Hot Antipasto Poor Boys
Hot Antipasto Poor Boys offer a savory, cheesy sandwich filled with Italian-inspired ingredients like tomatoes, artichokes, pepperoni, and olives, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup creamy Italian dressing ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut into 4ths ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and cut into 4ths ⓘ
- 1 (5 oz.) package sliced pepperoni, cut up ⓘ
- 1 (2 1/4 oz.) can sliced ripe olives, drained ⓘ
- 4 hot dog buns, split
- 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the creamy Italian dressing and grated Parmesan cheese in a large bowl.
- Add cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, sliced pepperoni, and sliced ripe olives; toss to combine.
- Set the oven to broil. Place the split hot dog buns, cut sides up, on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the buns and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or oregano in your mixture. You can substitute the pepperoni with salami or turkey pepperoni for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and enhance with more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. Experiment with different types of cheese; provolone or fontina work well too.
Serving Suggestions
These hot antipasto poor boys make a fun appetizer or a hearty snack. Serve them alongside a crisp salad or pair with a side of tangy marinara sauce for dipping. They also complement Italian recipes beautifully, making them a great option for game day or casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the antipasto poor boys on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10 minutes. This will help retain the crispiness of the buns.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Antipasto Poor Boys contains roughly 489 calories, with 33g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (67% of the Daily Value), calcium (65% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1559mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the topping mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the poor boys just before broiling to ensure the buns stay fresh and crispy.
What can I use instead of hot dog buns?
You can use sub rolls, ciabatta, or even pita bread as a tasty alternative to hot dog buns. Just ensure that the bread can hold the weight of the toppings without falling apart.
Can I freeze these poor boys?
It’s best to freeze the topping mixture separately from the buns. After broiling, the texture of the buns may not hold up well after thawing. Reheat the topping and assemble fresh buns when ready to serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).