Pizza subs, also known as pizza sandwiches, are a delicious fusion of two beloved comfort foods: pizza and subs. These hearty, oven-baked creations bring the flavor of a classic pizza and the satisfying texture of a sub sandwich together in one irresistible meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner or a fun snack for a party, pizza subs are a great option. In this article, we will explore how to make pizza subs in the oven, starting from the basics and moving on to advanced techniques for creating the perfect pizza sub.
What is a Pizza Sub?
A pizza sub is a sandwich made with a sub roll (or hoagie bun) as the base, topped with pizza-style ingredients such as marinara sauce, cheese, and various pizza toppings. The sub is then baked in the oven until the bread is crispy, the cheese is melted, and the flavors are perfectly combined. Pizza subs are often served with sides such as chips or a simple salad, making them an easy and delicious meal for any occasion.
The beauty of pizza subs lies in their versatility. You can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences, whether that means adding pepperoni, sausage, veggies, or even pineapple. The key is in using high-quality ingredients and baking the sub to perfection in the oven.
Why Choose Pizza Subs?
There are many reasons why pizza subs make for an excellent meal or snack:
1. Quick and Easy
Pizza subs are incredibly easy to make and require minimal preparation. The bread, sauce, and toppings come together quickly, making them a great option for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. In just 20 minutes or less, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to serve.
2. Customizable
One of the best things about pizza subs is how customizable they are. You can choose from a variety of toppings to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a classic pepperoni sub, a vegetarian option, or a combination of meats and veggies, the choice is yours.
3. Perfect for Leftovers
Pizza subs are also a great way to use up leftovers. If you have extra pizza sauce, cheese, or any other pizza toppings from a previous meal, you can easily turn them into pizza subs. This is a smart way to reduce food waste while enjoying a new, tasty dish.
4. Crispy, Melted Perfection
Baking pizza subs in the oven ensures that the bread becomes crispy while the cheese melts to a gooey, delicious consistency. This texture combination is what makes pizza subs so enjoyable to eat.
5. Family-Friendly
Pizza subs are a hit with both kids and adults. They’re easy to eat, fun to make, and offer all the familiar flavors of pizza in a sandwich form. You can also involve your kids in the process of making their own personalized pizza subs, making it a fun family activity.
Steps to Make Pizza Subs in the Oven
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of pizza subs, let’s dive into the process of making them. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to help you create the perfect pizza sub in the oven.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
The first step in making pizza subs is to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Sub Rolls:
Sub rolls (hoagie buns or baguette-style rolls): Choose soft yet sturdy rolls that won’t fall apart when baked. You can use white, whole wheat, or gluten-free sub rolls depending on your preference.
For the Sauce:
Pizza sauce: You can either buy pre-made pizza sauce or make your own using crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs. Alternatively, marinara sauce can also work as a substitute.
Tomato paste: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a bit of tomato paste to your pizza sauce.
For the Cheese:
Mozzarella cheese: The classic choice for pizza, mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and gives that gooey, stretchy texture. Fresh mozzarella can also be used for a richer flavor.
Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor and enhances the overall taste of the sub.
For the Toppings:
Meats: You can use any pizza meats you prefer, such as pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, or cooked chicken.
Vegetables: Fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, and spinach are great pizza toppings.
Other toppings: You can also add extras like pineapple, bacon, or even fresh basil to your pizza subs.
For Baking:
Olive oil or butter: Brushing the bread with olive oil or melted butter before baking helps it become golden brown and crispy.
Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of Italian seasoning, including oregano, basil, and thyme, adds an extra layer of flavor to the pizza sub.
Step 2: Prepare the Sub Rolls
Once you have all your ingredients, it’s time to prepare the sub rolls:
Slice the Sub Rolls: Start by slicing your sub rolls in half lengthwise. Be careful not to cut all the way through the roll – you want the halves to stay attached at the bottom, creating a pocket for the toppings. If the rolls are particularly large, you may want to slice them into smaller portions.
Toast the Rolls (Optional): If you prefer a crunchier sub, you can lightly toast the rolls before assembling the pizza. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or until the surface is lightly golden. This step helps the bread hold up better under the weight of the sauce and toppings.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheating the oven is a crucial step in ensuring that your pizza subs bake evenly and come out perfectly crispy.
Preheat the Oven to 375°F (190°C): This temperature is ideal for baking the pizza subs. It’s hot enough to melt the cheese and crisp the bread, but not so hot that it burns the toppings before the cheese melts.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza Sub
Now that your rolls are ready, it’s time to assemble your pizza subs:
Spread Pizza Sauce: Use a spoon to spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the cut side of the sub rolls. Be sure to spread it evenly, but don’t overdo it, as too much sauce can make the bread soggy.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. If you like a cheesier pizza sub, feel free to add extra cheese.
Layer the Toppings: Add your preferred toppings on top of the cheese. If you’re using meats, ensure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the sub. For vegetables, you can either add them raw or sauté them lightly for extra flavor. Be mindful not to overload the sub with toppings to avoid a soggy result.
Top with More Cheese: For a beautifully melty and gooey finish, top your toppings with a final sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Adding a little parmesan on top will give the pizza sub a rich, nutty flavor.
Brush with Olive Oil or Butter: Before baking, brush the top of the sub rolls with a little olive oil or melted butter. This will help the rolls crisp up beautifully and add flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza Subs
Place the assembled pizza subs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you want, you can cover the baking sheet with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Here’s how to bake the pizza subs:
Bake for 10-15 Minutes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the subs for about 10 to 15 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of your sub rolls and the toppings you used. You’ll know the pizza subs are ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, the edges of the bread are golden and crispy, and the toppings are cooked through.
Optional – Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you like your pizza subs extra crispy, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Keep an eye on them, as broiling can cause the cheese to brown quickly.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once your pizza subs are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a minute or two, as the cheese and sauce can be quite hot. Then, slice the subs into individual portions and serve immediately. You can garnish them with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pizza Subs
To ensure your pizza subs turn out perfectly every time, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:
Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh pizza sauce, high-quality cheese, and fresh vegetables. Fresh mozzarella is especially great for adding a rich, creamy texture to your pizza sub.
Don’t Overload the Sub: While it’s tempting to load up on toppings, overstuffing the sub can result in a soggy, unappetizing meal. Stick to a moderate amount of sauce and toppings to maintain a crispy, delicious sub.
Experiment with Different Breads: While sub rolls are the classic choice, you can experiment with different types of bread for your pizza subs. Try using baguettes, ciabatta rolls, or even sourdough bread for a different twist.
Pre-cook Meats and Veggies: Ensure that meats are fully cooked and vegetables are sautéed or roasted before adding them to your pizza sub. This will ensure that the toppings cook evenly in the oven and that you get the best flavor and texture.
Use a Pizza Stone for Extra Crispiness: If you want an even crispier crust, consider using a pizza stone. Preheat the stone in the oven, then place the pizza subs directly on it for a golden, crispy bottom.
Serve with Dipping Sauces: Pizza subs go perfectly with a side of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic butter. These add an extra layer of flavor and make for a more enjoyable eating experience.
Conclusion
Making pizza subs in the oven is a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in a portable, sandwich form. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a customized, delicious meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re using classic pizza toppings or experimenting with unique ingredients, the versatility of pizza subs makes them a great option for any occasion. Follow the steps outlined in this article, and you’ll be able to create the perfect pizza sub every time. Enjoy!
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