Polly'S Hoagies
Polly's Hoagies are hearty, flavorful sandwiches featuring a variety of meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables, perfect for satisfying lunch or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (1 lb.) French bread ⓘ
- butter, softened ⓘ
- 1/2 cup hot pepper (optional) ⓘ
- 4 oz. sliced Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. thinly sliced salami ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded lettuce ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. thinly sliced, fully cooked, smoked ham ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. thinly sliced, fully cooked turkey breast ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup bottled creamy Italian salad dressing ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the French bread horizontally into halves; spread the bottom half with softened butter.
- Layer sliced Swiss cheese, salami, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced onion, ham, turkey breast, and green pepper on the bottom half of the bread.
- Place hot pepper on top if desired, then cover with the remaining half of the bread.
- Secure the loaf with 6 long wooden picks or small skewers.
- Cut the sandwich into 6 pieces to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on the classic hoagie, consider using a crusty Italian bread or even a ciabatta for added texture. If you're looking to spice things up, try adding jalapeños or banana peppers instead of hot pepper. You can also substitute turkey breast with chicken or roasted vegetables for a meatless option. Always ensure your ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These hoagies are perfect for a casual lunch or picnic and pair beautifully with a side of Maryland Collard Greens for a hearty meal. You can serve them with chips or a light salad for a more complete spread. For drinks, iced tea or lemonade complements the flavors well.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the hoagies tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, remove the picks and place the sandwich in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain the crispiness of the bread while warming the fillings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Polly'S Hoagies contains roughly 832 calories, with 25g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1051mg per serving (46% 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 hoagies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the hoagies a few hours in advance. Just assemble them without dressing and store in the fridge. Add the creamy Italian dressing just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
In addition to Swiss cheese, provolone or mozzarella can be great alternatives. If you enjoy stronger flavors, consider using pepper jack for a spicy kick, or cheddar for a sharper taste.
Can I customize the vegetables in the hoagies?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference. Cucumbers, sprouts, or avocado can add freshness, while roasted red peppers bring a sweet, smoky flavor. Customize to your liking!
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).