Italian Chopped Sandwiches

5 from 3 votes

Mar 26, 2024

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This tiktok viral sandwich has your favorite chopped Italian salad flavor with chopped cheese and meat perfectly seasoned with a light dressing in a soft hoagie!

Two Italian sandwiches on a cutting board.

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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!

Chopped Italian Salad Sandwiches
How to Make Chopped Italian Sandwiches
Tips and Tricks to Perfect Chopped Italian Sandwiches
What to Serve With Italian Chopped Sandwiches
Chopped Italian Sandwiches Recipe

An Italian sandwich and salad on a plate.

Chopped Italian Salad Sandwiches

Craving the bold flavors of an Italian sub but want something a little more exciting? Look no further than the Chopped Italian Salad Sandwich!

This viral sensation takes all the classic ingredients you love – deli meats, cheeses, veggies, and dressing – and chops them into a vibrant medley.

This allows for every bite to be packed with flavor and textures, creating a fun and interactive sandwich experience.

So, ditch the traditional sub and embrace the delicious chaos of the Chopped Italian Salad Sandwich!

This sandwich is JUST like the salad at one of my favorite sub shops – but with a perfect, soft and fully roll to make it heartier and even more delicious!

A plate with an Italian sandwich and a bowl of vegetables.

How to Make Chopped Italian Sandwiches

To make this sandwich, we need the following ingredients:

Sub Rolls or Hoagie Rolls: Serve as the base of the sandwich, providing a sturdy and substantial foundation for the fillings.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds creaminess and mild flavor to the sandwich. Mozzarella melts beautifully and helps bind the other ingredients together.
Pepperoni: Adds a savory, spicy kick to the sandwich. Pepperoni is a classic Italian cured meat that adds depth of flavor and a bit of heat.
Salami: Provides a rich, savory flavor and slightly chewy texture to the sandwich. Salami adds complexity and depth of flavor to the filling.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and moisture to the sandwich. Olive oil also helps enhance the flavors of the other ingredients and adds a subtle fruity note.
Ham: Adds additional protein and a slightly sweet flavor to the sandwich. Ham pairs well with the other cured meats and adds a deliciously savory element.
Red Onion: Adds crunch and a mild onion flavor to the sandwich. Red onion also provides a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness of the other ingredients.
Baby Peppers or Pepperoncini Peppers: Add tanginess and a bit of heat to the sandwich. Baby peppers or pepperoncini peppers provide a contrasting flavor and texture to the other ingredients.
Tomatoes: Add juiciness and a burst of freshness to the sandwich. Tomatoes provide acidity and brightness, balancing the richness of the meats and cheeses.
Shredded Lettuce: Adds crunch and freshness to the sandwich. Shredded lettuce provides a refreshing contrast to the other ingredients and adds texture.
Red Wine Vinegar: Adds tanginess and acidity to the sandwich. Red wine vinegar helps brighten the flavors of the filling and adds depth to the overall taste profile.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to the sandwich. Mayonnaise helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture to the filling.
Salt, Pepper, and Italian Seasoning: Seasonings that enhance the flavor of the sandwich. Salt and pepper add depth and balance, while Italian seasoning provides a savory herbaceous note reminiscent of Italian cuisine.

An Italian chopping board with various ingredients for sandwiches.

A chopping board with Italian meats, onions, and other ingredients, ideal for making sandwiches.

A bowl with chopped tomatoes, onions, and ham.

A chopped salad with Italian meat and vegetables.

A spoon is being used to drizzle Italian sauce on a salad.

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use this method:

Begin by chopping all the ingredients – mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, salami, ham.
Combine the chopped meats and cheese in a mixing bowl with shredded lettuce, onions, and peppers.
Chop tomatoes and add them to the bowl, then pour in red wine vinegar.
Add olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until well combined. Then blend in mayo and mustard.
Halve the sub rolls or hoagie rolls and generously layer them with our vibrant chopped medley. Seal it all off with the top roll and enjoy your mouthwatering Italian chopped sandwich!

A stack of Italian sandwiches on a cutting board.

Tips and Tricks to Perfect Chopped Italian Sandwiches

Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Opt for fresh deli meats, cheeses, and vegetables.

Select the Right Rolls: Choose soft and sturdy rolls that can hold up to the fillings without becoming soggy. Slider buns or mini sub rolls work well for this recipe.

