- 1 hoagie or Italian sub roll
- 1 cup chopped ham
- ½ cup chopped salami
- ½ cup chopped pepperoni
- ½ cup provolone, chopped
- ¼ red onion, chopped
- ¼ cup banana peppers, chopped
- ¼ cup tomatoes, chopped
- ¼ cup lettuce, chopped
- 1 tablespoon mayo
- 1 tablespoon Italian dressing
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pro tip add‑ons:
- A drizzle of red wine vinegar
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Build the chopping pile
Place a large cutting board on your work surface. Add the chopped ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, red onion, banana peppers, tomatoes, and lettuce to the board in a loose pile. The idea is to have everything in one place so you can chop and mix as you go.
2. Add the condiments and seasoning
Drizzle the pile generously with the mayo and Italian dressing. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper over everything. If you love a stronger Italian‑deli punch, add a small splash of red wine vinegar and a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage.
3. Chop and mix
Using a large chef’s knife or a mezzaluna, start chopping straight down into the pile. As you chop, use the side of the knife to gather everything back into a mound, then continue chopping. The goal is to create small, even pieces and coat everything with the dressing and seasoning at the same time. Keep going until the mixture looks finely chopped, uniform, and well coated but not mushy.
4. Prep the roll
Slice your hoagie or Italian sub roll lengthwise, leaving one side attached if you prefer a hinge. Lightly toast the roll if you like a bit of crunch, or leave it soft for a classic deli feel. If the bread is very soft, you can hollow out a little of the interior to make more room for the filling.
5. Pack and press
Scoop the chopped Italian mixture onto the bottom half of the roll, packing it in firmly and piling it high. Use your hands or a spatula to press it gently into the bread so it stays put. Place the top of the roll over the filling and give the whole sandwich another gentle press to help it hold together.
6. Slice and serve
If you’re sharing or want easier handling, slice the sandwich in half on a slight diagonal. Serve immediately while the bread is still fresh and the filling is cool and juicy.
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