Chopped Italian Sub
Chopped Italian Sub is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 2. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $11.46 total, $5.73 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Italian Bread Rolls (soft interior, crusty outside)
- 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning (dried blend of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
- 4 oz Ham (thinly sliced deli ham)
- 4 oz Salami (thinly sliced)
- 4 oz Mortadella (thinly sliced)
- 4 oz Pepperoni (thinly sliced)
- 4 oz Provolone Cheese (sliced)
- 2 Tbsp Banana Peppers (sliced)
- 2 Tbsp Italian Dressing (store‑bought or homemade vinaigrette)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
Make Garlic Butter Spread
In a small bowl combine softened butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley. Mix until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Toast the Bread
Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice the Italian rolls in half, spread a generous layer of garlic butter on each cut side, place on a baking sheet, and bake until golden, about 8‑10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 375°F
Prepare the Meats and Cheese
Using a sharp knife, roughly chop the ham, salami, mortadella, pepperoni, and provolone cheese into bite‑size pieces until the mixture is fairly uniform.
Time: PT10M
Add Banana Peppers
Slice the banana peppers thinly and add them to the chopped meat‑cheese mixture.
Time: PT2M
Mix with Dressing
Transfer the chopped mixture to a larger mixing bowl, drizzle the Italian dressing over it, add salt and pepper to taste, and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Sandwich
Lay the toasted bread halves on a clean surface, spoon the meat‑cheese mixture onto the bottom half, then place the top half on top. Press lightly and serve immediately.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 30g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains pork, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Soy (if dressing contains soy)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Italian Bread Rolls: ciabatta rolls, submarine rolls
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, olive oil spread
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: herbes de Provence, dried oregano + basil
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: dried parsley (1 tsp)
- Instead of Ham: turkey ham, prosciutto
- Instead of Salami: chorizo, pepperoni
- Instead of Mortadella: bologna, cooked pork sausage
- Instead of Pepperoni: spicy salami, chorizo
- Instead of Provolone Cheese: mozzarella, fontina
- Instead of Banana Peppers: pepperoncini, pickled jalapeños
- Instead of Italian Dressing: red wine vinaigrette, balsamic vinaigrette
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
- Butter Spreader or Small Knife (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Making the garlic butter spread evenly
- Toasting the bread to a golden crisp without burning
- Chopping the deli meats and cheese to a uniform size
- Ensuring the dressing coats the mixture evenly before assembly
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality Italian cold cuts for authentic flavor.
- Freshly chopped parsley adds brightness; don’t skip it.
- If you like extra heat, add a pinch of red‑pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
Troubleshooting
Bread is soggy after assembling
Toast the bread a minute longer or let the sandwich sit for a few minutes uncovered to let excess moisture evaporate.
Filling is too dry
Add an extra tablespoon of Italian dressing or a drizzle of olive oil.
Meat pieces are unevenly sized
Use a food processor pulse briefly for a more uniform chop, being careful not to puree.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store assembled sandwiches wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 24 hours. Keep the garlic‑buttered bread separate if possible to retain crispness.
Freezer: Not recommended; the bread will become soggy after thawing.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours; after that, refrigerate.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the garlic butter spread up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.
- Chop all meats, cheese, and peppers and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- The dressing can be mixed ahead; just keep it separate until assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the chopped Italian sandwich in Italian‑American cuisine?
The chopped Italian sandwich reflects the Italian‑American tradition of combining classic deli meats—ham, salami, mortadella, and pepperoni—with provolone and tangy pickled vegetables, a practice that originated in Italian immigrant neighborhoods where cold‑cut platters were popular for quick meals.
What are the traditional regional variations of an Italian sandwich in the United States?
In the Northeast, especially New York, the classic Italian sub includes mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, and onions, while in the Midwest you’ll often find a “Chicago‑style” version with giardiniera and sport peppers. The chopped version shown by Mr. Make It Happen adds a unique texture by dicing the meats and cheese.
How is a chopped Italian sandwich traditionally served in Italian‑American delis?
It is typically served on a crusty roll or baguette, toasted with butter or olive oil, and presented with the filling already mixed, allowing the flavors to meld before the sandwich is eaten.
What occasions or celebrations is the chopped Italian sandwich traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?
These hearty sandwiches are popular at family picnics, backyard barbecues, and casual gatherings because they are easy to make in bulk and satisfy a crowd with robust flavors.
What authentic ingredients are essential for an Italian sandwich versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include Italian cured meats (ham, salami, mortadella, pepperoni), provolone cheese, and a tangy Italian dressing. Substitutes can be turkey ham for pork ham, mozzarella for provolone, or a simple red‑wine vinaigrette in place of store‑bought dressing.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with the chopped Italian sandwich?
Serve it alongside a crisp Caesar salad, a bowl of minestrone soup, or a side of roasted garlic potatoes for a balanced Italian‑American meal.
What makes the chopped Italian sandwich special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
The sandwich’s uniqueness lies in dicing the cold cuts and cheese, which creates a uniform bite‑size texture and allows the dressing to coat every piece, delivering consistent flavor in each mouthful.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the chopped Italian sandwich?
Common errors include over‑toasting the bread until it becomes hard, chopping the meats too finely which turns the filling mushy, and using too little dressing, leaving the mixture dry.
Why does this recipe use garlic butter on the bread instead of plain olive oil?
Garlic butter adds richness and a savory depth that complements the salty cured meats, while also helping the bread achieve a golden, crisp crust that plain oil alone would not provide.
Can I make the chopped Italian sandwich ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter, chop the meats, and mix the filling up to a day ahead. Store each component in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving to keep the bread crisp.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the chopped Italian sandwich is done?
The bread should be golden‑brown and crisp, the filling should appear evenly coated with dressing, and the diced meats and cheese should be uniform in size, creating a cohesive, colorful mound inside the roll.
What does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen specializes in quick, approachable home‑cooking tutorials that focus on everyday comfort foods, often featuring step‑by‑step guides for sandwiches, snacks, and simple meals.
How does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Mr. Make It Happen emphasizes minimal prep time and uses readily available grocery‑store ingredients, delivering high‑energy, concise videos that prioritize practicality over elaborate plating, unlike many gourmet‑focused channels.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
