Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches

Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches are the perfect combination of melty cheese, savory Italian meats, and soft, warm bread all baked to perfection. Think layers of ham, salami, and pepperoni topped…

By Willow • December 10, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

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Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches are the perfect combination of melty cheese, savory Italian meats, and soft, warm bread all baked to perfection. Think layers of ham, salami, and pepperoni topped with a blend of mozzarella and provolone, nestled inside a fresh sub roll and baked until everything is warm and gooey. It’s like your favorite deli sandwich got a cozy, bubbly makeover in the oven.

I love making these sandwiches when I want something that’s super satisfying but easy to whip up for dinner or a gathering. One of my favorite tricks is to brush the rolls with a little garlic butter before baking—it adds just the right touch of flavor and makes the bread extra crisp on the outside while staying soft on the inside. It’s one of those meals that always gets everyone asking for seconds.

These baked Italian subs are also great for feeding a crowd because they’re simple to assemble and bake in the same pan. I like serving them with a big green salad or some crunchy pickles on the side. Every time I make them, I remember hanging out with friends and sharing these warm sandwiches—there’s something about the bubbly cheese and spicy meats that just brings everyone together around the table.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Italian sub roll: Use a crusty sandwich roll or baguette. If you don’t have these, hoagie rolls work well. Avoid very soft bread so it doesn’t get soggy.

Italian meats: Hard salami, pepperoni, and ham give great flavor and texture. You can swap ham for turkey or roast beef if you prefer.

Cheese: Provolone and mozzarella melt nicely and balance the meats. Swiss or Monterey Jack are good alternatives.

Lettuce & Tomato: Use crisp iceberg or romaine lettuce for fresh crunch. Fresh, ripe tomato adds juiciness—avoid watery tomatoes to prevent sogginess.

Garlic butter: Brushing the bread with melted butter and minced garlic before baking gives a great aroma and crisp crust. You can use garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available.

How Do I Make Sure the Sandwich Stays Crispy and Doesn’t Get Soggy?

Keeping the bread crispy while ensuring the filling is warm can be tricky. Here’s what works for me:

• Lightly hollow out the soft bread inside before adding fillings to reduce moisture buildup.
• Brush garlic butter on bread before layering—it creates a barrier and crisps the crust during baking.
• Spread mayo and mustard inside the bread, not on the fillings, to avoid sogginess.
• Layer cold lettuce and tomato first, then meats and cheese. This keeps the veggies from steaming too much.
• Wrap the sandwich tightly in foil before baking. This melts the cheese and warms the fillings while the butter crisps the bread.

Following these tips helps get a sandwich that’s warm and melty inside with a nicely crisp outside every time!

Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking sheet – to hold the sandwich while it bakes and catch any drips.
• Aluminum foil – wrapping the sandwich helps melt cheese evenly and keeps it warm.
• Sharp knife – for slicing the sub roll and cutting the sandwich after baking cleanly.
• Small bowl – to mix melted butter and minced garlic for brushing the bread.
• Basting brush – makes it easy to spread garlic butter evenly on the bread.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap ham for roasted turkey for a lighter, milder flavor.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a spicy kick.
• Add roasted red peppers or sliced banana peppers for a tangy twist.
• Top with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking to brighten flavors.

Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Sandwich:

• 1 large Italian sub roll or French baguette
• 4 slices hard salami
• 4 slices pepperoni
• 4 slices ham (Italian or Black Forest)
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• 2 slices mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
• 2 slices ripe tomato
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 garlic clove, minced

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a few minutes assembling the sandwich and then let the oven melt the cheese and warm the meats for that cozy, delicious finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oven and Bread:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice your Italian sub roll horizontally, keeping the halves connected like a hinge. If you want, hollow out some of the soft bread inside to make space for your fillings.

2. Make Garlic Butter and Flavor the Bread:

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic. Brush this garlic butter generously over the inside of both bread halves. This adds great flavor and helps crisp up the bread as it bakes.

3. Add Condiments and Seasonings:

Spread mayonnaise evenly on the bottom half of the bread and mustard on the top half. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning or dried oregano over the mustard to add a tasty herb flavor.

4. Layer the Sandwich Fillings:

Start layering shredded lettuce on the mayo side, then add the tomato slices. Lightly season the tomatoes with salt and pepper. Next, add the ham, salami, and pepperoni slices evenly over the veggies. Finally, layer the provolone and mozzarella cheese slices on top. Feel free to add extra shredded mozzarella if you want it extra cheesy!

5. Bake Your Sandwich:

Close the sandwich by folding the top half over the fillings and gently press down to compact. Wrap the sandwich tightly in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the sandwich is heated through.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Carefully remove the sandwich from the oven and unwrap the foil. Slice into portions and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious, melty baked Italian sub!

Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Recipe?

It’s best to use fresh bread for the crispiest results. If using frozen bread, thaw it completely at room temperature before assembling to avoid sogginess.

Can I Substitute the Meats?

Absolutely! You can swap ham for turkey or roast beef, and use any Italian-style deli meats you like. Just keep the balance of flavors in mind for the best taste.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Wrap leftover sandwiches tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven wrapped in foil to keep the bread from drying out.

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

You can assemble the sandwiches a few hours ahead and refrigerate them unbaked. Just add the garlic butter right before baking so the bread crisps perfectly in the oven.