Dive into the robust flavors of Italy with this Italian Chopped Sandwich recipe. If you love the combination of savory meats, sharp cheeses, and crisp vegetables enveloped in a hearty roll, this sandwich is your ticket to a quick culinary escape to the streets of Italy.
Why You'll Love This Loaded Sandwich
- Quick to Prepare. Ready in under 15 minutes!
- Bursting with Flavor. Layers of Italian meats, cheese, and fresh veggies ensure a mouthwatering experience.
- Perfect for Any Occasion. Ideal for a quick lunch, picnic, or as a crowd-pleasing party dish.
- Customizable. Easily adapted to include your favorite deli ingredients.
This Chopped Italian Sandwich is a straightforward dish with complex flavors that come together to create a filling, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
What Do They Taste Like?
A well-made Chopped Italian Sandwich combines a variety of textures and flavors that balance each other perfectly, making it a popular choice among sandwich lovers.
The sharpness of the provolone cheese, the spiciness of the salami, the richness of the ham, and the crunch of the lettuce and onions create a symphony of tastes that are both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
Where Did The Chopped Italian Sandwich Come From?
The Chopped Italian Sandwich, often simply known as an Italian sandwich or sub, has its roots deeply planted in American Italian communities.
The precise origin isn't definitively pinpointed to a single location, as variations of the Italian sandwich appear in different parts of the United States, each with its own local twist.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Italian Bread- A crusty loaf, sliced horizontally.
- Provolone Cheese- For a creamy, sharp taste.
- Ham- Thinly sliced.
- Salami- Preferably spicy.
- Capicola- Adds a rich flavor.
- Tomatoes- Sliced for freshness.
- Lettuce- Shredded for crunch.
- Onions- Thinly sliced for a sharp bite.
- Italian Dressing- For drizzling.
- Mayonnaise- Optional, for added creaminess.
- Salt and Pepper- To taste.
How To Make A Chopped Italian Sandwich
- Chop the Filling. On a large cutting board, stack the ham, salami, capicola, and provolone cheese. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and chopped onion. Use a large knife to finely chop everything together, folding the ingredients over each other until you get a uniform, chopped salad-style mix.
- Mix in the Dressing. Drizzle the chopped mixture with Italian dressing and mayonnaise (if using). Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Use the knife to toss and chop again until well combined and creamy.
- Prep the Bread. Slice your sub rolls. (Optional: Toast lightly for a crisp bite.)
- Assemble the Sandwich. Pile the chopped Italian mixture onto the bread. Press down and serve immediately.
Tips And Tricks
Making an Italian Chopped Sandwich can be an exciting culinary adventure, allowing you to mix traditional Italian flavors with personal preferences. Here are some tips and tricks to elevate your sandwich-making experience and ensure delicious results every time:
- Choose the Right Bread. The foundation of any great sandwich is the bread. For an authentic Italian Chopped Sandwich, opt for a crusty Italian roll or a soft yet sturdy hoagie bun. The bread should be able to hold all the ingredients without getting soggy.
- Quality Meats and Cheeses. Select high-quality Italian meats such as prosciutto, salami, capicola, and mortadella. Layer them with slices of provolone, mozzarella, or another Italian cheese for the perfect melt and flavor combination.
- Layer Smartly. To prevent the bread from becoming soggy, start with a layer of cheese directly on the bread. This acts as a barrier to the moisture from meats and vegetables. Then, add your meats and top them with your veggies and condiments.
Variations
The Italian Chopped Sandwich is a classic that offers a great foundation for creative variations. Here are some delicious twists on the traditional sandwich that can cater to various tastes and dietary preferences:
- Spicy- Amp up the heat by adding spicy meats like hot capicola or spicy salami. Include jalapeños, pepperoncinis, or a spicy giardiniera mix. A spicy mayo or hot sauce drizzle can also heighten the flavors.
- Vegetarian- Skip the meats and focus on an assortment of cheeses like smoked provolone, mozzarella, and fresh ricotta. Add grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplants. You can also include marinated artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes for more depth.
- Chicken- Use grilled or roasted chicken in place of traditional deli meats. Add roasted red peppers and a balsamic glaze to complement the chicken, along with arugula and fresh basil for greens.
What To Eat With An Italian Chopped Sandwich
When serving an Italian Chopped Sandwich, there are several delicious side dishes you can pair with it to round out your meal. Here are some tasty options that complement the robust flavors:
- Potato Chips- Classic and crispy, potato chips are a simple and satisfying choice. Opt for plain, salted, or kettle-cooked varieties to add a crunchy texture.
- Pasta Salad- A cold pasta salad with Italian dressing, olives, diced peppers, and cherry tomatoes can be a refreshing side that matches the Italian theme.
- Olives and Pickled Vegetables- A selection of marinated olives, pickles, and other pickled vegetables like giardiniera add a tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the sandwich.
- Coleslaw- A tangy coleslaw can add a crisp and creamy contrast to the meaty and hearty sandwich.
How Long Does It Last?
Chopped Italian Sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
Can You Freeze It?
It's not recommended to freeze this sandwich as the fresh ingredients and bread will not hold up well to freezing and thawing.
More Spectacular Sandwiches
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Ingredients
- 2 Sub Rolls
- 4 slices Provolone Cheese
- 4 slices Ham
- 4 slices Salami
- 2 slices Capicola
- 1/2 cup Lettuce, shredded
- 1 Tomato, diced
- 1/2 Red Onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Italian Dressing
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Chop the Filling. On a large cutting board, stack the ham, salami, capicola, and provolone cheese. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and chopped onion. Use a large knife to finely chop everything together, folding the ingredients over each other until you get a uniform, chopped salad-style mix.
- Mix in the Dressing. Drizzle the chopped mixture with Italian dressing and mayonnaise (if using). Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Use the knife to toss and chop again until well combined and creamy.
- Prep the Bread. Slice your Italian loaf or sub rolls.
- Assemble the Sandwich. Pile the chopped Italian mixture onto the bread. Serve immediately.
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