Oven-Baked Italian Subs
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Are you looking for an easy, but absolutely delicious weeknight dinner? This Baked Italian Subs recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes. And each hearty sandwich is packed with pepperoni, turkey, melty cheese, onions, pickled peppers, and seasonings piled on a buttery garlic bun.
But one of the best parts about this baked sub recipe is how it solves a recurring weeknight dilemma. You know, the one where you’re thinking, “what can I make that’s fast, filling, and that my people will eat.”
Instead of grabbing takeout or spending hours in the kitchen, you can whip up a batch of these easy sandwiches in minutes, with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
We’re sharing tips to help you get the best results with this recipe. If you don’t need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and a printable recipe card.
These warm and cheesy subs are totally satisfying, so it’s not a surprise they’re a favorite for the whole family. And you get all of the classic Italian flavors packed into one simple submarine sandwich, just like you get at your favorite sub shop.
Hot baked subs aren’t just for busy weeknights either; they’re a hit on game days, a fun option for casual get-togethers, and even make a hearty weekend lunch.
This recipe is a weeknight staple in my house and part of my rotation of Italian-inspired meals, along with easy Italian stromboli and rustic Italian tortellini soup.
Baked Italian Sub Ingredients Needed
- Hoagie rolls – we use sub rolls because they’re sturdy enough to hold all of the ingredients without getting soggy.
- Italian dressing – regular or zesty Italian will work.
- Pepperoni – sandwich-sized pepperoni slices will layer better than the pizza-sized slices.
- Turkey – look for thin-sliced deli turkey.
- Provolone cheese – this classic choice adds creaminess and melts beautifully.
- Red onion – adds flavor, crunch and color.
- Sweet n hot salad peppers – a flavorful blend of pickled banana peppers and onions, you can find them at the grocery store near the pickles.
- Butter and garlic salt – the combination adds tons of flavor to the buns.
- Seasonings: salt, black pepper, oregano.
Get the complete ingredients & directions in the recipe card below.
How to Make Hot Cheesy Italian Sub Sandwiches
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a casserole dish. Slice hoagie rolls without cutting all the way through.
Brush the cut sides of the rolls with Italian dressing, then layer on the meats and cheese.
Top with red onions, salad peppers, and seasonings. Carefully close the rolls.
Melt butter with garlic salt and brush it over the tops of the rolls.
Place the subs in the dish and bake for 20 minutes, until the bread is lightly toasted and the cheese has melted.
Tips for Making the Hot Italian Sub Recipe
- Use sturdy sandwich rolls like sub or hoagie buns so they hold up to the fillings and don’t get soggy while baking.
- Thinner sliced meats and cheeses are easier to layer on the sandwiches.
- If you prefer a softer bread, cover the baking dish with foil before baking.
- If you like extra crunch and toastier tops, broil the subs for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
- If you’re making a larger batch, you can bake them on a sheet pan. For easier cleanup, line the pan with parchment paper.
Recipe Substitutions & Variations
- Switch up the meats: deli ham, Genoa salami, or capicola are tasty swaps.
- Cheese options: havarti and mozzarella cheese are great choices. Or try pepper jack if you like a little heat.
- Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy touch.
- Garlic powder works in place of garlic salt if that’s what you have.
- If you’re hosting a party or game day gathering, sliders are always a hit. Use Hawaiian rolls or small dinners, assemble just like the subs, then bake.
Can I make Italian hoagies in the oven ahead of time?
You can definitely prep these subs ahead of time. Assemble the sandwiches, then wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, brush the garlic butter topping on, place the subs in your baking dish, and pop them in the oven.
What to Serve with Hot Italian Sandwiches
For a sandwich shop vibe serve these tasty hoagies with finely shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes. Then pair them with crunchy homemade potato chips or air fried onion rings. I also like to add a fresh vegetable salad to round out the meal.
How to Store Leftover Italian Hoagies
Wrap sandwiches in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container, then store in the fridge for 2–3 days.
That’s all there is to it! Cheesy, melty subs that taste like something you’d order from the deli but take hardly any effort. When I make these, my husband and teens always go back for seconds (that’s why I make a double batch).
And I love that they’re quick enough for a busy weeknight but still feel a little special. Trust me, once you try these baked Italian subs they’re sure to become a repeat in your kitchen too.
More Easy Dinner Recipes…
- Loose Meat Sliders with Cheese
- Classic Taco Salad Recipe – better than takeout!
- Open Faced Tuna Melts – broil or bake
- Easy Chicken Spaghetti – weeknight version
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Easy Oven-Baked Italian Subs
Ingredients
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing
- 12 slices sandwich-sized pepperoni
- 12 ounces thinly sliced turkey
- 12 slices provolone cheese, thinly sliced
- half a medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sweet and hot salad peppers
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- Slice the rolls on the long edge, being careful not to cut all the way through. Brush the Italian dressing on the inside of the bottom and top buns.4 hoagie rolls, 1/3 cup Italian dressing
- Place 3 slices of pepperoni on the bottom bun.12 slices sandwich-sized pepperoni
- Fold each turkey slice twice and place on top of the pepperoni, about 4-5 slices for each roll.12 ounces thinly sliced turkey
- Fold the provolone cheese slices in half and place them on top of the turkey (I did 3 slices of cheese for each sub).12 slices provolone cheese
- Add the onion and peppers and sprinkle the top with the salt, pepper and oregano. Gently close the buns.half a medium red onion, 1/2 cup sweet and hot salad peppers, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- In a small microwave-safe bowl add the butter and garlic salt. Microwave at 50% power just until the butter is melted. Brush the garlic butter mixture on the top bun.1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon garlic salt
- Place the subs in a 9×13 baking dish and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is slightly crispy.
Notes
- Select a sturdy bread like sub, hoagie or Italian rolls.
- Swap in different meats, cheeses, or even roasted veggies.
- Serve the subs with your favorite toppings like giardiniera, sliced tomatoes and shredded lettuce if preferred.
- Wrap the pan with foil before baking if you prefer softer bread for your sandwiches.
- For a crispier sandwich, broil for 1–2 minutes after baking.
- To make this recipe as sliders for parties, swap the sub rolls for Hawaiian rolls or dinner rolls.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic in the fridge for 2–3 days.
Nutritional Estimate
Nutritional information is provided as a reference, using an online calculator. We recommend verifying the information independently for accuracy.
