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What is a Hero Sandwich?

Tricia Christensen
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Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 41,792
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A hero sandwich “by any other name,” would taste as good, and it is certainly known by a lot of other names. It can be called a Po’Boy in New Orleans, a sub or submarine sandwich in Boston, or a hoagie. The name usually refers specifically to those large sandwiches on baguettes or wider french or Italian bread that have a distinct Italian flavor.

Diners may be getting any number of ingredients mixed in with a hero sandwich. A very basic one has two Italian meats, provolone cheese, and is usually topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickled pepperoncini. Condiments vary, but instead of mayonnaise or mustard, oil and vinegar are traditionally used to coat both sides of the bread. Heroes may be served cold, or heated with the bread toasted and the cheese melted.

When choosing Italian meats, a sandwich maker will have a lot of choices. Mortadella is common, but so are Italian deli ham, salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni. Some delis and sub restaurants pile on tons of different meats to make what they call an “Italian sub.” This can sometimes be confused with the meatball sandwich, which usually features a couple of large meatballs, covered in mozzarella and topped with marinara. Though this sandwich is also Italian inspired it is not a hero by most definitions.

Still, depending upon the deli that makes the sandwich, a great variety in ingredients can be used to make it. Vegetarian sandwiches could feature a variety of cheeses or several slices of eggplant Parmesan. Leftover chicken or veal Parmesan could be used, according to some chefs. Most often, though, the hero sandwich makes specific use of Italian deli meats.

The origin of the hero sandwich is much disputed. Some say they were originally invented in Italy, and then Italian immigrants brought them to New York. Such sandwiches could be found from the late 19th century onward in most of the Eastern US, however, spreading to the Western US, particularly California, with Italian immigrants. Likely, the possibility of combining any available Italian meats and cheeses and placing them on crusty bread occurred to a number of people. It’s hard to say who made the first sandwiches, but their popularity assures that no one will be making the last anytime soon.

There are now many chain submarine sandwich places that make their own versions of the sandwich. The main complaint from fans tends to derive from the quality of ingredients used and the relatively soft bread. It really does help to use a more crusty loaf for a hero, and to scoop out some of the inner part of the bread in order to accommodate more meats and cheeses. A really tall sandwich can be hard to bite into though, and some argue that softer bread is easier to bite through and squish down.

It's easy for individuals to make their own hero sandwiches. If whole loaves of bread are used, they can be great for serving at parties. A variety of Italian meats can provide inspiration, and sandwich makers should feel free to load on lots of toppings. Since it is traditional to serve the sandwich topped with vinaigrette, mayo and mustard can be left on the side for those inclined to want more condiments. Alternately, chefs can make meat and cheese heroes and let people have access to all the toppings they want: sliced tomatoes, onions, pickles, lettuce, pepperoncini, and condiments.

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Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a DelightedCooking contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.
Discussion Comments
By Babalaas — On Jan 13, 2011

I used to live in a small college town on the East coast, and we called our sub sandwiches grinders. I used to get the king fisherman and it would last me through two meals. The little corner store and deli would bake their own soft butter top rolls that were about the size of a loaf of French bread. The king fisherman was stacked high with three pieces of fresh battered and fried cod, tomatoes, shredded lettuce, shaved onions, Sharp Vermont cheddar, and their own home made tartar sauce. It was about two pounds of pure messy deliciousness. It wasn't a healthy sandwich by any means, but it was delicious. Being in New England, it was also one of the local favorites.

By GiraffeEars — On Jan 11, 2011

@ Alchemy- I prefer a grilled Panini sandwich over a hero any day. There is a little place I go to in Stowe Vermont that serves a marinated eggplant grilled Panini. The sandwich is loaded with thin shavings of spicy marinated eggplant, Arugula, Brie, and roasted red peppers. It is served with homemade potato chips and a roasted red pepper aioli.

By Alchemy — On Jan 11, 2011

I have to say that those sandwiches from subway and other places don't compare to a hero made in the comfort of your own home. My wife hates sandwiches, but I could eat a towering hero for lunch every day. Maybe it’s the Fred Flintstone in me, but I swear the last time my wife took off on vacation (I was stuck at home going to school and working) I ate two sandwiches and three salads every day she was gone. I like to load mine with Black Forest ham, hot Cappicola, premium aged hard salami, meunster, and provolone. Under the cheese, I put shaved onions, chopped Calamata and green olives (the ones stuffed with garlic), and almost a handful of red pepper flakes. All of this goes on a nice size piece of Italian bread, gets dusted with oregano, and goes under a low broil for ten minutes. Once it comes out, I wipe a little mayo on one side, and mix up my special aged balsamic vinegar with a little extra virgin olive oil. You have to have the O&V to dip your hero.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a DelightedCooking contributor, Tricia...
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