Easy Copycat Kmart Submarine Sandwich Recipe at Home

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Kmart Submarine Sandwich Copycat Recipe


Copycat Kmart submarine sandwich on a soft roll with ham, salami, cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles.
Bring back that old-school deli flavor with a copycat Kmart sub layered with savory meats, creamy dressing, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomato on a soft roll.

If you grew up grabbing a quick bite from a Kmart café, snack bar, or deli area, there’s a good chance you remember the Kmart Submarine Sandwich. It was simple, hearty, and hit the spot. This easy copycat submarine sandwich recipe brings back that same deli-style flavor at home with soft bread, layers of savory meat, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and a creamy dressing.

The best part? You do not need fancy ingredients or special skills. This is the kind of easy sub sandwich recipe that works for lunch, dinner, game day, or a weekend sandwich bar.

A Little Background on Kmart and Its Iconic Submarine Sandwich

Kmart was more than a place to shop. For many families in the USA, it was part of everyday life. Along with blue-light specials and long shopping trips, many people remember stopping for a quick meal. The food was simple and familiar, and that was exactly why people loved it.

The submarine sandwich fit that same idea. It was not fussy. It was dependable. You had a soft roll, flavorful deli meat, melty cheese if you wanted it warmed, and cool toppings that added crunch and freshness. Every bite gave you that mix of salty, creamy, crisp, and soft textures that makes a deli sandwich so satisfying.

This recipe is inspired by that old-school style. It is not the original recipe, and we are not claiming any connection to Kmart. Instead, this is our homemade take on the kind of sandwich many people remember.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Sub Sandwich Recipe

  • Easy to make with grocery store ingredients
  • Family-friendly and easy to customize
  • Great for meal prep lunches
  • Tastes like a classic deli submarine sandwich
  • Budget-friendly for feeding a group

If you have ever wondered how to make a homemade submarine sandwich that tastes like the kind you remember from a department store café, you’re in the right place.

Ingredients

Serves: 4 sandwiches

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes optional, if toasting

Total time: 25 minutes

For the sandwiches:

  • 4 sub rolls or hoagie rolls, about 8 inches each
  • 1/2 pound thin-sliced deli ham
  • 1/2 pound thin-sliced salami
  • 1/2 pound thin-sliced turkey or bologna
  • 8 slices provolone cheese
  • 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced
  • 16 dill pickle slices

For the sandwich dressing:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional extras:

  • Banana pepper rings
  • A dash of dried oregano
  • A drizzle of oil and vinegar
  • Extra cheese

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

These numbers are estimates and will vary based on the bread, meat, and cheese you use.

  • Calories: 690
  • Protein: 33g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fat: 43g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 1,850mg

How to Make a Kmart-Style Submarine Sandwich

This recipe is very beginner-friendly. Think of it like building a good burger. Layering matters. A little balance goes a long way.

  1. Make the dressing.
    In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, white vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth. Taste it. If you like a tangier sandwich, add a tiny splash more vinegar. Set it aside in the fridge while you prep everything else.
  2. Prep the vegetables.
    Wash the lettuce and tomatoes well under cool running water. Dry them thoroughly. Shred the iceberg lettuce into thin pieces. Slice the tomatoes thinly so they fit nicely inside the sandwich. Slice the red onion as thin as you can. Thin onion slices give flavor without overpowering the sandwich.
  3. Get the bread ready.
    Slice each sub roll lengthwise, but do not cut all the way through. You want the sandwich to open like a book. If you like a warm sandwich, place the opened rolls on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. You just want them lightly warm and a little crisp at the edges, not hard.
  4. Add the dressing.
    Spread the dressing on both inside halves of each roll. Be generous, but do not overdo it or the bread can get soggy. If you are packing these for later, you can keep the tomatoes and dressing separate until serving time.
  5. Layer the meat and cheese.
    Start with ham, then salami, then turkey or bologna. Fold the slices instead of laying them flat. This creates little pockets of air and makes the sandwich feel fuller and more deli-like. Add 2 slices of provolone cheese to each sandwich.
  6. Add the toppings.
    Top the meat and cheese with shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, and pickle slices. If you want a little extra zip, add banana peppers or a sprinkle of oregano.
  7. Close and serve.
    Gently press the sandwich closed. For the best flavor, let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes before slicing. That gives the dressing time to settle into the bread a little, which makes each bite taste more blended and delicious.

Food Safety Tips

Since this sandwich uses deli meat, it’s smart to handle everything carefully.

  • Wash your hands before and after handling ingredients.
  • Wash lettuce, tomatoes, and onions well before slicing.
  • Keep deli meats and cheese refrigerated until ready to use.
  • If you choose to heat the meat for a hot sub, warm it to 165°F for best food safety.
  • Do not leave prepared sandwiches sitting out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if it is very hot.

