How to Make the Chopped Italian Sandwich That Went Viral
If you’ve been anywhere near TikTok lately, you’ve seen it—the chopped Italian sandwich. It’s loud, messy, indulgent, and absolutely irresistible. What started as a deli-style hack has exploded into a full-blown food trend, with millions recreating it at home. But what makes this sandwich so viral?
Ingredients
Meats & Cheese:
- 4 slices Genoa salami
- 4 slices deli ham
- 4 slices pepperoni
- 4 slices provolone cheese
Veggies & Crunch:
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- ½ cup sliced banana peppers
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup tomatoes diced
- ¼ cup dill pickles chopped
Dressing:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Bread:
- 2 hoagie rolls or sub buns
- Optional: butter or olive oil for toasting
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients
- Lay out all your meats, cheese, and veggies on a large cutting board. Stack the meats and cheese, then slice into strips. Add the veggies on top.
Chop It All Together
- Using a large chef’s knife, chop everything together until it’s finely diced and well-mixed. You’re looking for a texture that’s chunky but cohesive—like a deli salad. This step is key to the sandwich’s appeal. The chopping blends flavors and textures, making every bite consistent.
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. The dressing should be creamy with a tangy edge—feel free to add a splash more vinegar or a pinch of sugar if you want to tweak the balance.
Mix the Filling
- Add the chopped mixture to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss until everything is coated and creamy. You want the mixture to hold together slightly, but not be soggy.
Toast the Bread (Optional)
- Split the hoagie rolls and toast them in a skillet with butter or olive oil until golden and crisp. This adds a warm, crunchy contrast to the cool filling and helps prevent the bread from getting soggy.
Assemble the Sandwich
- Pile the chopped mixture high onto each roll. Press gently to compact. Slice in half and serve immediately. You can wrap it in parchment paper for that deli-style feel or serve it open-faced for a more dramatic presentation.
Notes
How to Make the Chopped Italian Sandwich That Went Viral
Nutrition
Calories: 686kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 14gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 1657mgPotassium: 468mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 829IUVitamin C: 31mgCalcium: 330mgIron: 12mg