Description
Italian Sub Squares are a warm, flavorful twist on a classic Italian sub sandwich, layered with salami, ham, provolone cheese, and a medley of fresh vegetables and herbs, all baked inside a crusty Italian bread loaf for a melty, delicious meal perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Sandwich Base
- 1 loaf Italian bread
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
Meats and Cheese
- 1/4 pound salami
- 1/4 pound ham
- 1/4 pound provolone cheese
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1/4 cup banana peppers
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the Italian sub squares.
- Slice Bread: Carefully slice the Italian bread loaf horizontally in half, creating a top and bottom layer to hold the sandwich fillings.
- Spread Mayonnaise: Evenly spread 1/2 cup of mayonnaise across the bottom half of the bread to add creaminess and moisture.
- Drizzle Dressing: Pour 1/4 cup of Italian dressing evenly over the mayonnaise to infuse the bread with tangy flavor.
- Layer Meats and Cheese: Arrange the salami, ham, and provolone cheese on top of the dressing to build the savory, protein-rich center.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Distribute banana peppers, thinly sliced red onion, roasted red peppers, black olives, and fresh basil leaves evenly over the cheese layers for a burst of freshness and texture.
- Complete Sandwich: Place the top half of the bread loaf over the layered ingredients, enclosing the fillings inside.
- Wrap in Foil: Wrap the entire assembled sandwich tightly in aluminum foil to hold it together during baking and to retain moisture.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the foil-wrapped sandwich on a baking sheet for stability in the oven.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is heated through in the center.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and allow the sandwich to cool slightly before unwrapping, so the cheese sets a bit and slicing is easier.
- Slice and Serve: Unwrap the sandwich and slice into squares, ideal for serving warm and enjoying this delicious Italian-inspired dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider brushing the bread crust with a little olive oil before adding the mayonnaise.
- You can substitute the Italian dressing with your favorite vinaigrette or a homemade dressing.
- This recipe is perfect for parties and can be made ahead and reheated.
- To keep the sandwich firm and avoid sogginess, assemble shortly before baking.
- Use good quality Italian bread for the best texture and flavor.