Tips for the Best Homemade Submarine Sandwich

  • Use soft rolls. A good sandwich starts with bread that is soft but sturdy enough to hold the fillings.
  • Shred the lettuce finely. This gives you that classic deli texture.
  • Fold the meat. It makes the sandwich seem fuller and gives a better bite.
  • Balance wet and dry ingredients. Too much tomato or dressing can make the bread soggy.
  • Serve cold or lightly warmed. Both work well, depending on what you remember liking most.

One thing I like to do at home is wrap the finished sandwich in parchment paper for a minute or two before serving. It lightly compresses the layers, almost like what you’d get from a sandwich shop. It’s a small trick, but it helps.

Easy Shortcuts and Time-Saving Ideas

Need to make this easy deli sandwich recipe even quicker? Here are a few simple ideas.

  • Use bagged shredded lettuce to save prep time.
  • Buy pre-sliced deli variety packs so the meats are ready to go.
  • Use bottled sandwich spread if you do not want to make the dressing.
  • Toast in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes for quick warm bread.
  • Make a sandwich tray and let everyone build their own.

Hosting game day or feeding teenagers? Set out all the fillings buffet-style. It is easier, faster, and a lot more fun.

Allergy-Friendly and Diet Preference Swaps

This is where a simple copycat sub sandwich really shines. You can adjust it in all kinds of ways without losing that classic feel.

Gluten-Free:

  • Use your favorite gluten-free sub rolls or sandwich bread.
  • Double-check deli meats, mustard, and pickles for hidden gluten.
  • If gluten-free bread is fragile, toast it lightly before building the sandwich.

Dairy-Free:

  • Skip the provolone or use a dairy-free sliced cheese.
  • Most mayonnaise is dairy-free, but always read the label just in case.
  • Add creamy texture with extra dressing or mashed avocado.

Egg-Free:

  • Use an egg-free mayo for the dressing.
  • Mustard, vinegar, and spices still give plenty of flavor even if you use less creamy spread.

Low-Carb or Keto:

  • Turn it into a sub salad by layering everything over chopped romaine or iceberg.
  • Use low-carb wraps instead of rolls.
  • Skip the sugar in the dressing or use a keto-friendly sweetener.

Vegetarian:

  • Swap the meats for sliced cucumbers, roasted red peppers, avocado, and extra cheese.
  • You can also use plant-based deli slices.
  • A little oregano and red wine vinegar helps keep that classic sub flavor.

Vegan:

  • Use vegan deli slices and vegan cheese.
  • Choose vegan mayo for the dressing.
  • Add crunchy veggies like cucumber, shredded carrot, and banana peppers for more texture.

Paleo:

  • Skip the bread and make a lettuce wrap or salad bowl version.
  • Use clean-ingredient deli meats or sliced leftover roasted turkey, chicken, or ham.
  • Use paleo mayo and omit the sugar in the dressing.

Lower Sodium:

  • Choose lower-sodium deli meats and cheese.
  • Use fewer pickles and skip extra salty add-ons.
  • Add more lettuce and tomato to keep the sandwich full and flavorful.

What to Serve with This Sandwich

  • Potato chips
  • Pasta salad
  • Pickle spears
  • Fresh fruit
  • Coleslaw
  • Soup for a cozy lunch combo

Personally, I love this sandwich with plain kettle chips and an icy drink. It feels old-school in the best way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. For the best texture, prep the ingredients ahead and assemble just before serving. If making fully ahead, keep tomatoes and dressing light so the bread does not get soggy.

What is the best bread for a submarine sandwich?
Soft hoagie rolls, sub rolls, or Italian sandwich rolls work best. You want bread that holds up but is still easy to bite through.

Can I make this hot?
Absolutely. Add the meat and cheese first, then warm the sandwich in a 350°F oven until heated through. If heating deli meat, bring it to 165°F.

What meats taste most like a classic deli sub?
Ham, salami, bologna, and turkey all give that old-school flavor. Provolone is a great cheese choice for the same reason.

Final Thoughts

This Kmart Submarine Sandwich copycat recipe is one of those meals that proves simple food can still be memorable. It is easy, filling, and full of that classic deli flavor people come back to again and again. Whether you are making it for a quick lunch or bringing back a little nostalgia, this sandwich is a great one to keep in your rotation.

If you try this homemade sub sandwich recipe, I’d love to hear how you made it your own. Did you keep it classic, or did you add your favorite toppings? Leave a comment and share your version. And if this recipe brought back a good memory, feel free to share it with family and friends too.

Disclaimer

This recipe is a copycat recipe inspired by a classic style of submarine sandwich associated with Kmart. It is not the original recipe, and no knowledge of any actual proprietary recipe is implied. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing Kmart in any way.

Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate. This means we may earn from qualifying purchases made through certain links, at no extra cost to you.

Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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