Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Kmart Subs are the perfect balance of convenience and flavor. With no cooking required, they’re quick to assemble and great for lunch, dinner, or feeding a crowd. The classic combination of meats, cheese, shredded lettuce, and zesty dressing in a soft roll is timeless. They’re also easily customizable to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
sub sandwich rolls (soft hoagie or Italian rolls)
deli ham
salami
bologna
American cheese
Swiss cheese
shredded iceberg lettuce
sliced tomatoes
sliced onions
banana pepper rings (optional)
mayonnaise
yellow mustard
Italian dressing or oil & vinegar
salt and pepper
Directions
- Slice sub rolls horizontally without cutting all the way through, then open them up flat.
- Spread mayonnaise and mustard on the inside of each roll.
- Layer slices of ham, salami, and bologna evenly across the bottom half.
- Add slices of American and Swiss cheese.
- Top with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, onion, and banana peppers if using.
- Drizzle with Italian dressing or a mix of oil and vinegar.
- Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
- Close the sandwich, gently press, and cut in half if desired. Serve immediately or wrap and refrigerate for later.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Use turkey or roast beef instead of bologna or salami.
- Try provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese for a twist.
- Add pickles or olives for extra tang.
- Swap iceberg lettuce for romaine or spinach.
- Make it spicy with jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Assembled Kmart Subs are best enjoyed fresh but can be wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If prepping in advance, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to avoid soggy bread. Reheating is not recommended since the sandwich is meant to be served cold.
FAQs
What made Kmart Subs so popular?
Their affordable price, fresh ingredients, and consistent flavor made them a favorite for quick, satisfying meals.
Can I still get Kmart Subs today?
Most Kmart delis are no longer in operation, but the sandwich can be easily recreated at home with common ingredients.
What bread is best for Kmart Subs?
Soft hoagie rolls or Italian sub rolls work best to replicate the original texture and taste.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, add wet ingredients like dressing or tomatoes just before serving.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Absolutely. Replace the meats with extra cheese, avocado, or marinated veggies like roasted peppers or zucchini.
What’s the best way to wrap them for lunch?
Wrap tightly in parchment paper or foil to keep everything in place and preserve freshness.
Are Kmart Subs served hot or cold?
They’re traditionally served cold, straight from the deli.
Can I use different dressings?
Yes, ranch, spicy mayo, or balsamic vinaigrette can all work depending on your preference.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Add dressing right before eating and use a barrier like cheese or lettuce between the bread and wet ingredients.
What sides go well with this sandwich?
Potato chips, pasta salad, coleslaw, or a pickle spear make perfect accompaniments.
Conclusion
Kmart Subs are a classic, no-fuss sandwich that brings back great memories while still delivering on taste and satisfaction. Whether you’re recreating a bit of nostalgia or discovering them for the first time, these subs are a delicious and easy meal that never goes out of style. Layer one up and enjoy a true deli-style bite at home.
PrintKmart Subs
Kmart Subs are a nostalgic deli-style sandwich loaded with layers of cold cuts, cheeses, and crisp veggies on a soft sub roll. A quick, no-cook classic that’s perfect for lunch or picnics.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 4 sub sandwich rolls (soft hoagie or Italian rolls)
- 8 slices deli ham
- 8 slices salami
- 8 slices bologna
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup banana pepper rings (optional)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing or oil & vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice sub rolls horizontally, leaving one edge attached, and open them flat.
- Spread mayonnaise and mustard evenly on the inside of each roll.
- Layer ham, salami, and bologna on the bottom half of each roll.
- Top with slices of American and Swiss cheese.
- Add shredded lettuce, tomato slices, onion, and banana peppers if using.
- Drizzle with Italian dressing or oil and vinegar.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Close the sandwich, press gently, and cut in half if desired. Serve immediately or wrap for later.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh, but can be wrapped and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- To avoid soggy bread, add dressing just before eating if prepping ahead.
- Customize with different meats, cheeses, or veggies to suit your taste.
- Wrap tightly in foil or parchment for easy transport.
- Serve cold, deli-style for the most authentic flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg