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The Recipe · No.248 · Italian Sub

Italian Sub, and where to source it

Italian Sub — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Italian Sub American 5best2buy.com

No cooking means every component has to earn its place: real Italian cured meats sliced thin, sharp provolone, and a roll with a crust that holds up. The oil-and-vinegar dressing and a pinch of oregano are what turn a stack of cold cuts into a proper sub.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep15 min
Cook0 min
Makes2 subs
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$
Contains  dairy · gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 2 subs
Genoa salami and capicola
Thin-sliced Italian cured meats are the whole sandwich; deli quality shows immediately.
0.5 lb
Hoagie rolls
A crusty Italian roll with a soft crumb holds the fillings and dressing.
2
Provolone cheese
Sharp provolone is the classic; slice it thin so it layers evenly.
6 slices
Red wine vinegar
Half the dressing; its acid cuts the fatty meats and wakes everything up.
2 tbsp
Olive oil
Drizzled with the vinegar for the classic oil-and-vinegar finish.
3 tbsp
Lettuce, tomato, onion
Shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, and thin onion add crunch and freshness.
to taste
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. Split the rollCut the hoagie lengthwise without going all the way through so it holds the fillings.
  2. Layer the meatsShingle salami, capicola, and provolone so every bite gets all three.
  3. Add the vegetablesTop with shredded lettuce, tomato, and thin onion.
  4. Dress and seasonDrizzle oil and vinegar, sprinkle oregano and salt, and press the roll closed.
The Toolkit

Sharp deli knife · Cutting board · Mandoline · Squeeze bottles

Straight Answers
Can you make Italian Sub in an air fryer? — Not needed

No cooking needed here — this one comes together without heat, so the air fryer sits it out.

Can you freeze Italian Sub? — Not ideal

Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.

Can you make Italian Sub ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it keeps in the fridge for a few days; stir or shake it before serving.

Is Italian Sub gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).

Is Italian Sub vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.248

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