Party Sub

Stacked with meat, cheese, and veggies, this party sub is the perfect addition to your game day menu.

Table of Contents

Party Sub Sandwich Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions for Party Subs
How To Make This Italian Party Sub Recipe
How To Serve a Party Sub
When to Serve Party Subs
Storage Tips for a Party Sub
More Recipes You’ll Love
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This ultimate party sub is a fun dish to add to the menu for your next event. Loaded with cheese, meat, veggies, and sauce, all on fresh bread, your guests will love the novelty of this giant sandwich.

Our football cheese ball and bacon cheeseburger sliders are both great choices to add to the menu for the big game.

close up shot of a whole Party Sub on a plate

Party Sub Sandwich Ingredients

Party Sub raw ingredients that are labeled

You’ll need:

2 (1-pound) loaves of frozen white bread loaf dough
⅓ pound deli provolone cheese, thin sliced
½ pound deli tavern ham, thin sliced
¼ pound mortadella, thin sliced
¼ pound capicola, thin sliced
¼ pound Genoa salami, thin sliced
¼ pound sandwich pepperoni, thin sliced
½ head small iceberg lettuce, shredded
½ small red onion, sliced thin (⅛ -¼-inch thick)
2 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced thin (⅛ -¼-inch thick)
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup yellow mustard

Substitutions and Additions for Party Subs

You don’t need deli platters for your next party or special event from Subway or Jimmy Johns with this hearty recipe.

If you’re serving a crowd, you may opt to serve guests veggie options and condiments on the side so everyone can choose their own options.

You could also offer the finest meat and cheese platters to allow guests to make their own sandwiches.

The possibilities for this sub platter are absolutely endless!

DELI MEAT: If you’re not a fan of traditional Italian meats or need a leaner option, try smoked turkey breast or chicken breast slices. More delicious options would include roast beef or honey ham.

CHEESE: For a different cheese experience, you can use Swiss cheese, cheddar, Monterey jack, colby jack, or pepper jack.

BREAD: A large French baguette, Italian bread, or ciabatta bread could be substituted here. These breads provide a similar crusty exterior and soft interior, perfect for loading up with sandwich fillings.

You could also use two 11-ounce cans of Pillsbury French bread loaves that are in refrigerated tubes.

This is an easy shortcut, but you will need to follow the package directions for bake times. You will place the two loaves into the prepared bundt pan and pinch the ends together just like the thawed white bread loaves in our recipe.

LETTUCE: Instead of iceberg lettuce, try using romaine or spinach for added nutrition and a different texture. Romaine offers a crunchier bite, while spinach provides a more delicate leafy green touch.

TOMATOES: If you’re not fond of tomatoes or they’re out of season, consider using roasted red peppers. They add a sweet and slightly smoky flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

ONIONS: For a milder onion flavor, substitute red onions with sweet onions. They are less pungent and offer a subtle sweetness that doesn’t overpower the sandwich.

ITALIAN DRESSING: If you want a creamier dressing, opt for a Caesar or ranch dressing. These will add a rich and tangy flavor profile, creating a different sandwich experience.

SPREADS: You could use avocado or hummus on this party sub. Both spread easily and offer a creamy texture with additional health benefits.

A dash of olive oil and red wine vinegar is also popular.

OLIVES: If you’re not an olive fan, try adding sliced pickles or pepperoncini for that tangy, vinegary kick.

VEGGIES: You could add other fresh vegetables on your subs. Green peppers, banana peppers, mushrooms, jalapeño peppers, pickles, or cucumbers would all be delicious.

SEASONINGS: Add a sprinkle salt and pepper, garlic powder, paprika, basil, oregano, or Italian seasonings. You could add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat too.

How To Make This Italian Party Sub Recipe

STEP ONE: Spray a standard 12-cup bundt pan with baker’s spray and set it aside.

STEP TWO: Remove the two one-pound loaves of the frozen white bread dough from the freezer and thaw according to package directions.

I thawed mine on the counter, and it took two hours.

STEP THREE: Once thawed, you will cut one of the bread loaves in half, giving you a total of 1½ pounds of thawed white bread dough that you will use.

You can discard the extra piece of thawed dough or do something else with it.

Party Sub process shot of bread loaves cut in half on a wooden board

STEP FOUR: Shape the two thawed pieces of the white bread dough into a long rope shape about 16-inches long.

You will need to pinch the two pieces together to form a ring.

Place the ring into the bottom of the prepared bundt pan.

Make sure that the ring is as symmetrical as possible so that your baked sub ring is evenly shaped.

Party Sub process shot of dough shaped into a rope and placed in a bundt pan

STEP FIVE: Cover the bundt pan with a piece of plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise on the counter for three to six hours, or according to your package directions, so that your dough doubles in size.

This time varies greatly due to the temperature in your home. If it is very cool or very warm, the dough will rise accordingly.

