Oh boy, am I excited to share this Chopped Italian Sandwich recipe with you! Every time I make this sandwich, I feel like I’m transported to a bustling Italian deli somewhere in the heart of New York City. This sandwich is a love letter to all the glorious flavors of Italy, and I have fond memories of enjoying it on sunny picnics with friends. There’s just something so satisfying about crunching into that crusty hoagie while the vibrant colors of the fillings peek out. Plus, you’ll find that it packs a punch in both flavor and fun!
This isn’t just your average sandwich; it’s a celebration of savory meats, creamy cheese, and a medley of crunchy veggies all slathered in a zesty dressing. Whether you’re preparing it for a lunch picnic, a game day treat, or just because you can’t resist a good sandwich, I promise you’ll keep coming back for more. So, let’s dive right into the nitty-gritty of what makes this sandwich so special!
What’s in Chopped Italian Sandwich?
- Hoagie or sub roll: The foundation of our sandwich! Go for a fresh, crusty one—trust me, it makes a world of difference.
- Sliced salami: This adds a delightful spiciness and richness. I usually grab some from the deli counter, but just use your favorite brand!
- Sliced ham: A classic choice that balances well with the bold flavors. Honey or black forest ham works well here.
- Sliced capicola: If you haven’t tried this Italian cured meat, you’re in for a treat—it’s packed with flavor!
- Provolone cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and is super creamy, so I always chop it up into small pieces
- Chopped pepperoncini: For that zesty kick! Plus, they add a lovely bit of tang.
- Chopped roasted red peppers: Sweet and smoky, these beauties are a must-have!
- Chopped green bell pepper: A fresh crunch that complements the other flavors.
- Chopped red onion: Adds a sharp bite (which I sometimes swap for green onions if I’m feeling fancy).
- Chopped black olives: These bring an excellent briny flavor that I can’t resist.
- Mayonnaise: It adds creaminess to tie everything together. I like to use a light mayo to keep it fresh!
- Italian dressing: You can buy it pre-made or whip up a homemade version; either way, it’s the zing we need.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all those delicious flavors.
- Fresh parsley: It’s not just for garnish, folks! It adds a fresh note to the sandwich.
Is Chopped Italian Sandwich Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about health—because yes, these sandwiches are delicious, but I also want you to feel good about what you’re eating! Here’s the lowdown: this Chopped Italian Sandwich is sturdy and satisfying, thanks to the protein from the meats and cheese. The mix of fresh veggies adds a hit of vitamins and fiber. However, if you’re on the lookout for lower sodium options, you might want to keep an eye on the cured meats. A little prep work can help, like opting for low-sodium versions of your favorites! Remember, balance is key—pair this bad boy with a fresh side salad or some chips for a complete meal experience.
Ingredients List
- 1 hoagie or sub roll
- 1/2 cup sliced salami, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced ham, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced capicola, chopped
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped black olives
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Chopped Italian Sandwich?
- First things first: grab your chopping board and a trusty sharp knife. Chop all your meats (salami, ham, capicola) and cheese (provolone) into small, even pieces. You want those flavors to combine well!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your chopped meats and cheese. Take a moment to admire the colorful mix!
- Now, add in all your chopped vegetables: pepperoncini, roasted red peppers, green bell pepper, red onion, and black olives. It’s looking vibrant already!
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and Italian dressing until they’re well combined. This is the secret sauce!
- Pour the dressing mixture over the chopped meats and veggies in the large bowl, and mix thoroughly. Get in there with your hands if you want—we’re all friends here!
- Season with salt and pepper to taste—you might surprised about how much it elevates everything!
- Take your hoagie roll and slice it lengthwise. Make sure not to cut all the way through, create a pocket for that glorious filling.
- Generously fill the roll with your chopped mixture, pressing down lightly to pack it in there.
- Feeling fancy? You can place the sandwich under a broiler for 1-2 minutes to toast the roll and slightly melt the cheese.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley. Because it’s not just about taste; we eat with our eyes too!
Tips for a Perfect Chopped Italian Sandwich
- Customize the ingredients based on what you love or have on hand—this is your sandwich!
- For an extra touch, add some slices of fresh mozzarella or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Serving it warm? Let it cool a bit first; that way, you avoid burning your tongue on all those awesome flavors!
And there you have it! My Chopped Italian Sandwich is ready to steal the show. It’s easy to customize, fun to make, and oh-so-satisfying to eat. So go ahead, make it for your next gathering, picnic, or even just as a treat for yourself. I would love to hear how yours turns out—don’t forget to share your creations with me!
