An Italian BMT sandwich is an iconic, traditional flavor combination you’re going to love. Made famous by the Subway version, you can now make it in your own kitchen!
This sandwich is full of zesty, vibrant ingredients, but it’s so simple to make. It’s the perfect combination of Italian deli meats, and it’s so easy to customize and make your own.
Make it for lunch, or even for an easy family-friendly dinner. It’s so simple, and such a classic!
We’ve been on a big sandwich kick around here this fall. They are just so easy, and with so many great combinations of flavors, it’s easy to customize to the needs of each person in our family.
After we made the viral grinder sandwich and grinder salad recently, we decided to try to emulate a few restaurant favorites. This Italian BMT was one of my favorites from Subway when I was a kid, and that still holds true today!
Wondering what BMT actually means? Biggest, meatiest, tastiest is the most common suggestion and seems to be the general consensus. Brooklyn Manhattan Transit might have been the original acronym, though, which makes sense as it perhaps started in NYC.
However you want to look at it, this sammie is delicious and I hope you’ll give it a try!
Italian BMT
It’s the perfect blend of Italian meats, and when you pair these flavor with fresh bread, it’s a match made in heaven!
Why You’ll Love It
Like our family favorite picnic sandwiches, these make a great boat snack, too!
Ingredients and Substitutions
See printable recipe card for complete ingredients and instructions.
- Bread – One loaf of Italian or French bread.
- Genoa Salami – Genoa salami is made with pork. It’s fermented and generally imported from Italy.
- Pepperoni – For a little touch of spice. You can also use spicy salami instead!
- Ham – Choose your favorite! Mortadella is also great here, or prosciutto.
- Lettuce – Shredded iceberg works well, but you can use any type of lettuce.
- Red Onion – Sliced thin, for a great bite of flavor.
- Tomato – Sliced.
- Optional – White American or Provolone cheese, more vegetables, condiments.
Variations
Just like at a sandwich shop, you can add your own condiments and toppings!
- Olive oil and Red Wine Vinegar
- Mayo – Learn How to Make Mayonnaise here.
- More Veggies – Add sliced cucumbers, olives, jalapeños, sliced bell peppers and more!
- Oregano Seasoning – Makes a perfect addition to this sandwich!
How to Make
- Step 1 – Slices loaf of bread in half lengthwise.
- Step 2 – If you’re adding mayo, add that to each side of bread. Add cheese slices.
- Step 3 – Next, layer your meats.
- Step 4 – Add veggies. If you’d like, drizzle olive oil and vinegar over the top, and a few cracks of salt and pepper.
- Step 5 – Place the other half of your bread on top. Slice, serve and enjoy.
Tips
- Fresh is Best – Especially when each ingredient will shine in sandwiches like this one. High quality deli meats will make a huge difference here, for the best results.
- Make Ahead – Pack this sandwich to eat later, but don’t dress with mayo, oil and vinegar until just before serving.
- Toast It – This sandwich is delicious with toasted bread, too. To toast, slice the bread as directed and add the cheese. Toast in 350 F oven for 4-5 minutes before adding meats and toppings.
Serving Suggestions
Check out our recipe collection, What to Serve with Wraps, for more inspiration!
How to Store
- Room Temperature – Keep ingredients at room temperature while serving, and transfer to the refrigerator after two hours for safety.
- Refrigerate – Store all sandwich ingredients in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to three days. While prepared sandwiches can be stored in the fridge safely, they will become soggy over the storage time. Add condiments just before serving to prevent that!
- Freeze – This sandwich isn’t freezer friendly.
More Sandwiches
Italian BMT Sandwich
Ingredients
- 16 ounces One loaf French bread Or Italian bread
- ¼ pound Genoa Salami
- ¼ pound Pepperoni
- ¼ pound Ham Can sub with prosciutto or mortadella
- 1 cup Lettuce shredded
- 1 cup Red Onion sliced
- 1 cup Tomato sliced
- ¼ pound White American Cheese or Provolone
Optional
- ¼ cup Mayo to preference
- ⅛ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅛ cup Red Wine Vinegar
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep ingredients. Slice loaf of bread in half lengthwise. If you'd like, you can scoop out a little piece of the center of the bread to help create a boat for toppings.
- If you’re adding mayo, add that to each side of bread. Add cheese slices.
- Next, layer your meats.
- Add tomato slices, lettuce and onion. If you'd like, drizzle olive oil and vinegar over the top, and then add a few cracks of salt and pepper.
- Place the other half of your bread on top, gently pressing to seal. Slice and serve.
Julie’s Tips
- Fresh is Best – Especially when each ingredient will shine in sandwiches like this one. High quality deli meats will make a huge difference here, for the best results.
- Make Ahead – Pack this sandwich to eat later, but don’t dress with mayo, oil and vinegar until just before serving.
- Toast It – This sandwich is delicious with toasted bread, too. To toast, slice the bread as directed and add the cheese. Toast in 350 F oven for 4-5 minutes before adding meats and toppings.
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