Party Sub process shot of plastic wrap placed on top of the bundt pan

STEP SIX: Once your dough has doubled in size, preheat the oven to 375°F.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Allow the baked bread to cool in the pan for ten minutes, then invert it onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

PRO TIP:

You can thaw, rise and bake your loaf of bread the day before you plan to assemble and serve your party sub.

Do not slice your loaf until you are ready to assemble, as this will keep your bread loaf fresher.

You will want to allow your baked bread to cool completely, then you can wrap it in plastic wrap, or you can store it in a bundt cake carrier until you are ready to assemble your party sub.

Party Sub process shot after dough is baked in a bundt pan

STEP SEVEN: Once completely cool, slice your bundt-shaped bread loaf in half horizontally and place it onto a serving tray.

A large bread knife will make the job easier.

Party Sub process shot of bread loaf cut in half horizontally and placed on a serving tray

STEP EIGHT: Remove the top half of your sub loaf and place it to the side.

On the bottom half, start by layering the provolone cheese, overlapping the slices, to cover the entire circle loaf.

Party Sub process shot of cheese placed on top of the loaf

STEP NINE: Next, you will place the ham slices, folded in half and overlapping, to cover the provolone cheese slices.

You will follow that with the mortadella, then the capicola, the Genoa salami, and finally the sandwich pepperoni slices.

Party Sub process shot of ham, mortadella, capicola, Genoa, salami, and pepperoni placed on top of the cheese

STEP TEN: Carefully top the layers of meat with the shredded iceberg lettuce.

Party Sub process shot of meat topped with shredded iceberg lettuce

STEP ELEVEN: Separate the red onions into individual rings, arrange them on top of the lettuce, and follow that with the tomato slices.

Party Sub process shot of onion rings placed on top of the lettuce then topped with tomato slices

STEP TWELVE: In a small mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and yellow mustard. Generously spoon the sauce over the top of the vegetables

PRO TIP:

If you do not want to place the mayonnaise and yellow mustard sauce onto the party sub when assembling it, you can place the sauce into a small serving dish and allow your guests to add it to their personal servings.

Alternatively, you can omit the mayonnaise and yellow mustard sauce and replace them with a red wine vinegar dressing. Both options are delicious.

Party Sub process shot of mayo and jello mustard sauce spooned over the top of the tomato slices

STEP THIRTEEN: Place the top of the sub bread that was set to the side onto the top of the party sub.

STEP FOURTEEN: Slice your party sub into eight equal portions.

PRO TIP:

A bundt cake carrier is a great way to store, serve and transport your party sub. These have sturdy lids that lock into place and will keep your sub covered easily while it is being stored in the refrigerator or transported to an event.

How To Serve a Party Sub

Serve this cold sub on game day when you need to feed a crowd.

It’s also an easy and hearty family dinner option. Serve with air fryer chips and chip dip, dirty fries, or sweet potato fries. Homemade refrigerator pickles are another perfect side.

Of course, you may want to add some extra appetizers and desserts alongside this yummy sandwich. Our cucumber bites and sausage bites along with our chocolate peanut butter lasagna all fit the bill.

When to Serve Party Subs

Serving a party sub is a fantastic idea for various occasions, thanks to its versatility and ease of preparation.

Here are some ideal situations when a party sub would be a great fit:

Game Day Gatherings: A party sub is perfect for sports events like football, basketball, or soccer game viewings. It’s easy to eat while focusing on the game and can feed a crowd effortlessly.

Birthday Parties: Whether it’s for kids or adults, a party sub is a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to customize with different toppings to cater to various tastes.

Outdoor Events: Party subs are great for picnics, beach days, or concerts. They’re portable and don’t require utensils, making them ideal for outside eating.

Office Meetings: For working lunches or corporate gatherings, a party sub offers a convenient and satisfying meal option that’s easy to share.

Reunions: A party sub can be a central dish in a potluck or family gathering, ensuring there’s something filling and delicious for everyone.

Movie Nights: For a casual night with friends watching movies or binge-watching a TV series, a party sub is a fuss-free dining option.

Holiday Celebrations: For less formal holiday gatherings like New Year’s Eve parties or 4th of July celebrations, a party sub can be a festive and easy catering solution.

School Events: After a school event, play, or a kids’ sports game, a party sub can feed a large group of kids and parents quickly and easily.

Road Trips: If you’re traveling with a group, a party sub can be a convenient meal to take along, feeding everyone with minimal stops and hassle.

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Storage Tips for a Party Sub

IN THE FRIDGE: Your party sub should be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, until ready to serve.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to two days; however, the bread may start to get soggy from the moisture of the tomatoes and sauce after one day.

IN THE FREEZER: This sandwich will not freeze well as the bread and toppings will get soggy. This party sub must be made fresh for the best results.

These party subs make a great meal when you have a large group of friends that you need to feed. Everyone will be astounded at how yummy it looks when this sandwich appears on your food table. Piled high with all your favorite toppings, you won’t be able to get enough of this tasty recipe.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I freeze this sub?

