The Big Don Italian Sub from Donatos Pizza features layers of savory Italian meats, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and tangy pickles stacked on a soft, freshly baked sub roll, delivering a hearty and flavorful sandwich experience.
Equipments
- Bread knife
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Deli slicer
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Sheet pan
- Oven (for baking sub roll)
- Sandwich paper or wrapping sheets
Ingredients
- 1 soft sub roll (about 8-12 inches)
- 4 slices Genoa salami
- 4 slices pepperoni
- 4 slices ham
- 2 slices provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 4 slices tomato
- 6-8 dill pickle slices
- 2 tablespoons Italian dressing
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
Make sure to use a soft sub roll between 8 to 12 inches for the perfect sandwich base, as the bread's texture significantly impacts the overall eating experience. Fresh, high-quality Italian meats like Genoa salami, pepperoni, and ham provide the authentic savory flavor characteristic of the Big Don Italian Sub. Use provolone cheese slices to add a creamy, slightly tangy layer that complements the meats without overpowering them. Fresh, crisp vegetables such as shredded lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and dill pickle slices contribute essential moisture and texture, balancing the sandwich's richness. Your homemade version of the Big Don Italian Sub from Donatos Pizza will capture the original's hearty, flavorful essence with these carefully selected ingredients.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the sub roll lengthwise using a bread knife.
- Place the sub roll on a sheet pan, open-faced.
- Layer Genoa salami, pepperoni, ham, and provolone cheese evenly on the bottom half of the roll.
- Place the open sandwich in the oven and bake for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the roll is slightly toasted.
- Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, toss shredded lettuce with Italian dressing using a spoon or spatula.
- Remove the sandwich from the oven.
- Spread mayonnaise on the top half of the roll.
- Layer dressed lettuce, tomato slices, and dill pickle slices over the melted cheese and meats.
- Close the sandwich with the top half of the roll.
- Slice the sub in half on a cutting board using a bread knife.
- Wrap in sandwich paper or wrapping sheets for serving.
Substitution
The Big Don Italian Sub from Donatos Pizza copycat menu combines Genoa salami, pepperoni, ham, provolone, and fresh veggies on a soft sub roll for a classic Italian sub taste. If you don't have access to Genoa salami or pepperoni, you can substitute with other Italian cured meats like capicola or soppressata. In case fresh sub rolls are unavailable, a crusty baguette or hoagie bun can provide a similar texture and hold the sandwich ingredients well. You might want to adjust the quantity of Italian dressing or mayonnaise based on your taste preference or to maintain the moisture balance in the sandwich. When slicing ingredients, using a deli slicer or sharp chef's knife ensures even thickness for consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
Tips
Ensure the oven is fully preheated to 350degF (175degC) before baking your sub roll for even toasting and melted cheese. Use a bread knife to slice the sub roll lengthwise gently, avoiding pressing down too hard to keep the bread intact. Toss your shredded lettuce thoroughly with Italian dressing to evenly coat every bite with flavor, enhancing the sandwich's freshness. When assembling, layering cold ingredients like tomato and pickles after baking prevents sogginess and maintains the sub's crisp texture.
Nutritions
The Big Don Italian Sub provides a balanced mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates with 4 slices each of Genoa salami, pepperoni, and ham supplying savory, high-protein content essential for muscle repair. Fresh vegetables like shredded lettuce and tomato contribute fiber and vitamins, aiding digestion and immune function. Provolone cheese adds calcium and fat, while the soft sub roll offers carbohydrate energy for sustained activity. You can enjoy this sandwich as a satisfying meal that combines flavorful ingredients with nutritional benefits.
Storage
Store your Big Don Italian Sub in an airtight container or tightly wrap it in sandwich paper to maintain freshness and prevent the bread from drying out. Keep it refrigerated at or below 40degF (4degC) if you plan to consume it within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and safety. Avoid freezing the sandwich as it may affect the texture of the fresh vegetables and the sub roll.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap Genoa salami with spicy soppressata or add a layer of mortadella for a richer flavor profile. Use a crusty ciabatta roll instead of a soft sub roll to introduce a firmer texture that holds up well to the warm ingredients. For a creamier texture, spread a blend of mayonnaise and pesto on the top half of the roll before assembling. Toasting the sandwich open-faced allows the provolone to melt perfectly, but you can also broil it briefly for a golden, bubbly cheese finish.
Allergies
The Big Don Italian Sub contains common allergens such as wheat in the sub roll, dairy in the provolone cheese and mayonnaise, and potentially sulfites or preservatives in the deli meats like Genoa salami, pepperoni, and ham. If you have allergies to gluten, dairy, or processed meats, it's important to check ingredient sources or consider alternatives. Always inform your server about your food allergies to ensure your sandwich is safe to enjoy.
Why this recipe?
The Big Don Italian Sub from Donatos Pizza restaurant is celebrated for its robust combination of premium Italian meats, zesty spices, and freshly baked bread that delivers authentic deli flavors with every bite. Its perfectly balanced ingredients create a satisfying texture and taste that appeals to lovers of traditional Italian sandwiches. Your taste buds will appreciate the bold flavors that set the Big Don apart from ordinary subs, making it a must-try for sandwich enthusiasts. Crafting a copycat version allows you to enjoy this gourmet experience at home, tailoring the seasoning and freshness to your liking while saving on dining costs.