Wicked Italian Chopped Sandwich, Ready in 15 Minutes

Okay, so have you SEEN these chopped sandwiches going viral?! I’m telling you, they’re EVERYWHERE! And honestly, what’s not to love? But, you know me, I had to put my own spin on things. And that’s how this Italian Chopped Sandwich was born. It’s basically your favorite Italian deli sandwich, but chopped up into a million glorious little pieces. The BEST part? It’s ridiculously quick to make. Like, perfect-for-a-busy-weeknight kind of quick. And since I’m a sucker for anything with Italian flavors – give me ALL the salami and provolone! – this has become my new go-to lunch. Trust me, you’re going to be obsessed.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Chopped Sandwich

Seriously, besides the fact that it tastes AMAZING, here’s why I think you’ll be making this Italian Chopped Sandwich on repeat:

• It’s ready in, like, 15 minutes. Perfect for when you’re hangry!
• Super easy to customize. Don’t like salami? Swap it!
• That chopped situation? It means flavor in *every single bite*. No more boring corners!
• It’s seriously trendy! Make it, snap a pic, and watch the likes roll in!

Ingredients for Your Italian Chopped Sandwich

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need:

• 1 loaf Italian bread
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 pound ham, thinly sliced
• 1/2 pound salami, thinly sliced
• 1/4 pound provolone cheese, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup giardiniera, chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• Lettuce, shredded

Make sure everything’s fresh – it makes ALL the difference!

How to Make the Best Italian Chopped Sandwich: Step-by-Step

Okay, listen up, ‘cause this is where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s seriously simple. Even *I* can’t mess it up!

1. Slice that Italian bread in half. Like, horizontally, hot-dog style. You want two long pieces. Got it? Great!
2. Time for the dressing! In a small bowl – I just use a cereal bowl, no need to get fancy – whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Seriously, don’t skimp on the oregano…it’s KEY!
3. Brush that dressing ALL over the cut sides of the bread. Get it nice and soaked, but not, like, dripping. We don’t want soggy bread!
4. Now for the fun part: LAYERING! On the bottom half of the bread, pile on the ham, salami, provolone, giardiniera, roasted red peppers, and lettuce. Don’t be shy! Load it UP!
5. Place the top half of the bread over all that deliciousness.
6. CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! This is the most important part. Use a big knife (careful now!) and just start chopping the sandwich into small pieces. You want everything to be, like, bite-sized.
7. Serve immediately! I mean, who can wait, right?!

See? Easy peasy! Now go make yourself an Italian chopped sandwich masterpiece!

Tips for the Perfect Italian Chopped Sandwich

Want to take your Italian Chopped Sandwich from “good” to “OMG AMAZING?” Here are a few of my tricks:

• Get the GOOD stuff! Seriously, splurge on the high-quality ham, salami, and provolone. You can really taste the difference, trust me!
• Sharp knife ALERT! A really sharp knife makes chopping SO much easier (and safer!). Plus, you’ll get cleaner cuts, which looks way prettier.
• Don’t be afraid to get messy! Use your hands to really toss everything together after you chop. This makes sure all the flavors get mixed up beautifully!
• Dressing is KEY! Make sure you’re generous with that olive oil and vinegar mixture. It’s what really brings everything together. Maybe serve a little extra on the side for dipping? Garlic bread rolls would be perfect for this!

Variations on the Italian Chopped Sandwich Recipe

Okay, so you’ve nailed the classic Italian Chopped Sandwich? Awesome! Now let’s get a little crazy! Here are a couple of ways to mix it up and keep things interesting:

• Mediterranean Twist: Swap out the ham and salami for grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein, add feta cheese, and incorporate olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Drizzle with a lemon-herb vinaigrette instead of the classic dressing. I love using Mediterranean bread for this version!
• Spicy Italian: Kick up the heat by adding Calabrian chili paste to the dressing. Use spicy salami or pepperoni, and throw in some pickled jalapeños. Careful, it’s addictive!

Seriously, the possibilities are endless! Just have fun with it!

Serving Suggestions for Your Italian Chopped Sandwich

So, you’ve got this AMAZING Italian Chopped Sandwich… what do you serve with it? Hmm, let me think! I usually keep it simple. Some crispy potato chips are always a winner! Or, you know, if you’re feeling fancy, a simple side salad works great. I’m also a sucker for a good Caesar salad – the crunch is SO good with the sandwich. And, if it’s a chilly day, a warm bowl of tomato soup? YES, PLEASE!

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Chopped Sandwich

Got questions about my Italian Chopped Sandwich? I got answers! Here are a few things I get asked all the time:

Can I make this Italian Chopped Sandwich ahead of time?

Okay, so this is a tricky one. Honestly, the Italian Chopped Sandwich is best eaten right away. If you *absolutely* need to make it ahead, I’d recommend prepping all the ingredients separately – chop the veggies, mix the dressing, slice the meats and cheese – and then assembling and chopping right before serving. Otherwise, the bread might get a little soggy, and nobody wants that!

What are some good substitutions for the meat and cheese?

The sky’s the limit! If you’re not a fan of ham or salami, try prosciutto, pepperoni, or even roasted turkey. For cheese, provolone is classic, but mozzarella, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar would be delicious! Get creative! That’s the beauty of an Italian Chopped Sandwich, you can make the best Italian Chopped Sandwich, *your* way.

How long does this Italian Chopped Sandwich last?

If you have leftovers (which I highly doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. But seriously, try to eat it within a day or two, max. As I mentioned before, the bread can get soggy over time. A quick Italian Chopped Sandwich is so easy to make, it’s better to whip up a fresh one!

Disclaimer

Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and will vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used. I don’t guarantee it’s 100% accurate!

Enjoy Your Homemade Italian Chopped Sandwich!

Alright, my friend, that’s it! You’re officially ready to conquer the Italian Chopped Sandwich world! I seriously hope you give this recipe a try. It’s SO easy and SO delicious, you won’t regret it. And hey, if you do make it, be sure to rate the recipe below or leave a comment – I’d love to hear what you think!

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