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

  1. Make Garlic Butter Spread

    In a small bowl combine softened butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley. Mix until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Add Banana Peppers

    Slice the banana peppers thinly and add them to the chopped meat‑cheese mixture.

    Time: PT2M

  5. 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

  6. 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)

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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Chopped Italian Sub

Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen

A hearty, deli‑style Italian sandwich packed with ham, salami, mortadella, pepperoni, provolone, banana peppers and a tangy Italian dressing, served on garlic‑butter toasted bread. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

EasyItalian-AmericanServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
27m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
47m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.46
Total cost
$5.73
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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

Safety Warnings

  • Use a sharp knife carefully to avoid cuts.
  • Handle raw deli meats with clean hands and utensils to prevent cross‑contamination.
  • Hot oven and baking sheet can cause burns; use oven mitts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the chopped Italian sandwich in Italian‑American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of an Italian sandwich in the United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is a chopped Italian sandwich traditionally served in Italian‑American delis?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the chopped Italian sandwich traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for an Italian sandwich versus acceptable substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with the chopped Italian sandwich?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes the chopped Italian sandwich special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the chopped Italian sandwich?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use garlic butter on the bread instead of plain olive oil?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make the chopped Italian sandwich ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the chopped Italian sandwich is done?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

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