Game Day/Weekend Eats
Game Day/Weekend Eats is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 2. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by KrysEats on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 22 min
Cost: $39.91 total, $19.95 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 piece Italian Sub Roll (12‑inch, fresh bakery roll)
- 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened for easy spreading)
- 0.25 tsp Garlic Powder (adds subtle garlic flavor)
- 2 Tbsp Mayonnaise (full‑fat for richness)
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard (sharp, tangy mustard)
- 2 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 Tbsp Daily Dressing (light vinaigrette, optional)
- 4 oz Maple Glazed Turkey Breast (sliced thin)
- 4 oz Maple Glazed Ham (sliced thin)
- 3 oz Genoa Salami (thinly sliced)
- 2 Tbsp Olives (peppery olives, sliced)
- 0.25 medium Red Onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup Baby Arugula (washed and dried)
- 0.25 cup Barbecue Chips (crushed into fine crumbs)
Instructions
Slice and Prepare the Bread
Place the Italian sub roll on a cutting board and slice it horizontally in half, then cut each half into two equal pieces to create four manageable sections.
Time: PT2M
Butter and Garlic‑Season the Bread
Spread 1 Tbsp of softened butter on each inner surface of the bread pieces. Sprinkle a light dusting (about 1/8 tsp) of garlic powder over the buttered sides.
Time: PT1M
Toast the Bread
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the buttered bread pieces butter‑side‑down in the pan. Toast for 2‑3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove and set aside on a plate.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Prepare the Creamy Spread
In a small mixing bowl, combine 2 Tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan, and 1 Tbsp Daily Dressing. Stir until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Chop the Veggies
Thinly slice the red onion and olives. Rough‑chop the baby arugula just enough to fit comfortably on the sandwich.
Time: PT5M
Layer the Meats
On each toasted bread piece, spread a thin layer of the creamy spread, then layer maple‑glazed turkey breast, maple‑glazed ham, and Genoa salami evenly.
Time: PT2M
Add the Veggies and Greens
Top the meat with sliced red onion, sliced olives, and a handful of baby arugula. Drizzle a tiny extra splash of the creamy spread if desired.
Time: PT2M
Finish with Crushed Barbecue Chips
Place the barbecue chips in a zip‑top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they form fine crumbs. Sprinkle the crumbs over the assembled sandwich for a crunchy finish.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Close the sandwich, give it a gentle press, slice diagonally if desired, and serve immediately while the bread is still warm.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 55g
- Fat
- 28g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: High protein, Contains pork, Contains turkey, Not vegetarian, Contains processed meats
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Mustard, Egg (may be in mayo), Soy (may be in mayo)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Italian Sub Roll: French baguette, hoagie roll
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, olive oil
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic, garlic salt (reduce added salt)
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, vegan mayo
- Instead of Dijon Mustard: whole grain mustard, spicy brown mustard
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano
- Instead of Daily Dressing: Italian dressing, balsamic vinaigrette
- Instead of Maple Glazed Turkey Breast: roast turkey, smoked turkey
- Instead of Maple Glazed Ham: honey‑glazed ham, regular sliced ham
- Instead of Genoa Salami: pepperoni, hard salami
- Instead of Olives: green olives, black olives
- Instead of Red Onion: white onion, shallots
- Instead of Baby Arugula: baby spinach, mixed greens
- Instead of Barbecue Chips: plain potato chips, tortilla chips
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Skillet
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Spoon or Small Spatula
- Serving Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Toasting the buttered bread to a golden crisp without burning the butter.
- Crushing the barbecue chips just before assembly to retain crunch.
- Keeping meat layers thin to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality Italian roll with a soft interior and a slightly crusty exterior for the best texture.
- If you can find real maple‑glazed turkey and ham, the sweet‑savory contrast shines; otherwise, drizzle a little pure maple syrup on plain turkey/ham.
- A light drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil on the arugula adds a pleasant sheen and helps the flavors meld.
Troubleshooting
Bread becomes soggy after adding the spread.
Toast the bread longer until very crisp and apply only a thin layer of spread. Add the spread after the meats to create a barrier.
Crushed chips are too large and make the sandwich messy.
Place chips in a zip‑top bag and crush with a rolling pin or heavy pan until they resemble fine crumbs.
Meat layers release too much moisture.
Pat the sliced meats with a paper towel before layering to remove excess glaze.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store the sliced meats, veggies, and spread in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Re‑toast bread before assembling if needed.
Freezer: Meats can be frozen individually for up to 3 months; thaw before use. Do not freeze assembled sandwich.
Room temperature: Assembled sandwich is best eaten within 2 hours at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Slice and butter the bread a few hours ahead; keep wrapped in foil.
- Prepare the creamy spread and store in a sealed container in the fridge.
- Pre‑slice all meats and veggies; keep them separate to maintain texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the Italian sub in American cuisine?
The Italian sub, also known as the hoagie or hero, originated with Italian immigrants in the early 20th‑century Northeastern United States. It became a staple of delis, combining Italian cured meats, cheeses, and fresh veggies on a soft roll, reflecting the immigrants’ desire for a portable, hearty meal.
What are the traditional regional variations of Italian sub sandwiches in the United States?
In Philadelphia the sub is called a hoagie and often includes lettuce, tomato, and onions. In New York it’s called a hero and may feature provolone and hot peppers. In the Midwest, a “Italian” often adds pepperoncini and a drizzle of oil‑vinegar dressing.
How is a classic Italian sub traditionally served in Italian‑American delis?
Traditionally it is served on a soft, slightly crusty roll, sliced lengthwise, with the meats and cheese layered first, followed by lettuce, tomatoes, onions, olives, and a drizzle of oil‑vinegar or Italian dressing. It is usually eaten at room temperature.
What occasions or celebrations is the Italian sub traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?
Italian subs are popular at family picnics, sports tailgates, and casual gatherings. They’re also a go‑to lunch for workers and a staple at community festivals celebrating Italian heritage.
What makes this viral chopped Italian sub special compared to a traditional Italian sub?
The viral version adds a finely chopped mix of veggies, a creamy mayo‑Dijon‑Parmesan spread, and a surprising topping of crushed barbecue chips, giving it extra crunch and a sweet‑smoky flavor that isn’t found in classic recipes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this chopped Italian sub?
Common errors include over‑buttering the bread (which can burn), using too much spread (making the roll soggy), and not crushing the chips finely enough, which leads to large crunchy bits that overwhelm the sandwich.
Why does this recipe toast the bread in a skillet instead of using a toaster oven?
Toasting in a skillet allows the butter and garlic powder to infuse the bread directly, creating a richer, evenly browned surface that a dry toaster oven cannot achieve.
Can I make this chopped Italian sub ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Keep the toasted bread, spread, sliced meats, and chopped veggies in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble and add the crushed chips just before serving to retain crunch.
What does the YouTube channel KrysEats specialize in?
The YouTube channel KrysEats specializes in quick, trend‑driven recipes that blend comfort food with viral internet food hacks, often focusing on sandwiches, snacks, and easy weeknight meals.
How does the YouTube channel KrysEats' approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
KrysEats emphasizes fast, visually appealing builds and incorporates unexpected ingredients—like crushed barbecue chips—to give classic dishes a modern, shareable twist, whereas many other channels stick to traditional preparations.
Last updated: August 31, 2026








