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Italian sandwiches have been my go-to at delis for years now, so I finally decided to give the viral chopped Italian sandwich a try. Chopping everything together instead of layering the ingredients turns out to be the best way to enjoy this flavor-packed classic. Every bite gets a little bit of everything, including meat, cheese, veggies, and dressing, without anything overpowering the rest. The result is a perfectly balanced sandwich with bold, tangy flavor and plenty of texture. In just 15 minutes, you have four sandwiches ready to go for lunch, dinner, or a game day feast.
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Pin ItA chopped Italian sandwich is now the only way I’ll eat a classic Italian sub. This recipe is so fun. I layer the lettuce, meats, cheese, and vegetables on a big cutting board and get to chopping. The banana peppers or pepperoncini add a little tangy heat that cuts through all the richness. Right on the cutting board, I drizzle in the mayonnaise, oil, vinegar, and seasonings, and mix everything together until it’s perfectly coated. That’s it, and it’s ready to be piled into hoagie rolls. It’s perfect for an easy lunch, casual dinner, or anytime you want something fast, filling, and no-fuss.
Tips for Beginners
- Avoid soggy bread. If you’re not serving right away, chop and dress the meats and cheese first, then fold in the lettuce just before assembling. You can also keep the dressing separate and mix it in at the last minute to keep everything crisp. You can also give the rolls a quick toast before layering all the fillings on.
- Use a sharp chef’s knife. A sharp knife makes a huge difference here. It gives you clean, even pieces instead of smashed deli meat or bruised lettuce, which helps the mixture stay light and evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust the dressing. Before stuffing the rolls, give the mixture a quick taste. Add a splash more red wine vinegar for brightness or an extra pinch of Italian seasoning if it needs more savory flavor.
Chopped Italian Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 8 salami slices
- 6 deli ham slices
- ½ cup pepperoni
- 6 slices provolone cheese chopped
- 1 large tomato sliced
- ¼ cup red onion slices
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers
- ¼ cup mayonnaise sub for Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp each salt and pepper
- 4 hoagie rolls
Instructions
- Place the lettuce in a pile on a large cutting board. Add the salami, ham, pepperoni, provolone, tomatoes, red onion, and peperoncini on top of the lettuce. Chop everything up into small pieces.4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce, 8 salami slices, 6 deli ham slices, ½ cup pepperoni, 6 slices provolone cheese, 1 large tomato, ¼ cup red onion slices, ¼ cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers
- Add the mayonnaise, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the top of the pile. Use a knife or a large spoon to combine.¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ¼ tsp each salt and pepper
- Spoon the filling into each hoagie roll.4 hoagie rolls
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make a Chopped Italian Sandwich Step by Step
Gather all the ingredients together.
Layer ingredients on a cutting board: Place 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce in a pile on a large cutting board. Layer 8 slices salami, 6 slices deli ham, ½ cup pepperoni, 6 chopped slices provolone cheese, 1 large sliced tomato, ¼ cup sliced red onion, and ¼ cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers on top of the lettuce.
Chop everything up: Using a sharp knife, chop everything together into small, bite-sized pieces.
Add dressing ingredients: Drizzle ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 2 tbsp red wine vinegar over the chopped mixture. Sprinkle with 1 tsp Italian seasoning and ¼ tsp each salt and black pepper.
Coat the ingredients: Use the knife or a large spoon to mix everything together until evenly coated and well combined.
Assemble the sandwiches: Spoon the chopped filling evenly into 4 hoagie rolls, piling it high, and serve right away.
Variations and What Else to Add
- Swap the bread: Use gluten-free hoagie rolls, soft ciabatta, or a crusty baguette, depending on what you have on hand.
- Change up the meats: Try sliced turkey or roast beef for a different flavor, or use vegetarian deli slices to make it meat-free.
- Switch the cheese: Mozzarella works well for a milder bite, and dairy-free provolone-style slices are a great option if needed.
- Adjust the heat: If banana peppers or pepperoncini are too spicy, swap them for chopped pickles or roasted red peppers for tang without the heat.
- Tweak the dressing: Add a splash of bottled Italian dressing for extra zip or a small spoonful of Dijon mustard for a sharper, savory kick.
How to Store
Store the chopped filling separately from the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Once assembled, these sandwiches are best eaten the same day since the bread will soften as it sits.
Serving Suggestions
I usually serve these chopped Italian sandwiches with something crunchy on the side, like classic chips or crinkle-cut fries, to keep things simple. They’re also great paired with a bowl of tomato soup or minestrone when I want to turn them into a more filling meal. If I’m feeding a crowd, I’ll sometimes skip the sandwiches altogether and serve the filling as a hoagie dip instead. This is one of my favorite options for game days alongside white queso, but it also works just as well for easy lunches, casual dinners, or packing up for a picnic.
