This Garlic Bread Sandwich Loaf recipe has loads of goodies layered inside, then it’s doused with a combination of melted butter, garlic, parmesan and parsley.
My Garlic Bread Sandwich Loaf was inspired by my daughter’s love of Subway — she asks to go almost every day and always orders the same sandwich: ham, bacon, pickles, banana peppers, red onion, lettuce, tomato and mayo. I wanted to recreate that familiar flavor in one big, shareable loaf and make it even better.
This version is hearty and crowd-pleasing. Think pull-apart bread meets a stuffed deli sandwich: crunchy on the outside, soft and gooey inside, and loaded with savory layers. It’s the kind of recipe that disappears fast at the table.
I layer deli-style meats and provolone between slices of a French loaf, add pickles and banana peppers for texture and brightness, then pour a garlic-parmesan butter over the top so it soaks between the cuts. The result is rich, buttery and deeply flavorful.
This is not a health-food dish — the loaf is bathed in butter, garlic and Parmesan — but it’s worth the indulgence for a family meal or a potluck. The outside crisps up nicely while the provolone melts between the slices. I use both salami and ham for a good balance of flavor, while dill pickles and banana peppers add crunch and a tangy contrast.
I typically skip lettuce and tomato because I don’t love them warmed in the oven; if you prefer greens, substitute spinach or add fresh tomato after baking. I once forgot the bacon and honestly didn’t miss it — the combination of cheeses and cured meats is satisfying on its own.
The secret is making crosswise cuts into the loaf before pouring the garlic butter. That lets the buttery mixture seep down between the slices, ensuring every bite is flavored. Wrap the loaf tightly in foil for baking so it heats through and the cheese melts evenly.
I serve this sandwich loaf with fresh fruit, chips and a small salad. If you need to keep it warm, leave it wrapped in foil in a 200°F oven for up to an hour — it holds well and stays delicious.
One practical tip: I buy French loaves at Costco — they come two to a pack and are perfect for this recipe. I often make two loaves at once so we have leftovers for lunches. Leftover slices reheat well and make an easy next-day meal.
Garlic Bread Sandwich Loaf Recipe
4-6 servings
10 minutes
30 minutes
40 minutes
I often double the ingredients and make two loaves at once. The leftovers are great for lunches.
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized loaf French bread
- ½ pound sliced ham
- ¼ pound sliced salami
- ¼ pound sliced provolone
- ¼ red onion, sliced very thinly
- 8–10 dill pickle slices
- ½ cup sliced banana peppers
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cut the very top off the French bread and hollow out the inside until you have a shell. Layer with half the ham, followed by half the salami and provolone. Add red onion, pickles and banana peppers, then top with the remaining ham, salami and provolone. Replace the top of the loaf.
- Make crosswise slices about every inch or so, leaving the bottom intact. Place the loaf on a large sheet of foil.
- Melt the butter, then stir in the minced garlic, grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Pour the mixture over the loaf, spreading it so some seeps between the slices. Wrap the loaf tightly in foil.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the loaf is heated through and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven, slice and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 400
Total Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 1300mg
Carbohydrates: 10g
Net Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 21g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.