Copycat Arby’s Loaded Italian Sandwich Recipe

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If you’ve ever tried Arby’s Loaded Italian Sandwich, you know exactly what I mean—every bite is a medley of savory meats, creamy cheese, and zesty toppings brought together by that perfect hint of garlic. It’s not just a sandwich; it’s a masterpiece!

How to make Arby’s Loaded Italian Sandwich

The Arby’s Loaded Italian Sandwich is a hearty, deli-style sub offered by Arby’s. It’s made on a toasted Italian roll and stacked with layers of classic Italian meats like ham, salami, and pepperoni, along with Provolone cheese.

Ingredients:

For the Sandwich:

• 3 oz thinly sliced deli ham
• 3 oz thinly sliced salami
• 3 oz thinly sliced pepperoni
• 2 slices of Swiss cheese (or provolone if you prefer a milder flavor)
• 1/4 cup shredded lettuce (iceberg works best for freshness)
• 2-3 slices of tomato
• 2 tbsp sliced banana peppers (for that tangy kick)
• 2-3 slices of red onion
• 1 sub-style hoagie bun (toasted)

For the Garlic Aioli:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic paste)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Garlic Aioli: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. Cover and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step will add extra depth to your sandwich.

2. Toast Your Bread: Cut the hoagie bun in half lengthwise. Lightly toast the bun in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or on a skillet until it’s golden brown and slightly crispy. This will give the sandwich some added texture.

3. Layer the Meats and Cheese: On one half of the toasted hoagie bun, add the thinly sliced ham, salami, and pepperoni layers. Place the Swiss cheese slices on top of the meats.

4. Melt the Cheese (Optional): If you want to make the cheese melty and gooey (similar to a warm deli sandwich), place the loaded half of the bun under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!

5. Build the Sandwich: Spread a generous layer of the garlic aioli on the other half of the toasted bun. Add the shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, banana peppers, and red onion on top of the melted cheese.

6. Assemble and Serve: Carefully place the top half of the bun over the assembled layers. Slice the sandwich in half for easier handling, and serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Loaded Italian Sandwich:

• Quality Ingredients Matter: Since this sandwich is all about flavors and layers, use high-quality deli meats and fresh vegetables. It makes a noticeable difference!
• Don’t Skip the Aioli: The garlic aioli adds a creamy, garlicky punch that balances the saltiness of the meats. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made garlic mayo, but making it fresh elevates the flavor.
• Bread Selection: A soft, yet sturdy hoagie bun is ideal because it holds all the layers without falling apart. If hoagie buns aren’t available, ciabatta or a baguette can be a great substitute.
• Add Heat (Optional): If you like your sandwiches with a kick, you can add a drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes.
• Serve with a Side: Serve your Loaded Italian Sandwich with a side of potato chips, a pickle spear, or even a small salad for a complete meal.

What to serve with

The Arby’s Loaded Italian Sandwich is an indulgent treat full of bold, savory flavors. When serving this hearty sandwich, it’s important to pair it with sides and drinks that either complement its flavor profile or offer a fresh contrast.

1. Crispy Potato Chips or Fries

No sandwich meal is complete without a side of crunchy, salty goodness! Whether you go for potato chips, curly fries, or even sweet potato fries, the crisp texture and salty flavor create a satisfying contrast to the softer textures of the sandwich.

• Classic Potato Chips: A reliable option! Try kettle-cooked chips for an extra crunch.
• Waffle Fries: If you want something heartier, waffle fries pair beautifully with the robust sandwich flavors.
• Sweet Potato Fries: These offer a slightly sweet counterpoint to the savory meats.

2. Pickle Spears or Giardiniera

Pickles and tangy veggies like giardiniera (a mix of pickled vegetables) are a match made in sandwich heaven—their acidity cuts through the richness of the meats, cheese, and garlic aioli.

• Dill Pickle Spears: A zesty, low-effort choice that complements the salty Italian meats.
• Giardiniera: This Italian-style pickled veggie mix (usually with carrots, celery, peppers, and cauliflower) adds spicy and tangy notes to the meal.
• Pepperoncini Peppers: For extra spice lovers, pepperoncini peppers served on the side are a fantastic option.

Ingredients sSubstitutes

The beauty of making Arby’s Loaded Italian Sandwich at home is that you can completely tailor it to your taste or simply adapt it based on the ingredients you already have on hand.

1. Substitutes for Deli Meats

The original Arby’s Loaded Italian Sandwich includes ham, salami, and pepperoni. Here’s how you can modify or substitute these to fit your needs:

Ham:

• Turkey Ham: For a lower-fat option, swap traditional ham with turkey ham. It has a similar texture but is leaner.
• Roast Turkey or Chicken Slices: If you want to avoid pork altogether, deli-style turkey or chicken can work as a mild, protein-rich option.
• Vegetarian Option: Use smoked tofu slices or seitan (seasoned wheat gluten), which both mimic the texture and savory flavors of ham.

