The Ultimate Party Sub

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Party Sub is not just another sandwich—it’s designed for sharing and built for flavor. The homemade sandwich spread makes it stand out, giving every bite a creamy, tangy kick that ties all the ingredients together. You can assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate it until ready to serve, and then slice it for instant party-ready portions. It’s also endlessly customizable to match the preferences of your crowd.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 loaf fresh French bread
Secret Sandwich Spread (see recipe below)
5–6 slices deli cheese, such as smoked provolone
8–10 ounces sliced deli meat (ham, turkey, or your favorite)
5–6 crisp lettuce leaves (Romaine works well)
1 large tomato, sliced
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
oregano (optional)

Easy Sandwich Dressing (for spread):
½ cup mayonnaise (light is fine)
½ cup sour cream (light is fine)
2 tablespoons yellow mustard

Directions

1. Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise. Spread the sandwich dressing generously on both sides.

2. On the bottom half, layer the cheese, then lettuce, tomato slices, and onion.

3. Add the sliced deli meats on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle lightly with oregano if desired.

4. Place the top half of the bread over the filling. Wrap the sandwich in foil, parchment, or plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

5. When serving, slice into 2–3-inch pieces. Serve with chips and fresh fruit for a complete meal.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6–8 servings, depending on slice size.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes (optional, for best flavor)
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Italian Sub: Use salami, pepperoni, and mozzarella with Italian dressing.

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and pile on roasted vegetables, avocado, and extra cheese.

• Spicy Kick: Add pickled jalapeños or banana peppers for heat.

• Breakfast Sub: Swap deli meat for scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar.

• Mini Subs: Use small rolls instead of a long loaf for individual sandwiches.

Storage/Reheating

The Party Sub is best served fresh but can be made a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated, tightly wrapped, until serving. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, though the bread may soften. It’s not suitable for reheating, but you can refresh leftovers by adding a few crisp lettuce leaves before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the Party Sub the night before?

Yes, but to prevent sogginess, add the tomatoes and lettuce just before serving.

What type of bread works best?

A sturdy French bread or Italian loaf is ideal, as it holds up well to the fillings.

Can I toast the bread before making the sub?

Yes, lightly toasting the bread adds texture and helps prevent sogginess.

How do I keep the sub from getting soggy?

Spread the dressing in a thin layer, and layer lettuce between the bread and tomatoes to create a barrier.

What cheese works best for a party sub?

Smoked provolone is excellent, but Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella also work well.

Can I substitute the dressing?

Yes, ranch dressing, Italian dressing, or even pesto can be used instead.

How long does the homemade spread last?

The sandwich spread can be stored in a covered container for 1–2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely—cucumbers, peppers, and spinach make great additions.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free baguette or loaf to create a gluten-free party sub.

How do I serve this for a large crowd?

Make multiple subs and slice them into smaller pieces, arranging them on a platter for easy grabbing.

Conclusion

This Party Sub is the perfect solution for feeding a group—easy to assemble, customizable to everyone’s tastes, and packed with flavor thanks to the secret sandwich spread. Whether for game day, picnics, or family gatherings, it’s a guaranteed hit that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

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