Why Sub Sandwiches Are the Ultimate Crowd-Pleasers
A Sandwich That Brings Everyone Together
If one were to name the top 10 comfort foods in the world, you’d find sub sandwiches there. Sub sandwiches are a favorite for any gathering, be it a formal meeting or a fun family get-together. They are particularly easy to source and can be tailored according to the needs of most people. A quick ‘sub sandwiches near me’ search can lead you to some interesting and delicious combinations.
Preparing meals individually for large parties can be a hassle. With people’s food preferences diversifying day by day, it can get challenging to accommodate everyone. But not with sub sandwiches! There are very few ways to go wrong with them, given their versatility. Sandwich catering solves one of the hardest crossroads hosts find themselves at - coming up with something that everyone enjoys, without compromising any dietary preferences.
The History Behind Sub Sandwiches' Popularity
The story of the sub sandwich is not one to miss. The tale goes back to an Italian immigrant, Dominic Conti, who came to New Jersey in 1895 and started a grocery store on Mill Street in Paterson. Here, he sold sandwiches made from a traditional Italian recipe. He named it the submarine sandwich, after the Fenian Ram submarine he saw in a museum. As it gained popularity, the name shrunk from submarine to sub.
Italy to the U.S.
Conti’s sandwiches featured a long crust roll with fillings and condiments. These included Italian herbs, vinegar, oil, spices, peppers, various cold cuts, and a garnishing of lettuce. As they gained popularity, other versions evolved, such as the Philadelphian hoagie and New York’s hero sandwich.
From being a local favorite of Italian-American laborers, the sub’s popularity placed it in local pizzerias and delis. From there, businesses started specializing in subs and selling them as their main offering.
The Rise of Customization
The classic sub, being an ultimate hit with customers, Americans got creative with them. Restaurants’ menus carried several sub sandwich options, with add-ons to customize the sandwiches. Today, most people wanting to plan and customize their meals are likely to look up ‘sub sandwiches near me’ before anything else.
Delis, supermarkets, and restaurants now have a multitude of options for each element. Your sandwich would mostly be your creation— you can build it right from the base to the garnish with ingredients of your choice.
What Makes Sub Sandwiches So Versatile?
The variety of combinations possible in sub sandwiches is numerous. You can experiment with different breads, fillings, sauces, and toppings according to your diet. They also are a great transitional option - when you are switching diets. They can help you integrate newer ingredients without much effort.
Bread Selection: The Foundation of Flavor
From classic French rolls to the evergreen ciabatta, your bread choices contribute to your favorite sandwiches’ taste. Classic white and whole-wheat breads are most common. Bread choices might sometimes be tricky for people going gluten-free. However, many bread choices suit them, like the protein-rich sorghum bread or the fibrous brown rice bread. Choosing the right bread is imperative to crafting a delicious sandwich.
Meat and Plant-Based Protein Options
The earliest Italian varieties of the sub sandwich carried a lot of cold cuts, cheeses, and vegetables. But, with our diets taking a vegan/vegetarian turn, restaurants have taken to plant-based options like tofu and vegan cheese.
Vegetable Toppings and Flavorful Sauces
Lettuce is one of the most widely used toppings in sandwiches, but sub sandwiches can include so much more. Try giving your vegetables a glaze of balsamic reduction or the tang of the vinaigrettes. Toppings and sauces can be the best way to satiate your taste buds if you’ve started eating healthy recently. Slices of many veggies can give a much-needed crunch to your subs.
Why Sub Sandwiches Work for Every Occasion
You can never be too sure about your guest list’s food preferences or when they change. Offering them their favorite sandwiches is a quick fix. Subsandwiches are not too difficult to whip up. To make it even simpler for yourself, you can arrange a spread of ingredient options (inclusive, of course) and let the guests roll one for themselves.
Casual Gatherings and Family Meals
Family meals are for bonding, and you wouldn’t want anyone to lose out on it because they were cooking. For short catch-ups, it is convenient to order subs to everyone’ liking and enjoy the conversations. Restaurants like Sessions Deli in California offer catering services with a wide range of sandwich options.
Making sandwiches along with friends and family can be an experience in itself. Moreover, the option to add only what you want makes it a win-win for all, especially kids!
Office Lunches and Catered Events
Sandwich catering can be your easiest and quickest way to put food on an office party table. A high-end corporate lunch would have people from all rungs of the organization with multiple dietary needs. Not all food might sit well with them, and no one wants to lose a deal because of an unsatisfactory meal.
The mobility of sub sandwiches makes them easy to cater to and consume at all gatherings. You can complement your sandwich selection with a variety of beverage options. You can choose a refreshing selection of crafted beers, or pair it with a handmade cocktail for a more spirited pairing.
Road Trips and Outdoor Adventures
When you’re outdoors, you don’t want to be stuck with a plate or spilling food. With sandwiches, you can have fresh food wherever you are. Whether you’re driving or on a steep hike, the handheld nature of sub sandwiches can help you eat on the go. Imagine enjoying your favorite sandwiches with beautiful views and amazing people for a company - heaven!
The Art of Crafting the Perfect Sub Sandwich
At times, ordering from ‘sub sandwiches near me’ may not always hit the spot. When you feel like having a sub by yourself, you can whip up something with your favorite ingredients. It’s practically simple— choose the bread of your choice, scoop some out, and layer your favorite fillings, spreads, and toppings. Throw in some cheese and a little garnishing to turn up the taste.
Let’s take a look at crafting the perfect sub sandwich:
Selecting Fresh Ingredients
Choosing fresh ingredients adds to the taste and the nutritional value of the sandwich. For a healthy sub, it is important to source high-quality items or to order from restaurants that ensure quality. Using low-quality or almost stale ingredients can make them go bad fast.
Layering for Maximum Flavor
It is best to start and end your sandwich with a layer of cheese. This step, from the original Conti recipe, keeps the bread from getting soggy. However, it is not wrong to start with a spread and then layer meat and cheese. It is important to balance different flavors - so make sure that layers are not all the same or too contrasted.
Choosing the Right Dressing
If you’re craving something specific in your sandwich, the dressing is what helps add the most taste. If you want something Italian, you can use some red wine vinegar. If spice is your aim, go for options like habanero or hot sauce like Sessions’ Radicaliente. Drizzle some extra tang, it’s completely fine!
Top Places to Get the Best Sub Sandwiches Near You
Being an American favorite, sub sandwiches are readily available at most locations. Sessions West Cost Deli is a place that offers amazing sandwiches among other items, with outlets across the country. If you’re out on a fun day with colleagues or kids at Fashion Island, don’t forget to check out Sessions. As a kickstart to your day at Fashion Island, you can grab a sandwich at Sessions. Or you can conclude your day with one. We also rank among the best restaurants near Fashion Island. Come have a taste, and let us know what you think!
Why Sub Sandwiches Will Always Be a Crowd Favorite
Now you know what subs are, where they come from, and how to make one. Make them your go-to for corporate and family parties, your trip snacks, and gym refreshments. Customize and enjoy personalized tastes and health. When in California check out Sessions and enjoy our delicious sandwich options.
Our ‘Half Sandwich + Soup Combo’ is a must-try. We have got a lot of mouthwatering dishes and drinks for you to choose from. Visit us or cater with us to experience the fresh, high-quality flavors that define Sessions.