Italian Party Sub with Sweet Balsamic Onions & Basil Mayo

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This sub falls under the category of "party food" at our house.  That's the kind of food we make for watching football, Nascar races, or lazy weekend days when grazing is in order.  I like to bake the sub then place the toppings and mayo on a platter, and let your guests, or your family, decide how they'd like to dress their own sammie.  It's interactive and it's party fun rolled into one!

for the sub you'll need:
1 20 inch Italian or French bread loaf
1 lb. thinly sliced honey ham
6 oz. sliced  hard salami
4 oz. sandwich size pepperoni
12 slices provolone cheese
garlic salt
Italian seasoning
olive oil
sweet balsamic onions:
1 small red onion thinly sliced
2-3 Tbs. white balsamic vinegar
1/2-1 tsp.sugar or sugar substitute [to taste]
basil mayo:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tsp, prepared basil pesto [I used Classico]
toppings:
lettuce and sliced Roma tomatoes
sliced black olives
sliced pepperocinis [banana peppers]



Use a serrated knife to cut the sub through the middle.  Remove some of the inside of the bread loaf, and freeze for later use.  [I use them for breadcrumbs]  Drizzle both sides of the bread lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic salt and Italian seasoning.


Layer the meats and cheese starting with cheese. Since cheese serves as a tasty "glue" I try to end my layers with meat, so, the top will be easily removable to add toppings and basil mayo later.

 Place the top half on top, and wrap in aluminum foil. Place onto a cookie sheet.


Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.  I like to slice the sub into 2 inch portions and arrange on a platter. Then my family or guests can dress their subs individually with lettuce, tomato, sweet balsamic onions and basil mayo to their taste.  You can also add pepperocini slices and slice black olives if desired. Yield: 1 sub

  sweet balsamic onions:To prepare the sweet balsamic onions, mix together white balsamic vinegar sweetened to your taste and the sliced onion.  Chill well.  This can be done several hours in advance.



basil mayonnaise:

Mix together mayonnaise and a prepared basil pesto. Refrigerate until serving




Cook's note:
This sub can made ahead of time, then wrapped in aluminum foil  and refrigerated for a time saver.  Allow to rest on the counter for 15 minutes before baking.