The Italian Sandwich from Potbelly Sandwich Shop features thinly sliced ham, salami, and pepperoni layered with melted provolone cheese, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, all nestled inside a freshly baked, toasted hoagie roll, delivering a savory and satisfying classic Italian sub experience.
Equipments
- Meat slicer
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Sandwich prep table
- Toaster oven or sandwich press
- Baking sheet (for rolls, if baking in-house)
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Hoagie rolls (for assembly)
Ingredients
- Thinly sliced ham
- Thinly sliced salami
- Thinly sliced pepperoni
- Provolone cheese
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Hoagie rolls
When preparing your Italian Sandwich, ensure the meats--ham, salami, and pepperoni--are thinly sliced for optimal layering and flavor balance. Freshness of provolone cheese significantly enhances the sandwich's melt and taste, so use quality slices that melt evenly. Crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and sliced onions should be prepped just before assembly to maintain their crunch and freshness. Select hoagie rolls that are freshly baked and toasted to provide the perfect texture contrast and structural support for the fillings. You can recreate the classic Italian Sandwich from Potbelly Sandwich Shop with these precise ingredients and preparation tips for an authentic copycat experience.
Instructions
- Preheat toaster oven or sandwich press.
- Slice ham, salami, and pepperoni using meat slicer.
- Slice provolone cheese if not pre-sliced.
- Wash and shred lettuce.
- Wash and slice tomatoes.
- Peel and thinly slice onions.
- Slice hoagie rolls if necessary.
- Layer ham, salami, and pepperoni onto hoagie rolls.
- Add provolone cheese on top of meats.
- Toast assembled sandwich in toaster oven or sandwich press until cheese melts.
- Remove from heat.
- Add lettuce, tomato slices, and onion slices.
- Close sandwich.
- Cut sandwich with chef's knife if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Italian Sandwich from Potbelly Sandwich Shop copycat menu replicates the savory blend of thinly sliced ham, salami, and pepperoni paired with melted provolone cheese, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, all layered within a toasted hoagie roll. If you cannot access thinly sliced deli meats, consider slicing thicker cuts yourself using a meat slicer or a sharp chef's knife to achieve a similar texture. Provolone cheese can be substituted with mozzarella or Swiss cheese for a different but still complementary flavor profile. Your sandwich's freshness depends heavily on quality produce; replace lettuce with arugula or spinach if preferred for a unique twist. When toasting hoagie rolls, use a sandwich press or toaster oven to warm and slightly crisp the bread without overpowering the sandwich ingredients.
Tips
Ensure your meat slicer is clean and sharp before slicing ham, salami, and pepperoni to achieve even, thin slices that enhance the sandwich's texture. Preheat your toaster oven or sandwich press thoroughly to melt the provolone cheese evenly without over-toasting the hoagie roll. Wash and dry lettuce thoroughly to prevent sogginess, and slice tomatoes just before assembly to maintain freshness. Use a sharp chef's knife to cut the sandwich cleanly, preserving the layers without squashing your carefully prepared Italian sub.
Nutritions
The Italian Sandwich from Potbelly offers a balanced combination of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Your intake includes lean protein from ham, salami, and pepperoni, along with calcium and vitamins from provolone cheese. Fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions provide dietary fiber and essential micronutrients. The toasted hoagie roll contributes complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
Storage
Store leftover Italian Sandwich ingredients separately to maintain freshness, placing sliced meats and provolone cheese in airtight containers and keeping them refrigerated at or below 40degF (4degC). Keep washed and prepared lettuce, tomatoes, and onions in sealed containers or bags with paper towels to absorb moisture and prevent sogginess. Your assembled sandwich should be consumed immediately for the best taste, but if storing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate, consuming within 24 hours to avoid compromising texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap provolone cheese with fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture or use pepper jack for a spicier kick. Try grilling the hoagie rolls slightly before assembling to enhance their crispness and add a smoky flavor. Consider marinating the onions in vinegar and sugar for a tangy twist that complements the meats. Using a sandwich press instead of a toaster oven will melt the cheese more evenly and warm the ingredients thoroughly.
Allergies
The Italian Sandwich from Potbelly Sandwich Shop contains common allergens such as dairy from provolone cheese and gluten from the hoagie roll. Processed meats like ham, salami, and pepperoni may also contain preservatives or additives that could trigger sensitivities. You should check ingredient labels and consult with the shop if you have specific allergies or intolerances.
Why this recipe?
The Italian Sandwich from Potbelly Sandwich Shop features a perfect blend of Genoa salami, smoked ham, and capicola, layered with provolone cheese for rich, savory flavor. Freshly baked, warm white or wheat hoagie bread adds a satisfying texture that enhances the overall taste. Your palate will appreciate the tangy vinaigrette and zesty seasonings that bring each bite to life. Crafting a copycat version lets you enjoy this well-balanced, deli-style classic anytime without waiting in line.