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Why You’ll Love My Recipe
A classic Submarine Sandwich is one of those go-to meals that never disappoints, whether it’s for lunch or dinner. Stacked with layers of cold cuts, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies, it’s hearty, filling, and healthy. Plus, if you can’t finish it all in one sitting, that just means leftovers for later!
Love a good sandwich? You’ll definitely want to try my Monte Cristo, Classic Reuben, or simple Tomato Sandwich next!
Karlynn’s Recipe Notes
- Skill Level: This recipe couldn’t be easier to make. No complicated steps, just simple assembly!
- Total Time: You’ll have this sandwich ready in about 15 minutes, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a no-fuss dinner.
- Variations: If you want to level things up, swap in a crusty artisan bread like focaccia and give it a light toast for a crispy exterior. You can also toss your lettuce in a simple Homemade Herb Vinaigrette for extra flavor, or finely chop all the ingredients for a bit of everything in each bite. To make this a full meal, serve your sandwich with my Dill Pickle Pasta Salad, Air Fryer French Fries, or a Classic Homemade Coleslaw.
- Tools For This Recipe: You will only need a cutting board and a knife here. If you’re cooking bacon fresh instead of using pre-cooked, you’ll also need a frying pan.
What You’ll Need for Ingredients
Cold Cuts: A mix of roast beef, roast turkey, and honey ham creates that classic, deli-style flavor. The variety keeps every bite interesting and pairs perfectly with the crispy bacon you’ll be adding!
Cheese: Provolone is a great choice thanks to its mild, slightly sharp taste that blends into the sandwich without overpowering the meats. Karlynn’s Tip: You can also switch it up with Swiss for a nuttier flavor or mozzarella for something more mild and creamy.
Veggies: Shredded lettuce, fresh tomato slices, and thinly sliced red onion add crunch, freshness, and a bit of bite to balance out the meats and cheese.
Italian Dressing: Italian dressing ties everything together with a tangy, herby kick that soaks into the sandwich layers. Karlynn’s Tip: A store-bought version works just as well, but if you really want to elevate your sandwich, try making my homemade Italian Dressing for a more vibrant taste!
How To Make A Submarine Sandwich
This is a quick overview of the recipe. The full list of ingredients & complete step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Slice your sub bun in half.
- Fold the sliced meat in half and place them in threes on the sub bun.
- Repeat until you’ve reached the end of the bun.
- Add slices of provolone cheese, shredded lettuce, sliced onion, and tomato.
- Drizzle with your dressing and enjoy!
Karlynn’s Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Submarine Sandwich
- Switch Up the Bread: This recipe uses an Italian herb-seasoned bun, but don’t feel limited here! Try hoagie rolls, focaccia, ciabatta, or whatever bread you love to give your sandwich a different texture and flavor.
- Keep It From Getting Soggy: Lightly salt your tomato slices and let them rest on a paper towel to draw out excess moisture. You can also layer them between the meat and cheese to help keep the bread nice and fresh!
- Use What You Have for Dressing: Don’t stress too much about finding “sub sauce” – it’s essentially the same as Italian dressing in most cases! While some brands tweak their blends slightly, they’re usually very similar. So if you’ve got a bottle of Italian dressing in your fridge, you’re already set! Prefer homemade? You can easily make my Italian Dressing for an even better taste!
Storage Instructions
Submarine Sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasting great.
Refrigerator: Wrap your sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For the best results, remove any soggy ingredients (like tomatoes or dressed lettuce) before storing, then add fresh ones when you’re ready to eat.
Freezer: Freezing isn’t ideal for fully assembled subs, as the bread and fresh toppings can lose their texture. If you want to prep ahead, freeze the bread and meats separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, following USDA food safety guidelines. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and assemble with fresh ingredients!
More Delicious Sandwich Recipes
If you’re craving more hearty, comforting sandwiches, these reader-favorite Sandwich Recipes won’t disappoint:
- This Meatball Sub is comfort food heaven! Use homemade meatballs or premade ones if you’re short on time – the cheesy, saucy goodness comes through either way!
- Bursting with bold, punchy flavors, my Italian Sub brings together the best ingredients in every bite.
- A clever way to use up leftovers, this Grilled Meatloaf Sandwich is irresistible with melty cheese and buttery bread!
And just like that, you’ve got a Submarine Sandwich that’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor! Whether you’re making it for a midday lunch or a no-fuss dinner, this sub hits all the right notes.
Give this recipe a try, customize it with your favorite toppings, and don’t forget to let me know how yours turned out in the comments below! I love seeing how everyone puts their own spin on this classic sandwich.
Happy Cooking!
Mike (Mr. Magpie)
Submarine Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 submarine or hoagie bun
- 3 slices deli roast beef
- 3 slices deli roast turkey
- 3 slices deli honey ham
- 3 slices precooked bacon
- 3 slices provolone cheese
- 4 tomato slices
- 3 rings red onion
- 2 tablespoons Italian dressing
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Slice your sub bun in half in the middle.
- Fold the sliced meat in half and place them in threes on the sub bun (ham, turkey, beef) and then repeat until you've reached the end of the bun. In other words, it uses three slices of each in a pattern (ham, turkey, beef, ham, turkey, beef, etc). When you fold the sandwich closed, this gives you those nice layers you see in the picture.
- Add slices of provolone cheese, shredded lettuce, sliced onion and tomato.
- Drizzle with Italian Dressing (sub sauce) and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Barbara Stewart says
No, no, no! No roast beef, no turkey, no bacon, no honey ham! A sub takes cooked ham, salami, capacola, with the provolone, lettuce, tomato and onions, along with hoagie spread and/or banana peppers, dill pickles and olive oil!
Wyatt says
The name submarine sandwich was coined when an enterprising sandwich maker started sell them to worker in a shipyard where submarines were being built . They were popular with the workers and due to their similar general shape and the boats being manufactured they took on the name . At least that is the legend behind the famous sandwich . Various towns and cities claim to make the best and or Origional subs but I would have to say that the south eastern area around Atlantic City NJ is home to the best and origional style Submarine Sandwich . The famous White House Sub Shop being the home of the best . Most of the region’s shops were started by people who had at one time or another worked and received their training at that shop . Even the local bakery that supplies the bread used to make the shaped the loaf to be a foot and a half long and a bit thinner than their standard Italian bread . And the menu options , well let’s just say there is something for everyone . They have even been known to Fed Ex a delivery over night to someone wanting one of their sandwiches .