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For some reason, every time I hear the term Submarine Sandwich, I am reminded of the Sunday morning comics that I used to steal from my father’s newspaper every week. Specifically, the “Blondie” comics featuring Dagwood and his insanely huge sandwiches.
While it’s certainly not a Dagwood Sandwich specifically, the submarine sandwich was another favorite of his and it’s fun that it brings those memories back. So, let’s get to making one, shall we?
Love sandwiches? Why not try my Monte Cristo sandwich, my Classic Reuben Sandwich or Tomato Sandwich!
Quick and Easy Submarine Sandwich Recipe
As the resident “sandwich maker” in the house, it falls to me to put together the sandwiches and subs and as far as I’m concerned, a classic submarine sandwich is always an excellent choice for lunch or supper. Piled with cold cuts, it’s not only filling but if you are unable to eat the whole thing (like yours truly) then you’ve got lunch and dinner in one shot! Let’s be honest, this thing is packed with protein and vegetables making it a super filling meal for anyone after a hard day’s work. If you like this one, be sure to try my Italian Sub recipe too!
How do you make a Submarine Sandwich?
Putting together a submarine sandwich is straight-forward. You will need to make sure you have some nice submarine buns – in this instance, we’re using Italian herb and seasoning style for a little extra flavor.
You’ll also want the following ingredients (note: the meat being cold cuts obviously):
- Roast Beef (slices)
- Honey Ham or Baked Ham (slices)
- Roast Turkey or Chicken (slices)
- Provolone Cheese (slices)
- Bacon (slices)
- Lettuce (shredded)
- Red Onion (sliced)
- Tomato (sliced)
- Italian Dressing or Sub Sauce
Once you have everything together, you need to start building your sandwich.
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 below.
After that, it’s time to start slapping on the cheese slices, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and a nice drizzle of Italian dressing (or sub sauce) and boom! The perfect submarine sandwich is yours to enjoy!
Where did the name Submarine Sandwich come from?
Well, hopefully this is self-explanatory but if not, the origin came from the shape of submarines. We’re not sure entirely sure how far back the name goes but one theory is that it was coined in the early 1900’s by an Italian immigrant in New Jersey after he saw a submarine in a maritime museum.
What is the difference between Italian Dressing and Sub Sauce?
To be honest, not much other than marketing. Sub sauce uses the exact same ingredients as Italian Dressing. While some companies may make their own slightly different just to differentiate themselves, in 95% of the cases, they are identical. So, if you are making your Submarine Sandwich and aren’t sure what to use, grab that bottle of Italian Dressing (or use our recipe linked above) out of the fridge and you are good to go!
If you are looking for a hot sub, try my meatball sub, it’s awesome!
Enjoy!
Mike
Submarine Sandwich
- Prep Time
- 15 minutes
- Total Time
- 15 minutes
- Course
- sandwich
- Cuisine
- American
- Servings
- 1
- Calories
- 721
- Author
- Karlynn Johnston
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
- 1/2 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.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Information
All calories and info are based on a third party calculator and are only an estimate. Actual nutritional info will vary with brands used, your measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
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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 .