When it comes to satisfying your hunger, few things beat a classic hero sandwich. Whether you’re in the mood for something simple and comforting or bold and adventurous, a well-crafted hero sandwich is always a winner. And with so many options out there, from classic combinations to creative twists, it’s hard not to find at least one that suits your taste buds.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 20 mouth-watering hero sandwiches recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. From Italian-inspired classics to spicy sausages and everything in between, we’ve got you covered for every occasion – whether it’s a quick lunch at home or a satisfying dinner with friends.
Stay tuned for some amazing sandwich ideas that will take your meal game to the next level!
Classic Italian Hero Sandwich
A quintessential Italian-American sandwich that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This classic hero is a staple of Italian delis and pizzerias, featuring layers of cured meats, melted mozzarella, and tangy marinara sauce on a crusty sub roll.
Ingredients:
– 1 Italian-style sub roll
– 4 oz salami
– 4 oz ham
– 2 slices pepperoni
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 2 tbsp marinara sauce
– Lettuce, tomato, and onion (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Layer the salami, ham, and pepperoni on one half of the sub roll.
3. Place two slices of mozzarella cheese on top of the meats.
4. Drizzle with marinara sauce.
5. Top with the other half of the sub roll.
6. Grill or press the sandwich for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
7. Add lettuce, tomato, and onion if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Turkey and Avocado Hero Sandwich
A classic combination of flavors and textures, this sandwich is a satisfying and healthy twist on the traditional hero.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of whole wheat bread (hero roll)
– 2 oz cooked turkey breast, sliced
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 2 tbsp mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup shredded lettuce
– 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Lay out the hero roll slices on a flat surface.
2. Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on each slice, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Top with sliced turkey breast, mashed avocado, shredded lettuce, and thinly sliced red onion.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble the sandwiches by placing the top slice of bread on each.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Roast Beef and Cheddar Hero Sandwich
Roast Beef and Cheddar Hero Sandwich Recipe
A classic combination of tender roast beef, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bread makes this hero sandwich a satisfying meal or snack. This recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound roast beef
– 2 slices white bread (hero-style)
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 2 slices cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Lettuce leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Slice the roast beef against the grain into thin strips.
3. Butter one side of each bread slice.
4. Place one bread slice, buttered side down, on a baking sheet.
5. Top with roast beef, cheddar cheese, and Dijon mustard.
6. Place the second bread slice, buttered side up, on top.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with lettuce leaves.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Grilled Chicken Pesto Hero Sandwich
Grilled Chicken Pesto Hero Sandwich: A flavorful and satisfying twist on a classic sandwich, featuring grilled chicken, creamy pesto, and melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 hero rolls ( Italian-style bread)
– 4 slices mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pesto sauce and olive oil.
3. Brush both sides of the chicken with the pesto mixture.
4. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, toast the hero rolls by grilling them for about 30 seconds per side.
6. Assemble the sandwiches by placing a slice of mozzarella cheese on each roll, followed by a grilled chicken breast and finishing with another slice of cheese.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Veggie Delight Hero Sandwich
A flavorful and nutritious sandwich that’s perfect for a quick lunch or snack. This Veggie Delight Hero Sandwich is packed with a variety of colorful vegetables, creamy hummus, and crispy bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of whole wheat hero bread
– 1/4 cup hummus
– 1/2 cup mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
– 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
– 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
– 1/4 cup sliced carrots
– 1/4 cup sliced red onion
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Spread one slice of bread with hummus.
3. Top with mixed greens, bell peppers, cucumber, carrots, and red onion.
4. Place the second slice of bread on top to create a sandwich.
5. Brush the outside of the sandwich with olive oil.
6. Cook in the panini press or grill for 2-3 minutes, until crispy and toasted.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Ham and Swiss Cheese Hero Sandwich
This hearty sandwich is a perfect combination of savory ham, melted Swiss cheese, and fresh lettuce on a soft hero roll. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of cooked ham
– 2 tablespoons of butter, divided
– 2 slices of Swiss cheese
– 1 large lettuce leaf
– 1 hero roll
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each slice of ham and the top half of the hero roll.