This party sub won’t freeze well as the bread and topping veggies will get soggy. This recipe must be made when you are ready to serve.

Can I use different toppings on this sub?

This party sub is completely customizable. Top with any of your favorite meat, cheese, and veggies for the perfect sandwich.

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

You can make the bread ring ahead of time but wait to slice it until you assemble the sub.

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Party Sub

5 from 1 vote

Stacked with meat, cheese, and veggies, this party sub is the perfect addition to your game day menu.

Prep Time 5 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 5 40

Servings

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review Recipe

Ingredients

2 loaves frozen white bread loaf dough (1-pound loaves) (Once thawed, you will cut one of the loaves in half so that you have a total of 1½ pounds of white bread dough – see step 3)
⅓ pound deli provolone cheese, thin sliced
½ pound deli tavern ham, thin sliced
¼ pound mortadella, thin sliced
¼ pound capicola, thin sliced
¼ pound Genoa salami, thin sliced
¼ pound sandwich pepperoni, thin sliced
½ head small iceberg lettuce, shredded
½ small red onion, sliced thin (⅛ to ¼-inch thick)
2 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced thin (⅛ to ¼-inch thick)
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup yellow mustard

Instructions

Spray a standard (12 cup) bundt pan with baker’s spray and set it aside.
Remove the 2 (1-pound) loaves of the frozen white bread dough and thaw according to package directions. I thawed mine on the counter, and it took 1½ to 2 hours.
Once thawed, you will cut one of the bread loaves in half, giving you a total of 1½ pounds of thawed white bread dough that you will use. You can discard the extra piece of thawed dough or do something else with it.
Shape the two thawed pieces (the 1-pound and one of the ½-pound pieces) of the white bread dough into a long rope shape about 16 inches long. You will need to pinch the two pieces together to form a ring. Place the ring into the bottom of the prepared bundt pan. Make sure that the ring is as symmetrical as possible so that your baked sub ring is evenly shaped.
Cover the bundt pan with a piece of plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise on the counter for 3 to 6 hours, or according to your package directions, so that your dough doubles in size. This time varies greatly due to the temperature in your home. If it is very cool or very warm, the dough will rise accordingly.
Once your dough has doubled in size, preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the baked bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Once completely cool, slice your bundt-shaped bread loaf in half horizontally and place it onto a serving tray.
Remove the top half of your sub loaf and place it to the side. On the bottom half, start by layering the provolone cheese, overlapping the slices, to cover the entire circle loaf.
Next, you will place the tavern ham slices, folded in half and overlapping, to cover the provolone cheese slices. You will follow that with the mortadella, then the capicola, the genoa salami, and finally the sandwich pepperoni slices.
Carefully top the layers of meat with the shredded iceberg lettuce.
Separate the onion slices into individual rings, arrange them on top of the lettuce, and follow that with the tomato slices.
In a small mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and yellow mustard. Generously spoon the sauce over the top of the vegetables and place the top of the bread that was set to the side onto the top of the party sub.
Slice your party sub into eight equal portions.

Notes

Note: For this party sub, I chose classic Italian sub meats and cheese. You can make whatever meat and cheese combinations you prefer. A great party sub combination is Muenster cheese with turkey breast, ham, roast beef, lettuce, and tomato. The options are endless and very customizable.

Note: If you do not want to take the time to thaw, proof, and bake the white bread loaves, you can substitute 2 (11-ounce) cans of the refrigerated french bread loaves that come in the tube. Pillsbury brand makes an original french bread option. This is an easy shortcut, but you will need to follow the package directions for bake times. You will place the 2 loaves into the prepared bundt pan and pinch the ends together just like the thawed white bread loaves.

Note: You can thaw, rise and bake your loaf of bread the day before you plan to assemble and serve your party sub. Do not slice your loaf until you are ready to assemble, as this will keep your bread loaf fresher. You will want to allow your baked bread to cool completely, then you can wrap it in plastic wrap, or you can store it in a bundt cake carrier until you are ready to assemble your party sub.

Note: If you do not want to place the mayonnaise and yellow mustard sauce onto the party sub when assembling it, you can place the sauce into a small serving dish and allow your guests to add it to their personal servings. Alternatively, you can omit the mayonnaise and yellow mustard sauce and replace them with a red wine vinegar dressing. Both options are delicious.

Note: A bundt cake carrier is a great way to store, serve and transport your party sub. These have sturdy lids that lock into place and will keep your sub covered easily while it is being stored in the refrigerator or transported to an event.

Nutrition

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Party Sub

Party Sub Sandwich Ingredients

Substitutions and Additions for Party Subs

How To Make This Italian Party Sub Recipe

How To Serve a Party Sub

When to Serve Party Subs

Reuben Sandwich

Bacon Avocado Sandwich

Storage Tips for a Party Sub

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