Meat-atarian Subs

This recipe is from the "Simple & Delicious" (Aug./Sept. 2011 edition) Magazine out on stands now...Shanon Mayer of Mountain View, WY submitted it and won the contest with it. Judges were ALL men, and they loved it! Be the hit of the party with this recipe! I tweeked it for the ingredients I had on hand at the time...Thanks goes to Shanon and "Simple and Delicious"...now, for the good stuff, uh, prepare to be 'worshipped'! LOL

Meat-atarian Subs

1 cup (4 oz.) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
(I used Domino's packs-I halved the recipe and used about 9 packs to get 1/4 cup-I was out of Parmesan Cheese, at the time-it worked!)

1/2 cup softened butter (I used margarine)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 garlic cloves, minced (I used 1-2 tsp. garlic powder)

1 tsp. Italian seasoning (basil &/or oregano will work-basil causes less indigestion-just so ya know)

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (again, I used a Domino's packet, but I have a bottle of this stuff I bought at the $ store for 50 cents-I buy most of my spices at the $ store-black pepper, too-a big $ saver)

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1 loaf (1 lb.) french bread, halved lengthwise (I used hot dog buns-hey, I was at the $ store when I was buying my ingredients-it works and is perfect for kids, too)

1 lb. Deli Ham ( I used fresh ham, chopped-I keep small packages of ham (when I cook a big one) in the freezer, for omelets)

2 pkg. (2.1 oz. each) ready-to-serve fully cooked bacon, warm (I used packaged bacon I cooked in the microwave-one slice to each hot dog bun)

4 oz. pepperoni (yes, they have it at the $ store-lol-I precooked mine to remove a lot of the grease, in the oven, as I defrosted the ham in the oven , as well, in a covered bowl-blot the pepperonis on paper towels or coffee filters before assembling subs-Shanon did not do this, but I think its healthier to cook the pepperonis some)

1/2 cup pizza sauce (recipe will follow for homemade pizza sauce-Shanon did not include it, but it is easy and way cheaper to make your own)

Combine the first 8 ingredients in a small bowl. Spread mixture on inside halves of bread. Layer bottom halves of bread with ham, bacon and pepperoni and dollops of pizza sauce, spreading gently over meat. Replace tops of bread.

Wrap in foil, and place on large baking sheet. (I wrapped 4 hot dog buns together, for my son, and one separate, for me-I wanted another one-darn it! LOL)

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Cut into slices if using french bread.

Pizza Sauce

1 small can of tomato sauce (you can use large can of tomatoes, or tomato sauce if you are doubling this recipe. Just make sure, if you are using whole tomatoes to puree or chop tomatoes well-some people do not like whole tomatoes...)

1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning (basil/oregano-or one of these will work, again, basil is milder and better for people with indigestion)

1/2 to 1 tsp. garlic powder (or 1/2 clove of garlic minced)

1/2 tsp salt (optional)

1/4 tsp. pepper (optional)

1 tsp. olive oil, vegetable or canola oil (optional, although, true Italians use olive oil)

Mix well. You can warm this, but it is not necessary... Viola!


Now, prepare to receive a lot of compliments on this sandwich, and be prepared to fix this sandwich every game day. LOVE~