3. Place two slices of ham, buttered side down, on the preheated skillet.
4. Top each slice of ham with a slice of Swiss cheese and a lettuce leaf.
5. Place the other halves of the hero roll on top of the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-6 minutes
Spicy Sausage and Peppers Hero Sandwich
Spicy Sausage and Peppers Hero Sandwich: A flavorful twist on a classic Italian-American sandwich.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb spicy sausage (such as pepperoni or chorizo), sliced
– 4 large bell peppers, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 crusty sub rolls
– Provolone cheese, shredded
– Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. Add the sliced bell peppers and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the peppers are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Assemble the sandwiches by placing cooked sausage on each sub roll, followed by a layer of roasted peppers and a sprinkle of shredded provolone cheese. Top with chopped parsley.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tuna Melt Hero Sandwich
This Tuna Melt Hero Sandwich is a satisfying and flavorful twist on the classic tuna sandwich. With the addition of melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, this sandwich is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 2 slices of bread
– 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
– 1 slice of cheddar cheese
– 4-6 slices of cooked bacon
– Lettuce leaves
– Tomato slices (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Assemble the sandwich by spreading mayonnaise on one slice of bread, then topping with tuna, lettuce, and tomato (if using).
3. Place the second slice of bread on top to complete the sandwich.
4. Add 2-3 slices of cooked bacon on top of the bread.
5. Place the cheese slice on top of the bacon.
6. Cook the sandwich in the preheated skillet or griddle for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Hero Sandwich
Get ready to level up your sandwich game with this mouthwatering buffalo chicken hero sandwich! This spicy twist on the classic Italian sub features juicy chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, crispy bacon, melted mozzarella cheese, and crunchy lettuce all wrapped in a soft hero bun.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast
– 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
– 6 slices of bacon
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 head of lettuce, chopped
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 hero bun
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook bacon until crispy and set aside.
3. Toss chicken breast in buffalo wing sauce until coated.
4. Grill or bake the chicken for 5-7 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Assemble sandwich by spreading a layer of olive oil on the hero bun, followed by a slice of bacon, some lettuce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Top with buffalo chicken breast and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pulled Pork BBQ Hero Sandwich
Get ready to elevate your sandwich game with this mouthwatering Pulled Pork BBQ Hero Sandwich recipe! Slow-cooked pork shoulder is smothered in a tangy BBQ sauce and piled high on a toasted hero roll, topped with crunchy coleslaw and melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 4 hero rolls
– 1/2 cup coleslaw
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
3. Place the pork in a slow cooker or Dutch oven, cover with BBQ sauce, and cook for 8 hours or until tender.
4. Split the hero rolls in half and toast until lightly browned.
5. Assemble the sandwiches by spooning pulled pork onto the rolls, topping with coleslaw and cheese.
6. Drizzle with butter and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (slow cooker) or 2-3 hours (oven)
Caprese Style Hero Sandwich
Elevate your sandwich game with this fresh take on a classic hero. This Caprese-inspired twist combines juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil for a flavor explosion that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 long Italian hero roll
– 2 large tomatoes, sliced
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for brushing
Instructions:
1. Preheat your broiler.
2. Slice the hero roll in half lengthwise.
3. Brush both sides of the roll with olive oil.
4. Top each half of the roll with a slice of tomato, followed by a slice of mozzarella cheese.
5. Sprinkle chopped basil leaves over the top of the cheese.
6. Place the sandwiches under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Philly Cheesesteak Hero Sandwich
Philly Cheesesteak Hero Sandwich Recipe
This iconic sandwich recipe brings together the perfect blend of tender beef, melted cheese, and crispy bread to create a satisfying meal that’s sure to please. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying this classic Philly favorite in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye or top round steak
– 4 hoagie rolls
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup chopped onions
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each hoagie roll.
3. Grill the beef slices for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Assemble the sandwiches by placing the grilled beef on the buttered rolls, topping with cheese, onions, and garlic.
5. Place the sandwiches under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Veggie and Hummus Hero Sandwich
Elevate your sandwich game with this flavorful and healthy twist on the classic hero. Grilled vegetables and creamy hummus add a delightful texture and taste to every bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 baguette, cut in half
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1/4 cup hummus
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: crumbled feta cheese or chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush bell peppers and zucchini with olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill vegetables until tender, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4. Spread hummus on the baguette halves.
