Giant Italian-Style Hoagie

Step 1

Prep your veg! Cut 1 head of iceberg lettuce in half through the core. Peel off flimsy outer layers. Reserve one half for another use (perhaps this Iceberg Salad with Italian Dressing?). Cut remaining half in half again through the core (so you have two quarters), then thinly slice crosswise to create shreds. Peel ½ small red onion and cut in half through the root. Thinly slice each wedge lengthwise so that you make wispy arcs. Cut 1½ cups pickled peppadew peppers in half.

Step 2

Drain and finely chop 1 cup jarred mixed giardiniera. Aim for the veg to be the size of peas—you don't want huge pieces that will get in the way of your sandwich experience. Transfer to a small bowl. Stir in ⅔ cup mayonnaise; taste and season with salt.

Step 3

Slightly overlap 2 sheets of parchment paper to create 1 larger sheet. Cut 16x4" loaf sesame bread in half lengthwise with a serrated knife and place on parchment. You will build the sandwich on parchment for easy wrapping and cutting.

Step 4

Spread giardiniera mayonnaise on cut sides of bread with a large spoon.

Step 5

Layer ⅓ lb. thinly sliced cooked ham, ⅓ lb. thinly sliced mortadella, ⅓ lb. thinly sliced soppressata, and ⅓ lb. sliced provolone on bottom half of bread, folding or draping as necessary to keep it tidy and within confines of bread.

Step 6

Spread onion and peppadew peppers over meats and cheese.

Step 7

Top with shredded lettuce. It will seem like a lot and you may not think it's possible to pack it all on—but have a little faith and don't hold back. Once you close up the sandwich, the lettuce will compact down quite a bit and you'll be grateful you piled on more than you thought was necessary.

Step 8

Drizzle ¼ cup pickled pepper brine over lettuce. (Acidic, spicy, and slightly sweet, pickle brine is one of our favorite stand-ins for vinegar or lemon juice.) Season lettuce generously with salt and pepper. Gather up overhang of parchment paper and securely wrap. Cut in half with your serrated knife. Make a sawing motion (rather than a pressing one) so that you're not squishing your sandwich.

Step 9

Wrap entire hoagie tightly in plastic wrap, then cut crosswise into 4 even sections. (The plastic wrap acts sort of like a girdle, holding in all of the meat, cheese, and veg so that they won't fly out when you slice smaller segments. It also acts as an insurance against leaking.) If you're taking your sandwich out into the world, wrap again in plastic or slip back into bread bag for easy transporting.