Jersey Mikes Italian Sub Recipe Copycat: How To Make

Craving a delicious and hearty sandwich that brings the flavors of an Italian deli right to your home? Let me share how to recreate Jersey Mike’s Italian sub. This homemade recipe features provolone cheese, ham, prosciuttini, cappacuolo, salami, and pepperoni, combined with crisp vegetables and a robust vinaigrette.

Making this sub is simple and satisfying. Start by gathering fresh ingredients and assembling them on a soft Italian roll.

Don’t forget to top it “Mike’s Way” with shredded lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and a drizzle of the signature oil and vinegar mix.

Stay with me as I guide you through assembling this mouthwatering sandwich. Every bite will remind you of the authentic taste you love, right in your own kitchen.

Key Takeaways

• Gather quality Italian meats and cheeses
• Craft a perfect vinaigrette for added flavor
• Assemble the sandwich with fresh vegetables

Gathering Ingredients for the Italian Sub

To create a Jersey Mike’s Italian Sub at home, you’ll need high-quality deli meats, fresh vegetables, herbs, and the perfect bread and cheese. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

Selecting Quality Deli Meats

When I make an Italian sub, I look for the best deli meats. The key ingredients include provolone cheese, ham, salami, Genoa salami, prosciutto, capocollo, and pepperoni. Each brings a unique flavor to the sub.

I prefer using Provolone Cheese, which adds a wonderful sharpness.

Genoa salami has a milder taste compared to regular salami and pairs well with prosciutto, which has a delicate, salty flavor. I also add capocollo and pepperoni for a slightly spicy kick.

Finding high-quality, fresh meats at a local deli can make all the difference. I usually opt for meats that are sliced thinly for the best texture in my sub.

Fresh Vegetables and Herbs

Fresh vegetables bring the sub to life. For the classic Jersey Mike’s sub, I use iceberg lettuce, tomato, and red onion.

I shred the iceberg lettuce so it layers well on the sandwich.

For the tomato, I prefer slicing them thinly to keep the sandwich balanced. It’s essential to choose tomatoes that are ripe yet firm to avoid a soggy sub.

Red onions add a bit of sharpness, and I slice these thin too.

No Italian sub would be complete without some herbs. I sprinkle dried oregano over the vegetables for that authentic taste. A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the tomato and lettuce.

Choosing the Right Bread and Cheese

The right bread can make or break your sandwich. I always go for a hearth-baked Italian roll. It is soft on the inside with a slightly crispy crust that holds all the ingredients without getting soggy.

I enjoy provolone cheese because it melts well and adds a nice, mild tang. If you prefer something different, Swiss or mozzarella can be good alternatives.

These ingredients combined create the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making the Jersey Mike’s Italian Sub a real treat.

Crafting the Perfect Dressing

Creating the ideal dressing for your Jersey Mike’s Italian sub involves choosing the right oil and vinegar combination and adding key herbs and seasonings that enhance the flavors.

Oil and Vinegar Blend

For the perfect sub dressing, I start with a blend of olive oil and red wine vinegar. I use 1/2 cup of olive oil to 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar. This mix offers a smooth and tangy flavor.

Sometimes, I like to mix in a bit of canola oil with my olive oil to make an olive oil blend. This helps balance the flavors and can make the dressing lighter.

If I want a richer taste, I’ll opt for extra-virgin olive oil.

Adjusting the ratio to suit personal taste is simple. Some might prefer 2 parts olive oil to 1 part vinegar for a milder flavor, while others might go for equal parts for more zing.

Herbs and Seasonings

To really make the dressing pop, I add dried oregano and a pinch of salt. These two ingredients are essential for capturing that authentic Italian flavor.

Sprinkling the dried oregano over the tomatoes and then adding a light sprinkle of salt makes each bite savory.

I sometimes add a touch of black pepper for a bit of heat.

These simple herbs and seasonings are all you need to transform a basic dressing into something special. They bring a depth of flavor that ties the sub ingredients together perfectly.

Assembling the Italian Sub

Putting together a delicious Jersey Mike’s Italian Sub is all about layering fresh ingredients and adding the right finishing touches.

Layering the Ingredients

I start with an Italian Roll or a Hoagie Roll, preferably a hearth-baked one for that classic crusty texture. The secret begins with Provolone Cheese, which forms the base layer.

Next comes the meat: ham, prosciuttini, cappacuolo, salami, and pepperoni are essential for this sub.

I layer the cheese and meats evenly to make sure every bite is balanced. Using Genoa salami and capocollo provides a rich, savory flavor.

Sometimes, I even add some prosciutto for an extra touch of authenticity. Good layering ensures that each bite is packed with flavor.

Adding the Final Touches

To finish the sub, I add shredded lettuce, sliced onions, and tomatoes. These veggies not only add freshness but also a nice crunch.

Then, the key to a true Jersey Mike’s experience is “the Juice”—a distinctive blend of olive oil and red wine vinegar.

I drizzle the juice generously over the veggies and sprinkle a bit of dried oregano and salt on the tomatoes.

Finally, I place the top bun on and slice the sub in half for easier handling. Each ingredient brings out the best in this classic sub—perfect for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve gathered some common questions people have about making a Jersey Mike’s Italian sub at home. From steps and ingredients to specific details about oils and the “sub in a tub” option, I’ve got you covered.

What are the steps to making an Italian sub similar to Jersey Mike’s?

First, cut your vegetables and shred some iceberg lettuce. Next, build the sub by adding provolone cheese and a variety of Italian meats such as ham, proscuittini, cappacuolo, salami, and pepperoni.

Add the shredded lettuce, sliced onions, and tomatoes. Finally, sprinkle with oregano and add the top bun.

Can you list the ingredients typically found in an Italian sub?

Typical ingredients include provolone cheese, boiled ham, proscuittini, cappacuolo, salami, and pepperoni. You’ll also need shredded lettuce, sliced onions, tomatoes, dried oregano, and salt to season. For the bread, use a fresh Italian roll.

What type of oil and vinegar is used at Jersey Mike’s for their subs?

Jersey Mike’s uses red wine vinegar and an olive oil blend for their subs. This combination gives the sandwiches a special tangy and rich flavor.

What is included in the ‘juice’ that’s added to subs at Jersey Mike’s?

The “juice” refers to the mix of red wine vinegar and olive oil. Usually, it’s sprinkled over the vegetables and meats to enhance the flavor and keep the sub moist and delicious.

How do you make the olive oil blend like the one at Jersey Mike’s?

To create an olive oil blend like Jersey Mike’s, you can mix extra virgin olive oil with a splash of vegetable oil to lighten the taste. You can store this blend in a bottle and use it as needed.

What is the sub in a tub option at Jersey Mike’s, and how can I make it at home?

The “sub in a tub” option is essentially a sandwich without the bread. All the ingredients are combined in a bowl.

Start by chopping all the vegetables and meats. Mix them in a bowl with provolone cheese. Pour your dressing over the ingredients and toss well. Top with the chopped Italian roll if you prefer.