5. Add grilled vegetables on top of hummus.
6. Garnish with minced garlic and optional feta cheese or parsley.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Reuben Style Hero Sandwich
A twist on the classic sandwich, this Reuben-style hero features juicy corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut, all piled high on rye bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound corned beef, thinly sliced
– 4 slices of rye bread
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
– 2 slices Swiss cheese, melted
– 2 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
3. Place two slices of rye bread, buttered side down, in the panini press or grill.
4. Top with sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese.
5. Spread Thousand Island dressing on top of the cheese, if using.
6. Place the remaining rye bread slices, buttered side up, on top of the filling.
7. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 3-4 minutes
Chicken Caesar Hero Sandwich
Elevate your lunch game with this satisfying sandwich that combines the flavors of grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy Caesar dressing on toasted hero bread. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 slices of bacon
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
– 4 hero sandwich buns
– Lettuce leaves
– Parmesan cheese shavings (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
4. Assemble sandwiches by spreading Caesar dressing on the bottom bun, followed by grilled chicken, crispy bacon, lettuce leaves, and Parmesan cheese shavings (if using).
5. Top with top bun.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Meatball Marinara Hero Sandwich
Elevate your sandwich game with this mouthwatering Meatball Marinara Hero Sandwich! A juicy meatball patty, smothered in rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, all nestled between a crispy sub roll.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup marinara sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 sub roll
– 2 slices mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into 4-6 meatball patties, depending on size desired.
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, toast the sub roll in the oven for 2-3 minutes.
6. Assemble the sandwich by placing a meatball patty on each toasted roll half, followed by marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Hero Sandwich
A classic combination of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomato, and creamy mayonnaise on toasted hero bread makes for a satisfying snack or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of hero bread
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crisped
– 2 large lettuce leaves
– 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
– 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a toaster or toaster oven to toast the hero bread.
2. Cook the bacon until crispy, then set aside.
3. Spread mayonnaise on two slices of toasted bread.
4. Top with lettuce leaves, followed by tomato slices.
5. Add the cooked bacon on top of the tomatoes.
6. Place the remaining toasted bread slices on top to complete the sandwich.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (including toasting the bread)
Shrimp Po’ Boy Hero Sandwich
Experience the classic flavors of New Orleans with this scrumptious shrimp po’ boy hero sandwich recipe! Crispy, flavorful shrimp are piled high on a toasted baguette with creamy remoulade sauce and crunchy lettuce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 1 baguette, split lengthwise
– Remoulade sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Lettuce leaves
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
2. Dip shrimp in buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture.
3. Fry shrimp in hot oil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Assemble sandwich by spreading remoulade sauce on the baguette, topping with fried shrimp, lettuce leaves, and serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Eggplant Parmesan Hero Sandwich
A twist on the classic Italian-American dish, this eggplant parmesan hero sandwich combines crispy breaded eggplant slices with melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce, all wrapped up in a soft sub roll.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup marinara sauce
– 4 soft sub rolls
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each eggplant slice into the flour mixture, then coat in breadcrumbs.
4. Place coated eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Assemble sandwiches by placing 2-3 eggplant slices on each sub roll, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and a spoonful of marinara sauce.
6. Top with chopped basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Steak and Blue Cheese Hero Sandwich
Elevate your lunch game with this savory sandwich that combines tender steak, creamy blue cheese, and crunchy hero bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp butter, softened
– 2 slices blue cheese crumbles
– 2 hoagie rolls
– Lettuce leaves
– Tomato slices (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season steak with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until desired level of doneness.
3. Meanwhile, toast hero bread by grilling for 30 seconds or baking at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
4. Spread butter on toasted bread.
5. Top with grilled steak, blue cheese crumbles, lettuce leaves, and tomato slices (if using).
6. Assemble sandwiches and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your sandwich game with these 20 delicious hero sandwiches recipes for every occasion! From classic combinations like Italian ham and cheese, turkey, and roast beef, to more adventurous options like grilled chicken pesto, spicy sausage, and pulled pork BBQ, there’s a hero sandwich recipe to suit any taste. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory, sweet, or vegetarian-friendly, these mouthwatering sandwiches are sure to please. So go ahead, get creative, and assemble your own hero sandwich masterpiece!
