Chopped Italian Sandwiches
These amazing chopped Italian sandwiches are perfect for busy families who want something delicious without all the fuss! Everyone from picky kids to sandwich-loving adults will go crazy for these flavor-packed bites. The best part is you get all that classic Italian deli taste in just 15 minutes!
Recipe Details
Timing & Servings: Active Time: 15 minutes, Total Time: 15 minutes, Serves: 4 people.
Nutrition Profile: Sesame-Free, Nut-Free, High-Protein.
Nutrition Facts (per serving): 499 Calories, 21g Fat, 61g Carbs, 17g Protein.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Iceberg lettuce: You’ll need 2 cups of shredded iceberg lettuce, which gives you that perfect crispy base. I know iceberg gets a bad rap, but it’s actually super hydrating and adds amazing crunch!
Deli turkey: 8 ounces of sliced deli-roasted turkey breast (about 4 thick slices) brings the protein power. This keeps things lighter than traditional Italian subs while still being super satisfying.
Pepperoni: 2 ounces of pepperoni slices (about 15 pieces) gives you that classic Italian flavor everyone craves. Just enough to make it taste authentic!
Fresh tomato: One small tomato sliced up adds juicy freshness to balance all those savory flavors. Any variety works great here.
Red onion: Half a cup of sliced red onion brings a nice sharp bite. If you’re not an onion fan, you can use less or skip it completely.
Provolone cheese: 4 slices of provolone cheese melt slightly from the chopping and create creamy pockets of goodness throughout.
Banana peppers: 2 tablespoons of drained mild banana pepper rings add a tangy kick without being too spicy for the kids.
Italian seasoning: 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning ties everything together with those classic herbs we all love.
Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons of mayo creates the creamy base that holds everything together beautifully.
Red wine vinegar: 1½ tablespoons adds that perfect tangy brightness that makes your taste buds sing.
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil brings richness and helps distribute all the flavors.
Whole wheat baguette: One 8-ounce whole-wheat baguette (toasted if you like) becomes the perfect vessel for all this goodness.
How to Make Chopped Italian Sandwiches
Step 1: Place your shredded lettuce on a large cutting board. Layer the turkey, pepperoni, tomato slices, red onion, provolone, and banana peppers right on top of the lettuce. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over everything evenly.
Step 2: Here comes the fun part! Using a large sharp knife, coarsely chop everything together into small bite-size pieces. Don’t worry about being perfect – rustic is the goal here!
Step 3: Drizzle the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and olive oil right over your chopped mixture. Keep chopping and mixing until the mayo is spread evenly throughout and everything looks well combined.
Step 4: Using a serrated knife, slice your baguette crosswise into 4 equal portions. Slice each portion lengthwise, but keep the halves connected like a hinge. Spoon about ¾ cup of your delicious chopped mixture into each bread portion.
Easy and Quick Chopped Italian Sandwiches Version
Want to make this even faster? You bet you can! Buy pre-chopped lettuce and pre-sliced vegetables from the deli counter. Use a food processor to chop everything in Step 2 – just pulse it a few times until you get bite-sized pieces. This cuts your prep time down to about 8 minutes total!
Serving Ideas
These hearty sandwiches are pretty much a complete meal on their own! If you want something crispy on the side, try some baked potato chips or air-fryer french fries. A cool, refreshing coleslaw or gazpacho would be perfect for hot summer days too.
Storage
The chopped mixture can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Don’t assemble the full sandwiches ahead of time though – the bread will get soggy. Just spoon the mixture onto fresh bread when you’re ready to eat!
Substitutions
No provolone? Mozzarella or Swiss work great too! You can swap the turkey for ham or even use all turkey and skip the pepperoni for a lighter version. Regular white onion works fine instead of red onion, and you can use any crusty bread you have on hand.
Pro Tips
- Sharp knife is key: A really sharp knife makes chopping so much easier and gives you better results.
- Don’t over-chop: You want bite-sized pieces, not mush! Stop when everything looks evenly mixed.
- Toast that bread: Lightly toasting the baguette helps it hold up better to all those juicy ingredients.
- Make it your own: Add olives, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes if you love them!
FAQs
Are these sandwiches actually healthy?
You bet they are! Unlike traditional Italian subs that pile on multiple heavy meats, this version uses lean turkey as the main protein with just enough pepperoni for flavor. The whole wheat bread and lots of fresh veggies add fiber, and even that iceberg lettuce is packed with water and nutrients to keep you hydrated!
Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
Sure, but with a little strategy! You can prep all the chopped mixture the day before and store it in the fridge. Just don’t put it on the bread until you’re ready to eat, or you’ll end up with soggy sandwiches. The mixture actually tastes even better after the flavors have time to meld together overnight!
What should I serve with these sandwiches?
These babies are pretty filling on their own, but if you want sides, go for something crispy like chips or something cool and refreshing like fruit salad. They’re perfect for picnics too – just pack the mixture separately and assemble when you’re ready to eat!
What else can I do with leftover banana pepper rings?
Oh, so many things! They’re amazing on pizza, in tacos, mixed into green salads, or stuffed into calzones. I even love them straight from the jar as a tangy snack. They keep forever in the fridge once opened!
I hope your family loves these chopped Italian sandwiches as much as mine does! They’ve become our go-to for quick lunches and easy dinners. Let me know how yours turn out – I’d love to hear about any fun variations you try!
