Maine-Style Italian Hoagies
Delve into the delicious, flavor-packed world of Maine-Style Italian Hoagies, a beloved local staple that might confuse connoisseurs of traditional Italian sandwiches. With layers of savory sliced deli ham, creamy American cheese, and a medley of crunchy veggies like dill pickles, ripe tomatoes, and crisp green peppers, each bite is a celebration of fresh ingredients. This sandwich is a perfect representation of Maine's rich culinary scene and is often enjoyed as a hearty lunch or snack. Ideal for gatherings or picnics, this recipe combines simplicity with satisfying flavors, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
sliced deli ham
1 lb (sliced)
deli American cheese
8 slices (sliced)
sour dill pickles
2 (sliced)
tomatoes
1 (sliced)
Greek olives
12 (sliced)
small onion
1 (sliced)
small green pepper
1 (sliced)
hoagie rolls
4 (whole)
red wine vinegar
to taste (for drizzling)
olive oil
to taste (for drizzling)
salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium heat.
2
Carefully cut the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise, ensuring you do not cut through completely.
3
Layer a generous amount of American cheese on the bottom half of each roll.
4
Add the sliced deli ham, distributing evenly among the rolls.
5
Top each sandwich with sliced pickles, tomatoes, olives, onions, and green peppers for added crunch and flavor.
6
Drizzle each sandwich with olive oil and red wine vinegar to enhance the taste.
7
Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste over the top of the loaded sandwiches.
8
Optionally, grill each sandwich for about 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is slightly toasted, then serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Maine-Style Italian Hoagie?
It is a unique local staple from Maine featuring deli ham, American cheese, and fresh vegetables on a hoagie roll, differing from traditional Italian subs.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What type of meat is used in this hoagie?
The primary meat used in this recipe is 1 lb of sliced deli ham.
Which cheese is traditional for a Maine-style Italian?
This recipe specifically calls for 8 slices of deli American cheese.
What kind of rolls should I use?
The recipe requires 4 hoagie rolls.
What vegetables are included in the toppings?
The sandwich is topped with sour dill pickles, tomatoes, Greek olives, onions, and green peppers.
How is the sandwich dressed?
It is dressed with a drizzle of olive oil and red wine vinegar to enhance the flavor.
Is the bread toasted in this recipe?
Toasting is optional; you can grill each sandwich for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is slightly toasted.
What type of pickles are recommended?
The recipe specifies using 2 sliced sour dill pickles.
How should I cut the hoagie rolls?
Carefully cut the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise, but ensure you do not cut through them completely.
What kind of olives are used?
The recipe calls for 12 sliced Greek olives.
What seasonings are suggested?
Salt and pepper are used to taste for final seasoning.
Is this recipe good for gatherings?
Yes, it is ideal for gatherings, picnics, or a hearty lunch.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 11 distinct ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the meal category for this recipe?
This recipe falls under the Lunch/Snacks category.
Can I cook this in a skillet?
Yes, you can use either a grill or a skillet over medium heat for the optional toasting step.
How long does it take to grill the sandwich?
It takes approximately 2-3 minutes to grill.
Is the green pepper cooked?
No, the green pepper is added raw to provide a fresh crunch.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe suggests using one small onion, sliced.
Can I use different types of vinegar?
While the recipe specifies red wine vinegar, you can adjust to taste with your preferred variety.
Is American cheese necessary for the Maine-style?
Yes, creamy American cheese is a characteristic element of the Maine-style Italian hoagie.
Should the tomatoes be prepared a certain way?
The recipe calls for one tomato, sliced.
How much ham goes on each sandwich?
With 1 lb of ham for 4 sandwiches, each hoagie gets approximately 1/4 lb of meat.
What provides the acidity in the sandwich?
The sour dill pickles and the red wine vinegar provide the necessary acidity.
Is this recipe complicated to make?
No, it is a simple assembly-based recipe that emphasizes fresh ingredients.
Can I serve this as a picnic food?
Yes, it is highly recommended as a picnic food because it is easy to transport and eat.
How many slices of cheese go on each roll?
Since there are 8 slices for 4 rolls, each sandwich receives 2 slices of cheese.
Do I need to preheat anything?
If you choose to toast the sandwich, you should preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat.
What kind of green pepper is used?
A small green pepper, sliced, is used for crunch.
Can I make these for a quick snack?
Absolutely, they are perfect as a hearty snack or a quick lunch.