Easy Italian Hoagie Sandwiches with Creamy Pepper Spread (& Hoagie Salad Version)

Recipe #23 of My 100 Recipe Project

A sandwich-shop style Italian hoagie made at home with salami, turkey, provolone, crisp lettuce, and a creamy hoagie pepper spread the kids absolutely loved.

There’s something about a really good hoagie that feels like summer. Beach trips, road trips, baseball games, or an easy dinner when nobody wants to cook. I am from outside of Philadelphia, where we take our hoagies very seriously.

I started making these at home after mixing mayo with hoagie pepper spread on a whim one afternoon, and honestly, it made the whole sandwich. Creamy, tangy, a little zippy — the kind of spread that tastes like your favorite deli sandwich shop.

These are now officially in our regular rotation because everyone can customize their own, and they come together in under 20 minutes.

How to Make Italian Hoagies at Home

For the Creamy Pepper Spread

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 2–3 tablespoons hoagie pepper spread or chopped hot cherry peppers

• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• Pinch of garlic powder

• Fresh cracked pepper

For the Sandwiches

• 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls

• Deli turkey

• Salami

• Provolone cheese

• Shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce

• Thinly sliced tomato

• Thinly sliced red onion

• Banana peppers (optional)

• Olive oil

• Red wine vinegar

• Dried oregano

• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, hoagie pepper spread, vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper.

2. Slice and lightly toast the hoagie rolls if desired.

3. Spread the creamy pepper mixture generously on both sides of the bread.

4. Layer with turkey, salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, and banana peppers.

5. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and red wine vinegar, plus a sprinkle of oregano, salt, and pepper.

6. Slice in half and serve immediately.

Family Verdict

• For kids, you can make a milder version by reducing the pepper spread. Serve with kettle chips, pasta salad, or fruit.

• Add ham, mortadella, or pepperoni for a more classic Italian deli flavor.

• These are great wrapped in parchment paper for picnics, lake days, or road trips.

Keto-Friendly Salad Version of Italian Hoagies

Peter has been doing keto lately, and these easily turned into a salad version for him.

I added chopped mortadella along with the other sandwich ingredients, then made a quick dressing by mixing the creamy pepper spread with olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

Honestly? It may have been just as good as the sandwich.

Recipe #23 of My 100 Recipe Project. From My Franklin Kitchen, Alexis