Salami:

• Turkey or Chicken Salami: Similar to turkey ham, these leaner alternatives reduce fat while preserving the spices that are typical of salami.
• Mortadella: For an extra indulgent flavor, this Italian cold cut can be swapped in for salami.
• Vegetarian Salami: Look for plant-based salami made from ingredients like vital wheat gluten, mushrooms, or legumes.

Pepperoni:

• Turkey Pepperoni: A leaner but just-as-spicy variation of the classic.
• Chorizo: Spanish-style chorizo (dry) adds spice and richness, though it has a slightly different flavor profile.
• Spicy Vegan Sausage: Vegan pepperoni or sliced spicy plant-based sausages work well as a meat-free alternative.

2. Cheese Substitutes

Swiss cheese is classic to the Arby’s recipe, but many cheeses can work as a substitute based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge.

• Provolone: Provolone is one of the best substitutes for Swiss cheese. It’s creamy and mild, with just a hint of sharpness.
• Mozzarella: Mozzarella (especially fresh slices) provides a soft, smooth texture and a classic Italian twist. It’s especially great if you want your sandwich to have melty cheese.
• Cheddar: If you want a sharper flavor, substitute Swiss with a slice of sharp or mild cheddar cheese. (It’s not traditional, but it works in a pinch.)
• Vegan Cheese: Plant-based cheese alternatives, especially those made with cashew or almond, can replace Swiss. Brands like Violife, Daiya, or Miyoko’s are great options.
• Parmesan or Asiago: Add a sprinkle of grated cheese like Parmesan or Asiago for extra umami (though they won’t provide the creaminess of sliced cheese).

3. Bread Substitutes

The sandwich traditionally uses a sub-style hoagie bun. If you can’t find one or want to try something different:

• Ciabatta Bread: With its airy texture and light crust, ciabatta bread adds a rustic Italian vibe to the sandwich.
• Baguette: A crusty baguette delivers a more traditional deli sandwich feel but may require some scooping out of the middle to hold the fillings.
• Focaccia: This soft, herby flatbread provides an aromatic twist and absorbs the juices from your fillings beautifully, giving your sandwich extra flavor.
• Wraps: For a lighter option, use tortilla wraps or flatbreads. You can go with a regular flour wrap, spinach wrap, or gluten-free varieties for dietary needs.
• Lettuce Wraps: Cut carbs completely by swapping bread for large lettuce leaves, such as iceberg or romaine. This also adds an extra crunch to every bite.

4. Garlic Aioli Substitutes

Garlic aioli provides the creamy, garlicky base for the sandwich. If you want to try something new or need an alternative:

• Store-Bought Garlic Aioli: Easier than making your own, store-bought brands save time while delivering similar flavors.
• Garlic Butter: Spread garlic butter on your bread for a rich, garlicky flavor. This works especially well if you toast the sandwich.
• Pesto: For a bold, herbaceous alternative, spread classic basil pesto in place of garlic aioli. It complements the Italian flavors beautifully.
• Hummus: A dollop of roasted garlic hummus makes a creamy, Mediterranean-inspired substitute.
• Mayonnaise + Garlic Powder: If you don’t have time to make fresh aioli, mix basic mayonnaise with garlic powder or garlic paste for a quick homemade option.
• Vegan Aioli: Use vegan mayonnaise as the base for your aioli to make it plant-based.

5. Vegetable Substitutes

Fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, banana peppers, and onions elevate the sandwich. Here’s how you can mix it up:

Lettuce:

• Arugula: For a peppery bite that contrasts well with the rich meats and cheese.
• Spinach: Adds a tender, nutrient-packed alternative.
• Cabbage Slaw: Shredded cabbage adds crunch and a mildly sweet flavor profile.

Tomatoes:

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A concentrated, tangy-sweet alternative with intense flavor.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet and smoky roasted red peppers add depth to the sandwich.

Banana Peppers:

• Pickled Jalapeños: Swap banana peppers for jalapeños if you like extra heat.
• Pepperoncini: Similar to banana peppers, but with a slightly more vinegary tang.
• Pickles: Sliced dill pickles can work in a pinch to add a tangy, briny element.

Red Onions:

• Pickled Onions: Soften the bite of red onions by using pickled red onion slices.
• Caramelized Onions: For a sweeter, more decadent layer, use caramelized onions.
• Green Onions or Chives: If you want a milder onion flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Arby’s Loaded Italian Sandwich is already a show-stopper on its own, but pairing it with the right sides elevates the overall dining experience.

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