Serves: 2
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes

The Start of My Sub Sandwich Journey

There’s something about an Italian Deli Meat sub sandwich that hits differently. It’s hearty, packed with layers of flavour, and can be customised endlessly. When I decided to make my first sub sandwich for the account, I wanted to combine some of my favourite elements into one sandwich that didn’t just taste good, but left a lasting impression. So here we are with a combination of confit garlic aioli, a sundried tomato, roasted red pepper, and jalapeño spread, a trio of Italian meats, fresh mozzarella, and rocket salad.

This sub is where my sub-sandwich journey begins, and it’s just the start. I’m excited to bring you more variations of subs in the future, each with their own unique twist. But for now, let’s dive into this recipe that sets the tone for what’s to come.

A Closer Look at the Elements

While every component of this sub works together harmoniously, one element really stood out for me—the sundried tomato, roasted red pepper, and jalapeño spread. I’ve made a lot of spreads in my time, but this one brought a special kind of balance.

Sundried tomatoes already have this deep, concentrated sweetness with a bit of tang from being packed in oil. Combined with the slightly smoky, sweet flavour of roasted red pepper, the spread hits those rich notes perfectly. Adding jalapeño takes it to the next level by introducing a little heat, but not enough to overpower everything else. It’s the kind of spread that brings the sandwich together, providing a base of bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavours that elevate the whole experience. You could almost eat it by the spoonful, but it really shines when paired with the savoury trio of meats.

What makes this spread so satisfying is its versatility. You can use it beyond subs too—think about spreading it on a flatbread or mixing it into pasta. But for this sandwich, it’s the perfect counterbalance to the richness of the salami, pepperoni, and prosciutto.

The Sub Sandwich Breakdown

Now, let’s talk about the other elements that make this sandwich more than just a simple sub. I’ve got a thing for garlic, so I knew I wanted a garlic element, but I didn’t want to go for raw garlic that might overpower the other flavours. Enter the lemon and confit garlic aioli. Confit garlic is one of those little kitchen tricks that pays off big. By slowly cooking the garlic in olive oil until it’s soft and caramelised, you get this buttery, sweet flavour without the harshness of raw garlic. The aioli brings creaminess to the sandwich, but the addition of lemon juice and zest keeps it fresh and zippy. It’s the kind of sauce that makes you want to lick the spoon after spreading it.

The Italian meats—salami, pepperoni, and prosciutto—are classic choices for any sub sandwich. They bring layers of salty, savoury goodness that just scream “comfort food.” Each bite of meat, combined with the fresh mozzarella, feels indulgent without being overwhelming. The mozzarella adds a creaminess that doesn’t compete with the aioli, but rather complements it.

Finally, the rocket (arugula) brings that peppery freshness, cutting through the richness of the meats and spreads. It adds a bit of crunch and makes the sandwich feel a touch lighter, while still packing a punch.

Why This Sub Sandwich Works

1. 1. Flavour Balance: Between the creamy aioli, the bold spread, and the salty meats, every bite brings something different. The sundried tomato spread pulls it all together with just enough heat and sweetness to keep your taste buds guessing.

1. 1. Homemade Elements: The confit garlic aioli and the sundried tomato spread aren’t your usual sandwich fillers. These homemade touches make the sandwich feel gourmet, even though it’s easy to put together.

1. 1. Hearty and Satisfying: With layers of meats, cheese, and greens, this sub satisfies even the biggest appetite. Whether for lunch or a quick dinner, it’s a sandwich that’ll fill you up without feeling too heavy.

The Start of Something New

This sub sandwich marks a bit of a shift in the sandwiches I’ve been creating so far. While I love experimenting with large, loaded sandwiches, there’s something fun about taking classic sub ingredients and putting my own twist on them. It’s all about layering flavours, textures, and making sure every bite is just as good as the last.

If you’re following along with my sandwich creations, expect more sub sandwich recipes soon. I’ll be playing with different meats, spreads, and cheeses, and I’ve got some ideas lined up for vegetarian and vegan options too. The beauty of a sub is its versatility—you can go simple, you can go gourmet, or you can go all-out with loaded ingredients like this one.

For now, though, I highly recommend giving this Italian-inspired sub a try. The sundried tomato spread alone is worth the effort, and if you’re a fan of garlic, that confit aioli will be a game-changer for you.

FAQs

1. Can I make the sundried tomato spread ahead of time?

Absolutely! The spread keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. You can use it in other recipes too, like pasta or even as a dip.

2. What other meats would work in this sandwich?

If you want to switch things up, you can try mortadella, capocollo, or even roast beef. The key is to pick meats with bold, savoury flavours that complement the rest of the ingredients.

3. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! Provolone, gouda, or even a sharp cheddar would work well here. Fresh mozzarella is mild, so if you want a bit more bite, go for something stronger.

This sub sandwich may be my first, but it certainly won’t be my last. Stay tuned for more creative, flavour-packed subs that you can easily recreate at home. And in the meantime, enjoy this one!