Make the Viral Chopped Italian Sandwich at Home
Make the Viral Chopped Italian Sandwich at Home is a easy Italian recipe that serves 1. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by ShopRite Stores on YouTube.
Prep: 22 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 30 min
Cost: $7.06 total, $7.06 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 oz Pepperoni (sliced or chopped)
- 4 oz Salami (sliced or chopped)
- 2 slices Provolone Cheese (thinly sliced)
- 1 medium Tomato (diced)
- 1/4 cup Red Onion (finely diced)
- 1 cup Romaine Lettuce (chopped, leaves separated)
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise (regular or light)
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning (dried blend)
- 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt (fine grain)
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Red Wine Vinegar (adds acidity)
- 2 pieces Pepperoncini (chopped, plus 1 tsp juice)
- 1 roll Portuguese Roll (6‑inch soft roll, split horizontally)
Instructions
Prepare the Meats
Using a sharp knife, slice or roughly chop the pepperoni and salami into bite‑size pieces. Work slowly and keep fingers tucked away to avoid cuts.
Time: PT5M
Slice the Cheese
Thinly slice the provolone cheese so it layers easily with the meats.
Time: PT2M
Chop the Vegetables
Dice the tomato, finely dice the red onion, and chop the romaine lettuce. The lettuce should be crisp for texture.
Time: PT5M
Make the Homemade Dressing
In a small mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, red wine vinegar, chopped pepperoncini, and the pepperoncini juice. Stir until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Sandwich
Slice the Portuguese roll horizontally without cutting all the way through. Layer the meats, cheese, and vegetables inside the roll. Spoon the dressing over the fillings, then use a scraper to press the mixture down firmly, packing as much as possible.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 50g
- Fat
- 30g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Contains Meat, Contains Pork, Contains Dairy, Contains Gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Eggs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pepperoni: Turkey pepperoni, Spicy salami
- Instead of Salami: Genoa salami, Hard salami
- Instead of Provolone Cheese: Mozzarella, Swiss cheese
- Instead of Tomato: Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Instead of Red Onion: White onion, Sweet onion
- Instead of Romaine Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce, mixed greens
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, Aioli
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: Herbes de Provence, Oregano & Basil mix
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Red Wine Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Pepperoncini: Banana peppers, Pickled jalapeños
- Instead of Portuguese Roll: Hero roll, Hoagie roll
Equipment Needed
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Scraper/Spatula
- Small Container
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Use a sharp knife and keep fingers safe while chopping meats and vegetables
- Mix the dressing thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution
- Pack the sandwich tightly with a scraper so it stays together when wrapped
Chef Tips from the Video
- A scraper (or a flat spatula) lets you pack the sandwich tightly without crushing the roll
- If you like a little heat, add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing
- For extra crunch, add thinly sliced cucumber or bell pepper.
Troubleshooting
Bread becomes soggy
Pat the vegetables dry before adding them and keep the dressing separate until just before eating.
Sandwich falls apart when wrapped
Use the scraper to press the filling firmly and consider toasting the roll lightly for extra structure.
Flavor is bland
Adjust seasoning in the dressing – add a pinch more salt, pepper, or a splash more pepperoncini juice.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate if you plan to eat later.
Freezer: Not recommended; bread becomes soggy when thawed.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours, then refrigerate.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare all chopped ingredients and the dressing the night before and store them separately in the fridge
- Wrap the roll in parchment paper to keep it from drying out
- Assemble the sandwich just before eating for optimal texture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the Italian chopped sandwich in American cuisine?
The Italian chopped sandwich is a modern take on classic Italian deli fare, combining cured meats, provolone, and fresh veggies in a handheld format that became popular in the U.S. during the early 2000s as a convenient, on‑the‑go lunch option.
What are the traditional regional variations of an Italian chopped sandwich in Italy versus the United States?
In Italy, similar combos are served as panini or focaccia sandwiches with regional cured meats and cheeses. In the United States, the "chopped" style emphasizes a generous, mixed‑in‑one filling and often uses softer rolls like Portuguese or hero breads.
How is an Italian chopped sandwich traditionally served in Italian-American delis?
It is typically served cold, sliced in half, and wrapped in parchment or foil for easy transport. Some delis toast the roll lightly, but the classic version is served as a fresh, un‑toasted sandwich.
What occasions or celebrations is the Italian chopped sandwich associated with in American culture?
It’s a popular choice for quick lunches, picnics, office meals, and sports events because it’s easy to pack, eat without utensils, and can be made ahead of time.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with an Italian chopped sandwich?
Pair it with a side of potato chips, a small mixed green salad, or a classic Italian soup such as minestrone for a balanced meal.
What makes the Italian chopped sandwich special in the context of Italian‑American cuisine?
Its blend of cured meats, provolone, crisp lettuce, and a tangy pepperoncini‑infused dressing creates a bold, layered flavor profile that captures the essence of Italian deli flavors in a portable format.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making an Italian chopped sandwich?
Common errors include over‑loading the roll, which makes it soggy; not drying the vegetables, leading to excess moisture; and under‑seasoning the dressing, which can leave the sandwich bland.
Why does this Italian chopped sandwich recipe use pepperoncini juice in the dressing instead of plain vinegar?
Pepperoncini juice adds a mild, tangy heat and a subtle brine flavor that complements the cured meats, whereas plain vinegar would be sharper and less complex.
Can I make the Italian chopped sandwich ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prep the chopped ingredients and dressing the night before. Store each component in airtight containers in the refrigerator and assemble the sandwich just before eating to keep the roll from getting soggy.
What does the YouTube channel ShopRite Stores specialize in?
The YouTube channel ShopRite Stores focuses on easy, family‑friendly recipes, meal‑planning ideas, and grocery‑shopping tips that showcase products available at ShopRite supermarkets.
How does the YouTube channel ShopRite Stores' approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
ShopRite Stores emphasizes affordable, store‑brand ingredients and practical, quick‑prep methods, often highlighting ready‑to‑eat deli items and bakery products that make Italian‑American dishes accessible for everyday home cooks.
Last updated: August 8, 2026
