The Ultimate Hot Ham and Cheese Sub
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Create the ultimate hot ham and cheese sub with our easy recipe featuring fresh ingredients and tips for perfect flavor balance and combination.
If you like ham and cheddar sandwiches, then look no further. This is the holy grail of hot ham and cheese subs. You’ll take a loaf of French bread, slice it down the middle then layer it with lots of honey ham and cheddar cheese. Broil, then layer it high with tomato, sweet and spicy pickles, dill pickles, banana peppers, red onion and a salad tossed in a sweet mayo dressing. The flavor combination in these giant sandwiches make for perfect bites. Serve them for lunch, supper or for a crowd.
This ham and cheese sub sandwich is basically the ham sandwich version of my Italian hoagie dip. This is honestly one of my top recipes, and for good reason. There are so many amazing components about this sandwich. My favorite has to be the salad dressing lettuce mix. For this sub, you’ll mix up mayo, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar and Italian seasoning. You’ll then toss the iceberg lettuce in the dressing. Literally so good.
Questions You Might Have:
Does it matter what type of bread you use?
I personally think for this recipe, you’ll need a loaf of French or Italian bread. I just think it’s easiest to bake it hole then cut it into smaller sandwiches. Just like at a normal sandwich shop, right?
I used a normal $1 loaf of white French bread. You can use a wheat loaf or even an Italian herb loaf would taste delicious as well.
What type of ham should I use?
For the ham, I personally like a thin-sliced honey ham. I just feel like it creates a great flavor and texture. I really like to just bunch up the thin slices before baking under the cheese. I used a whole 9-ounce container for this recipe. If you don’t have thin, honey ham, don’t worry. Any ham will be delicious. However, if you are buying the ingredients for this recipe, that’s what I recommend.
Cheese?
You’ve got to use cheddar. I used a higher quality sliced cheese. Like a Sargento or something from the deli. These slices are a little thicker and overall better. I used about 10 sliced in total.
Equipment You’ll Need:
For this ham and cheese sub recipe, you’ll first need a bread knife and a baking sheet. Any type of baking sheet will work, and I love my Cuisinart bread knife. A few other miscellaneous items will include a bowl to mix your dressing in, some measuring spoons and a mixing spoon. I love a quick and simple recipe, but also love a recipe that won’t mess up your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
French Bread
I used a normal $1 loaf of French bread from bakery in my grocery store. You’ll just slice it in half.
Ham
I used an entire 9-ounce container of honey ham. You could always add more or less to your liking.
Cheddar Cheese
You’ll need about 10 or so slices of cheddar cheese. I think cheese comes in packages measured by the ounce? I would recommend at least an 8-ounce package.
The Vegetables
As you can see, no vegetables left behind in this sandwich, and I really think it’s necessary. I used sliced tomatoes, dill pickle slices and sweet and spicy pickle slices, pickled banana peppers and red onion. This is a big sandwich, so make sure you have plenty of each.
The Salad Spread
How to store or make ahead these subs:
These subs are best when made fresh. If you make them ahead, you’ll lose the hot ham and cheese aspect of the meal. You’ll also run the risk of them becoming soggy once fully dressed. If you wanted to make these head. I would cut your bread and assemble the subs. Then, prepare your salad and veggies and store them all in separate containers. Broil then assemble once time to eat.
Step by Step How to Make the Ultimate Hot Ham and Cheese Sub
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Slice your loaf of bread in half down the middle then place the pieces on a baking sheet. Add your ham and cheese to one half of the loaf. Bake in the oven for about 5 to 7 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven. In a mixing bowl, add the ingredients for the dressing. Mix well then fold in your iceberg lettuce. Add it to the other half of your sandwich.
- Dress the sandwich with the rest of your vegetables. Fold into a long sub sandwich then cut into smaller servings. Serve and enjoy!
The Ultimate Hot Ham and Cheese Sub
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Bread knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients
- 1 loaf White French Bread
- 9 oz Thin-Sliced Honey Ham
- 10 slices Cheddar Cheese
- Sliced Red Onion
- Dill Pickle Slices
- Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slices
- Pickled Banana Peppers
- 2 cups Shredded Iceberg Lettuce
Dressing:
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasonings
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Slice your loaf of bread in half down the middle then place the pieces on a baking sheet. Add your ham and cheese to one half of the loaf. Bake in the oven for about 5 to 7 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven. In a mixing bowl, add the ingredients for the dressing. Mix well then fold in your iceberg lettuce. Add it to the other half of your sandwich.
- Dress the sandwich with the rest of your vegetables. Fold into a long sub sandwich then cut into smaller servings. Serve and enjoy!
Contact Me
Before you go, please let me know what you thought about these hot ham and cheese sandwiches. Did you like them? Please let me know here or in the comments below. Happy cooking!
