Italian Heroes Recipe

Sub rolls: These are the base of your sandwich, providing a sturdy and delicious vessel for all the fillings.

Provolone cheese: A mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor.

Salami: A type of cured sausage that brings a savory, slightly spicy taste to the sandwich.

Ham: Adds a tender, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other meats.

Lettuce: Provides a fresh, crisp texture to balance the richness of the meats and cheese.

Tomatoes: Adds juiciness and a slight acidity to the sandwich.

Onions: Thinly sliced for a bit of sharpness and crunch.

Olive oil: Used to drizzle over the sandwich, adding moisture and richness.

Red wine vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the meats and cheese.

Oregano: A dried herb that brings a classic Italian flavor to the sandwich.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sandwich.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the overall taste.

For an extra burst of flavor, lightly toast the sub rolls before assembling the sandwiches. This adds a delightful crunch and helps to melt the provolone cheese slightly, enhancing the overall texture and taste.

• sub rolls - Substitute with whole wheat rolls: Whole wheat rolls provide a healthier alternative with more fiber and nutrients.

• provolone cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella has a similar mild flavor and melts well, making it a good alternative.

• salami - Substitute with turkey pepperoni: Turkey pepperoni is a leaner option with less fat and calories.

• ham - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is a leaner meat with less sodium and fat.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach adds more vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium.

• sliced tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor, and are also rich in vitamins A and C.

• thinly sliced onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter taste, which can be more appealing to some palates.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is rich in healthy fats and vitamins.

• red wine vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar offers a slightly sweeter and richer flavor profile.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil provides a different but complementary herbaceous flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and contains trace minerals.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes add a bit of heat and a different flavor dimension.

• To keep your Italian heroes fresh, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help maintain the bread's texture and prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Store the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a zip-top bag to further protect them from air and moisture.
• Place the container or bag in the refrigerator. Your Italian heroes will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
• If you plan to store the sandwiches for longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Label each sandwich with the date before placing them in the freezer. This will help you keep track of their freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the sandwiches in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, you can also thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.
• To refresh the bread's texture, consider reheating the sandwiches in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help restore the crust's crispiness.
• Avoid adding lettuce, tomatoes, and onions before freezing, as these vegetables can become watery and lose their texture. Instead, add them fresh after thawing and reheating the sandwiches.
• For the best flavor, drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar just before serving. This will ensure the condiments remain vibrant and do not soak into the bread during storage.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each Italian Hero sandwich in aluminum foil to keep the bread from drying out. Place the wrapped sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the meats are warmed through.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Wrap the sandwich in a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check the sandwich and continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

• If you prefer a crispy texture, use a panini press or a grill pan. Preheat the press or pan over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the press or pan and cook for about 3-5 minutes, pressing down slightly, until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.

• For a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the meats are heated through.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket and heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.

• Knife: A sharp tool used for slicing the sub rolls, salami, ham, tomatoes, and onions.

• Cutting board: A flat surface to safely chop and slice ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and shredded lettuce accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring the dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

• Mixing bowl: Useful for tossing the shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and onions if you prefer to mix them before adding to the sandwich.

• Tongs: Handy for layering the meats and cheese onto the sub rolls without touching them directly.

• Spoon: Used to drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the sandwiches.

• Plate: A surface to assemble the sandwiches and serve them immediately.

• Paper towels: Useful for patting dry any excess moisture from the vegetables before adding them to the sandwich.

Pre-slice ingredients: Pre-slice lettuce, tomatoes, and onions in advance to save time during assembly.

Use deli counter: Purchase provolone cheese, salami, and ham from the deli counter to get them pre-sliced.

Prepare dressing: Mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bottle for quick drizzling.

Assemble in batches: Lay out all sub rolls and assemble multiple sandwiches at once to streamline the process.

Store properly: Keep assembled sandwiches in the fridge wrapped in parchment paper to maintain freshness until serving.