Toasted Italian-Style Subs

Italian Deli Feast: Layered Medley Sandwich

Savor the captivating flavors of Italy with this delightful Italian Deli Feast: a Layered Medley Sandwich that's sure to transform any meal into a celebration. Inspired by the vibrant and diverse tastes of an Italian marketplace, this sandwich is crafted with a variety of premium deli meats and layers of fresh produce, all nestled in a loaf of crusty, cheese-laden bread.

This sandwich is not just about taste; it’s an experience. Achieving the perfect bite starts with selecting the right ingredients. Opt for a high-quality bakery loaf with a cheese medley crust for the bread. This enriches each bite with a creamy and tangy flavor. Balance is crucial, so fresh plum tomatoes and a small red onion offer a subtle sweetness and crunch that complement the meats—prosciutto, salami, capicola, and ham, readily available in Italian deli variety packs. The melted provolone adds a luscious, gooey layer that ties the ingredients together.

Before assembling the sandwich, create a zesty dressing mixing red wine vinegar, dried oregano, kosher salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, garlic paste, extra-virgin olive oil, and mayonnaise. This dressing acts as a flavor bridge between the meats and the fresh vegetable medley of lettuce, banana peppers, and onion. Your secret weapon: Use a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil to preheat the sandwich to a toasty finish while keeping cleanup easy.

The key to a great sandwich is structure. While layering, ensure an even distribution of meats and cheese to prevent shifting when you cut the sandwich. Lastly, use skewers to stabilize the sandwich as you slice it into manageable, serving-sized pieces.

Ingredients

• Aluminum foil
• 1 loaf Bakery Tutto Cheese Medley bread: The base with a fusion of cheesy flavors.
• 1 large plum tomato: Provides a sweet, juicy contrast.
• 1 small red onion: Adds sharpness and crunch.
• ¼ cup mild banana pepper rings: For a subtle tangy kick.
• ½ head iceberg lettuce: Crunchy texture enhancing freshness.
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Brings a tartness to balance the layers.
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano: An aromatic essence synonymous with Italian cuisine.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Elevates all flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds mild heat.
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional): For extra spice.
• 1 teaspoon garlic stir-in paste: Pungency depthens the flavor.
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided: Rich and silky base for the dressing and to toast the bread.
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise: Creamy texture bonds the dressing.
• 6 oz Deli Italian variety pack sliced meat (prosciutto, salami, and capicola): Diverse and savory meat selection.
• 2 oz thin-sliced ham: Complements the Italian meats.
• 6 slices provolone cheese: Melted richness to tie it all together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Preparing your environment will accelerate the cooking process.
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for seamless cleanup.
3. Slice the loaf of cheese medley bread lengthwise. Hollow out some of the interior to make space for filling. Save the excess bread for another recipe.
4. Slice the plum tomato lengthwise, then into manageable strips. Thinly slice the red onion, aiming for roughly ⅓ cup. Drain and cut the banana peppers into small pieces. Shred the iceberg lettuce until you have about 2 cups.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, pepper, optional crushed red pepper, garlic paste, 1 tablespoon mayo, and 2 tablespoons olive oil until fully blended to create your dressing.
6. Position the lower half of the bread on your prepared baking sheet. Layer evenly with deli meats and carefully top with provolone cheese slices.
7. Brush the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil inside the top half of the bread. Place it oil-side up next to the bottom half on your baking sheet.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts to a golden perfection while the bread turns crispy.
9. Simultaneously, toss the lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and banana peppers in your dressing for an even coating.
10. Once out of the oven, layer the dressed salad atop the melted cheese on the sandwich base. Cap with the top half of the bread.
11. Secure the sandwich with skewers for stability and slice into 8 portions. Serve immediately for an indulgent treat.

Tips for Troubleshooting

• Too thick? Gradually fold in more olive oil or a splash of red wine vinegar to thin your dressing.
• Too spicy? Incorporate a bit of honey or extra mayo to balance out excess heat.
• Cheese not melting? Extend the bake time by a few more minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning.
• Bread too soft? Increase the bake time with a foil cover to achieve desired crispness without burning.

Ideas for Pairing with the Recipe

The robustness of this sandwich offers plenty of pairing opportunities to complement its diverse flavors:

• Side Dishes: A crisp, citrus-infused arugula salad with a light balsamic vinaigrette will contrast the rich flavors.
• Drinks: Pair with an Italian Chianti or a crisp sparkling Prosecco to accentuate the sandwich's salty and savory notes.
• Desserts: End on a sweet note with lemon sorbet or classic Tiramisu, celebrating Italy’s rich sweet heritage.

How to Store Properly

• For refrigeration: If you do wish to store leftovers, wrap individual sandwich sections in parchment paper, sealing them in an airtight container. Consume within 2 to 3 days for optimal freshness.
• For freezing: Consider freezing only the meats and bread separately. Upon thawing, prepare fresh vegetables to maintain crispness and quality.
• To reheat: Use an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes, until warmed through.

FAQs

• Can I prepare this sandwich in advance? Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the sandwich up to the baking step, then wrap and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
• What substitutions can I use for veggies? Try adding roasted red peppers or fresh arugula for a different flavor profile.
• Any tips for slicing the sandwich? Use a serrated knife for clean-cut portions and press gently to retain structure.
• How can I make it vegetarian? Substitute the deli meats with grilled eggplant or zucchini and use a plant-based cheese alternative.