Layer Ingredients Thoughtfully: Layer the ingredients evenly and thoughtfully to ensure each bite has a balance of flavors and textures. Start with cheese as the base, followed by meats, vegetables, and condiments.

Use a Variety of Meats and Cheeses: Incorporate a variety of Italian meats and cheeses, such as salami, pepperoni, ham, and mozzarella, to add depth of flavor to the sliders.

Balance Flavors: Balance savory, salty, tangy, and creamy flavors in the sliders. Consider adding tangy ingredients like pepperoncini peppers or pickles to cut through the richness of the meats and cheeses.

Toast the Rolls: Lightly toast the rolls before assembling the sliders to enhance their flavor and texture. This helps prevent the rolls from becoming soggy when filled with the toppings.

Prevent Sogginess: To prevent the sliders from becoming soggy, consider spreading a thin layer of mayonnaise or mustard on the inside of the rolls before adding the fillings. This creates a barrier between the bread and the moist ingredients.

Wrap and Chill: Wrap the assembled sliders tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the sliders easier to handle.

Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve the sliders with a side of marinara sauce, pesto, or Italian dressing for dipping. This adds extra flavor and enhances the overall dining experience.

Garnish Creatively: Garnish the sliders with fresh herbs, sliced olives, or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.

Serve Warm: Serve the sliders warm for the best taste and texture. If preparing in advance, reheat them in the oven just before serving to ensure they’re hot and melty.

FAQs

Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the sandwiches just before serving. However, if you’re assembling them in advance, it’s best to keep the wet ingredients separate to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

Can I use different types of bread for these sandwiches?

Absolutely! While sub rolls or hoagie rolls are traditional, you can use any type of bread you prefer, such as ciabatta, focaccia, or baguette.

Can I make these sandwiches vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make vegetarian versions of these sandwiches by omitting the meat slices and doubling up on the cheese or adding more vegetables like roasted bell peppers, eggplant, or marinated artichokes.

What can I substitute for the red wine vinegar in the dressing?

If you don’t have red wine vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or balsamic vinegar. Each will bring a slightly different flavor to the dressing.

How can I prevent the sandwiches from becoming soggy?

To prevent the sandwiches from becoming soggy, consider spreading a thin layer of mayonnaise or mustard on the bread slices before adding the fillings. This creates a barrier between the bread and the moist ingredients.

Can I make these sandwiches spicy?

Absolutely! You can add sliced jalapeños, banana peppers, or pepperoncini peppers to add a spicy kick to the sandwiches. You can also use a spicy mustard or hot sauce in the dressing.

How long will these sandwiches last in the refrigerator?

These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Keep in mind that the bread may become slightly soggy over time.

Can I make these sandwiches for a crowd?

Yes, these sandwiches are perfect for feeding a crowd! Simply double or triple the recipe as needed and assemble the sandwiches on a large platter or tray for easy serving.

Can I grill these sandwiches instead of serving them cold?

Yes, you can certainly grill these sandwiches for a warm and toasty twist! Simply assemble the sandwiches as directed, then grill them in a panini press or on a grill pan until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.

What to Serve With Italian Chopped Sandwiches

Chips or Fries: Serve your sandwiches with a side of crispy potato chips or French fries for a classic and satisfying combination.

Italian Pasta Salad: Prepare a refreshing Italian pasta salad with cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, fresh herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

Caprese Salad: Serve a light and flavorful Caprese salad made with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Antipasto Platter: Create a colorful antipasto platter with an assortment of Italian meats (such as prosciutto, salami, and mortadella), cheeses (such as mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan), marinated vegetables, olives, and crusty bread.

Roasted Vegetables: Roast a medley of seasonal vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes, tossed with olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs.

Minestrone Soup: Serve a hearty bowl of minestrone soup loaded with vegetables, beans, pasta, and savory broth for a comforting and nourishing side dish.

Garlic Bread: Prepare homemade garlic bread by spreading butter or olive oil on sliced bread, sprinkling with garlic powder or minced garlic, and toasting until golden brown.

Crisp Green Salad: Pair your sandwiches with a crisp green salad tossed with mixed greens, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and your favorite Italian dressing.

Marinated Olives: Serve a bowl of marinated olives seasoned with garlic, herbs, and citrus zest for a flavorful and briny side dish.

Bruschetta: Prepare classic Italian bruschetta by topping toasted baguette slices with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Grilled Vegetables: Fire up the grill and cook a variety of vegetables such as asparagus, mushrooms, onions, and artichokes until tender and caramelized.

Try these sides: