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Submarine Sandwiches: Fun Facts, and What To Do With Leftovers!

Few foods can rival the hearty, satisfying nature of the submarine sandwich, or “sub” for short. This delicious, multi-layered meal-in-a-bun has become a go-to option for those looking for a quick yet filling bite. From classic cold cuts to meatball-filled creations, the sub sandwich is as versatile as it is beloved. But how did this iconic sandwich come to be? Let’s dive into the origins of the sub, share some fun facts, and explore what to do with leftovers!



The Origins of the Submarine Sandwich

The history of the submarine sandwich is as layered as the sandwich itself! While no single person can claim full credit for its creation, there are a few popular stories surrounding its origin.

One of the most widely accepted versions traces the sub back to Italian immigrants in the United States, particularly in the early 20th century. The sandwich was originally made using crusty Italian bread, filled with various meats, cheeses, and toppings. It’s said that the term “submarine sandwich” came about due to its long, cylindrical shape resembling that of a submarine vessel.

Another theory credits the creation of the sub to an Italian immigrant named Giovanni Amato, who ran a sandwich shop in Portland, Maine, in the early 1900s. Legend has it that local dockworkers asked Amato to slice his long Italian rolls in half and fill them with meats, cheeses, and vegetables, creating what we now know as the sub.

The sandwich is known by many names across the U.S., including the “hoagie” (Philadelphia), “grinder” (New England), and “hero” (New York City), but the basic idea remains the same: a long roll stuffed with savory fillings.


Fun Facts About Submarine Sandwiches

  • The Name Game: Depending on where you are in the U.S., you might hear different terms for a sub sandwich. In New York, they’re called “heroes”; in New England, “grinders”; and in Philadelphia, “hoagies.”

  • World’s Longest Submarine Sandwich: The record for the world’s longest sub sandwich was set in 2011 in Lebanon, measuring over 2,411 feet long! That’s nearly half a mile of sandwich!

  • National Submarine Day: April 4th is celebrated as National Submarine Sandwich Day in the U.S., giving everyone an excuse to enjoy a sub or two!

  • Fast Food Staple: Sub sandwiches are one of the most popular fast-food items in the world. Subway, the world’s largest sandwich chain, sells around 7.6 million subs each day!


Why Do We Love Submarine Sandwiches?

Submarine sandwiches are beloved for their versatility. Whether you’re craving classic cold cuts, spicy Italian meats, or a veggie-packed creation, there’s a sub to suit every taste. Not only can you mix and match meats, cheeses, and toppings, but the bread itself can vary—from crusty Italian loaves to soft, chewy hoagie rolls.

Another key reason for the popularity of subs is their portability. Perfect for lunch, a quick dinner, or even a picnic, subs can be easily wrapped up and taken on the go. Plus, they’re customizable, making it easy to cater to different dietary preferences or flavor cravings.


What to Do with Leftover Submarine Sandwiches

Sometimes, subs can be a bit too big to finish in one sitting. But don’t worry—your leftover sub can be just as delicious the next day with the right reheating or repurposing methods!

  • Reheat It Right: If your sub contains hot ingredients like meatballs, steak, or chicken, try reheating it in the oven or toaster oven. Wrap the sandwich in aluminum foil and heat at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore its crispy crust and warm fillings. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy.

  • Make a Sub Salad: Got a cold cut sub that’s lost a little freshness? Deconstruct it and turn it into a salad! Remove the meats, cheeses, and veggies, then chop everything up and toss with your favorite dressing for a quick and easy sub-inspired salad.

  • Sub Breakfast Scramble: Turn leftover meats, cheeses, and veggies from your sub into a breakfast scramble! Chop them up and toss them into scrambled eggs or an omelet for a delicious and hearty start to your day.

  • Soup and Sub Pairing: If your sub isn’t quite as fresh the next day, serve it alongside a warm bowl of soup. Dipping the sandwich into something like tomato soup or minestrone is a great way to revive the flavors while enjoying a cozy meal.


In Conclusion: The Sub Sandwich is Here to Stay

Whether you call it a sub, hoagie, grinder, or hero, there’s no denying the universal appeal of this iconic sandwich. With endless options for fillings and flavors, the sub is as versatile as it is delicious. It’s portable, customizable, and just as good for lunch as it is for dinner—or even breakfast the next day! So, the next time you bite into a sub, remember—you’re enjoying a piece of sandwich history, and if you can’t finish it, there’s always a fun way to use those leftovers!

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