Italian Sub Roll Ups Recipe

If you’re craving a fun, flavorful bite that’s perfect for sharing or serving at your next party, Italian Sub Roll Ups are about to become your new favorite appetizer. These delightful roll ups are a delicious twist on a classic Italian sub, blending layers of savory deli meats, melty provolone cheese, and tangy toppings all held together by warm, gooey cheese that acts like the perfect edible glue. Easy to assemble but impressively tasty, this recipe combines simple ingredients to deliver a burst of fresh, zesty flavors with every roll.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Italian Sub Roll Ups, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, each one playing a key role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From savory sliced deli meats to refreshing crunchy vegetables and a zingy dressing, every element adds something special to the mix.

• 24 Slices Deli Meat: Traditionally a mix of ham, mortadella, and capicola, but 24 slices of your favorite ham works beautifully.
• 2 Cups Provolone (shredded): Melts smoothly and provides a mild, creamy cheese backdrop.
• 12 Slices Salami (cut in half): Adds a punch of spiced flavor and a bit of chew.
• 1/4 Cup Pepperoncinis: Brings a vinegary bite and just the right amount of heat.
• 1/4 Cup Red Onions: Thinly sliced for a crisp, tangy crunch.
• 1 Teaspoon Oregano (dried): Key for that classic Italian herb aroma.
• 1 Teaspoon Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps marry the flavors.
• 1 Teaspoon Red Wine Vinegar: Gives a subtle tartness to brighten things up.
• Iceberg Lettuce (chopped): Offers freshness and a light crunch to balance the richness.

How to Make Italian Sub Roll Ups

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to the broil setting. Laying out the deli meat slices on a baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap, is essential to ensure even melting later on. You’ll want to use pairs of two slices for each roll up—this creates a hearty base.

Step 2: Layer the Cheese

Generously sprinkle the shredded provolone over the arranged meat slices. This cheese is the anchor that holds everything together once melted, so don’t be shy. It’s like a golden glue that adds flavor and that irresistibly gooey texture.

Step 3: Broil with Care

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and broil for just 2 to 4 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly. Watch closely because the cheese can go from gooey to burnt quickly! The broiler’s heat brings the whole dish to life.

Step 4: Prepare the Toppings

While the cheese is melting, mix together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano to create a simple, flavorful dressing. This dressing brightens the roll ups and adds that characteristic Italian flair.

Step 5: Add Salami and Toppings

Place halved slices of salami over the melted cheese, then brush everything with the herb-infused dressing. Next, sprinkle pepperoncinis, red onions, and chopped iceberg lettuce on just one half of the meat slice. Keeping the toppings on one side makes rolling easier and tidier, with the cheese acting as a sealant.

Step 6: Roll and Cool

Carefully roll each piece as tightly as possible, folding the meat around the delicious fillings. Position the roll ups seam side down to help them stay together as the melted cheese cools and hardens. This step transforms the components into neat, hand-held bites that are simply addicting.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Slice each roll up in half for the perfect appetizer-sized portion. If you’re worried about them coming apart while serving, a toothpick through each half works wonders. Serve immediately and watch them disappear fast!

How to Serve Italian Sub Roll Ups

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few crushed red pepper flakes on top adds a pop of color and extra zing. For a touch of sophistication, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or balsamic glaze over the plate when serving.

Side Dishes

These roll ups pair wonderfully with light sides like a crisp Caesar salad, marinated olives, or even a tangy pickled vegetable plate. They are perfectly portioned to complement simple sides without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the Italian Sub Roll Ups on a wooden board or a colorful platter for a rustic look, adding clusters of grape tomatoes or fresh basil for a bright, festive feel. They also make great finger food for cocktail parties, brunches, or game day gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Italian Sub Roll Ups, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. They hold their texture well but are best enjoyed fresh for maximum flavor and cheese texture.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s not ideal as the lettuce and other fresh toppings can become soggy. If you do freeze them, wrap each roll up tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag, and consume within one month for best taste.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap the roll ups and warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) just until the cheese softens again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture close to fresh, as the breading and toppings might get soggy or lose crispness.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of provolone?

Absolutely! Mozzarella or fontina are excellent alternatives that melt well and keep the roll ups deliciously gooey. However, provolone gives this recipe its classic Italian flavor, so it’s a great choice if you want that authentic taste.

Is it okay to substitute different deli meats?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with turkey, roast beef, or even vegetarian deli slices if preferred. Just keep in mind that traditional Italian Sub Roll Ups get their signature flavor from the classic trio of meats like ham, mortadella, and capicola.

Can these be made vegetarian?

Definitely! Skip the meats and use plenty of roasted vegetables, like eggplant, zucchini, and peppers, paired with plenty of cheese and tangy toppings for a satisfying vegetarian version.

How long do these stay fresh?

Italian Sub Roll Ups are best eaten fresh but will keep well in the fridge for up to two days. After that, the textures may degrade, especially the lettuce and cheese.

What’s the best way to serve these at parties?

Cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Placing them creatively on a vibrant platter with fresh herbs and dip options makes for an inviting presentation.

Final Thoughts

Italian Sub Roll Ups are one of those magical appetizers that bring people together without any fuss, packing big flavor into every bite. Whether for a party, a picnic, or just a flavorful snack, these roll ups are a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly see why they’re a beloved classic that’s simply too good to keep to yourself!

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