Philly-Style Italian Hoagie

Just in time for your Superbowl festivities, these Philly-Style Italian Hoagies are packed full of flavor.  Homemade hoagie spread and dressing bump up the flavors and add freshness, and authenticity to these easy sandwiches. 

Our Superbowl party this year includes Game Day Reuben Dip, Glazed Bacon-wrapped Onion Rings, KC Doritos Crusted Empanadas, Philly Cheesesteak Hoagies, and Burnt Ends (aka Meat Candy).

What Is A Philly-Style Italian Hoagie?

This iconic sandwich originated in the Philadelphia area during WWI when Italian immigrants, who worked in a shipyard called Hog Island brought sandwiches of bread, cold cuts, and cheese for lunch. The sandwich became known as ‘Hog Island’ which over time morphed into ‘hoggies’, and finally, ‘hoagies’.

In 1992, the hoagie was declared to be the ‘official’ sandwich of Philadelphia. With good reason, I might add. A classic Philly-style Italian hoagie is made of crusty, Italian bread that is drizzled with an oil and vinegar dressing and layered with Italian meats and cheeses, then topped with fresh lettuce and tomatoes.

The hoagie has been adopted by other regions who renamed it ‘grinder’, ‘subs’, ‘submarine’, or ‘hero’.

Why This Recipe Works

First, who doesn’t love a recipe that comes together in less than half an hour? Plus, the only cooking is bringing the pickling liquid to a boil. 

Second, by making your own hoagie spread and hoagie dressing, you can really add a ton of flavor to the sandwich. You can also tailor the ingredients to what your family enjoys.

Finally, these sandwiches can be made ahead. Assemble the sandwich, but don’t add the spread, lettuce, or tomatoes until you’re ready to serve. Wrap the sandwich in plastic wrap and chill until needed.

Ingredients Needed

• Apple cider vinegar and red wine vinegar
• Olive oil – I used garlic-infused olive oil for a subtle garlic flavor that won’t compete with the flavors in the meats.
• Salt, sugar, and black pepper
• Dried basil, dried oregano, and mustard seeds
• Carrots – peel the carrot and chop it finely
• Celery – slice the celery as thinly as possible.
• Hot cherry peppers and banana peppers – I used hot cherry peppers and sweet banana peppers for my spread, but swap in what you have on hand or enjoy. Italian long hot peppers, jalapenos, poblanos, or even red or green bell peppers would work.
• Italian hoagie rolls – this is where you should be fussy. Look for a crusty outside, with a fluffy and tender interior. 
• Deli meats – use good quality Italian deli meats like capicola, salami, prosciutto, or Mortadella
• Italian cheese – I used sharp, non-smoked provolone. Use good quality cheese.
• Fresh tomatoes and lettuce

Steps To Make This Recipe

1. Make the hoagie spread by bringing the vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and mustard seeds to a boil before pouring the liquid over the chopped vegetables and allowing the vegetables to pickle.
2. Make the hoagie dressing by shaking together the olive oil, vinegar, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Make the sandwiches by drizzling the bread with the dressing, layering the meats and cheese on top, spreading the hoagie spread over the last layer of meat, and topped with lettuce and tomato. Drizzle a little more dressing on top of the tomatoes.
4. Top the sandwich with the top of the hoagie roll and slice it in half.
5. Serve immediately.

More Italian Recipes:

• Creamy Italian Chestnut Soup With Parmesan Crema
• Italian Wedding Soup
• Italian Chopped Salad – La Scalla-Style
• Arancini di Riso
• Quick And Easy Pizza Rolls
• Easy Spinach Calzone
• Authentic Italian Beef Sandwiches
• Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca
• Cavatelli With Sausage And Broccoli Rabe
• Baked Italian Meatballs
• Italian Chicken Francese
• Chicken Vesuvio
• Shrimp Fra Diavolo
• Quick And Easy Fettucine Alfredo
• Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
• Pasta Carbonara
• Involtini Di Melanzane
• Ricotta Gnocchi In Easy Pomodoro Sauce
• Savory Mushroom Risotto
• Fresh Pesto Sauce

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