your favorite sandwich ingredients. Whether you're tweaking it for special diets, trying out new flavor combos, or just playing around with how it looks, there's so much you can do to put your own spin on this great recipe.
- Low-Carb Delight: Embrace the flavors of this modern twist on the classic Italian sub while sticking to your low-carb or keto diet by transforming it into a vibrant Italian chopped salad. Simply omit the bread and serve the salad ingredients in a bowl. Or make Italian chopped salad wraps with lettuce or low-carb tortillas.
- Vegetarian Extravaganza: Cater to vegetarians and veggie enthusiasts by crafting a meat-free version of the chopped Italian sandwich. Swap out the meats for an array of colorful vegetables such as roasted bell peppers, sweet cherry peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, sliced cucumbers, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Go above and beyond with creamy avocado slices or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Slider Sensation: Transform the chopped Italian sandwich into irresistible bite-sized pieces by serving them as sliders on soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian sweet rolls. This mini version allows for effortless snacking and makes a crowd-pleasing appetizer or party dish.
- Gluten-Free Twist: It's easy! Just substitute gluten-free bread as a substitute for traditional rolls.
- Mediterranean Fusion: Infuse a Mediterranean twist into the chopped Italian sandwich by incorporating ingredients from Italy and Greece. Elements such as feta cheese, Kalamata olives, roasted eggplant, and tzatziki sauce add a burst of Mediterranean flavor to each bite.
- Bold and Spicy: Kick up the heat with a fiery rendition of the chopped Italian sandwich by adding spicy elements such as hot pepper relish, jalapeño slices, or sriracha-infused mayo. Amp up the flavor profile with zesty additions like tangy banana peppers, chipotle aioli, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Seafood Spectacular: Yes, this seafood-infused twist on the traditional grinder sandwich will wow everyone! Substitute traditional deli meats with tasty seafood options such as thinly sliced smoked salmon, boiled shrimp, tender lobster meat, or delicate crab meat. Complement the seafood flavors with briny capers, creamy avocado, and a drizzle of lemon-dill aioli for a refreshing and indulgent result.
Make Ahead
Prepare this dish with ease by making it ahead of time. Here's how:
- Begin by chopping your choice of meats, cheeses, and vegetables, then store them separately in airtight containers to maintain the best texture and freshness.
- Similarly, store the chopped lettuce in its own container or sealed plastic bag to prevent wilting.
- Prepare the dressing and store it in a separate container until ready to use.
- Keep all components refrigerated for up to three days in advance.
When it's time to serve, simply combine all the chopped ingredients in a large bowl, ensuring a thorough blend of flavors and textures. Spoon the mixture generously onto sub sandwich rolls for a convenient and delicious meal that's ready to enjoy in no time.
This make-ahead approach not only saves time but also allows the flavors to blend together, resulting in a perfectly balanced and satisfying chopped Italian sandwich.
What to Serve with this Italian Sandwich
- Dipping Sauce: Italian dressing or marinara sauce
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle it over the sandwich right before serving.
- Sides: Potato chips, French fries, or onion rings
- Soups: Tomato basil soup or broccoli cheddar soup
- Fresh Fruit: Sliced melons, berries, or a fruit salad.
How to Store Leftovers
Wrap any leftover prepared sandwiches with plastic wrap and place the wrapped sandwiches in a large airtight container or plastic storage bag. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Keep any extra sub rolls in their packaging or plastic storage bag. Store them at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Place any leftover mixed filling in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Note that the lettuce will wilt and won't be as crisp as when freshly prepared.
More Italian Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
- Italian Pork Chops
- Italian Sausage Tortellini
- Meatball Sliders
Find lots of easy Italian food recipes right here on 2CM!
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Chopped Italian Sandwich
Ingredients
- 3 sub rolls or hoagie rolls
- 5 slices mozzarella cheese
- 5 slices pepperoni
- 5 slices salami
- 3-6 slices ham (3 large or 6 small slices)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup chopped baby peppers or pepperoncini peppers.
- 8 slices tomatoes around 1 medium tomato, beef tomatoes are best
- 2 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Begin by chopping all the ingredients, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, salami, and ham, as well as the vegetables.
- Combine the chopped meats and cheese in a mixing bowl with shredded lettuce, onions, and peppers.
- Chop tomatoes and add them to the bowl, then pour in red wine vinegar.
- Add olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until well combined. Then blend in mayonnaise.
- Halve the sub rolls or hoagie rolls and generously layer them with this vibrant chopped medley. Seal it all off with the top roll and enjoy your mouthwatering Italian chopped sandwich!
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