Layered Picnic Loaves

Total Time Prep: 20 min. + chilling
Yield 2 loaves (12 servings each)
Test Kitchen Approved
This big sandwich, inspired by one I tried at a New York deli, is a favorite with our football-watching crowd. Made ahead, it's easily carted to any gathering. Kids and adults alike say it's super. —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon

Ingredients

  • 2 unsliced loaves (1 pound each) Italian bread
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
  • 1/2 pound deli roast beef
  • 12 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese (1 ounce each)
  • 16 fresh basil leaves
  • 3 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 pound thinly sliced salami
  • 1 jar (6-1/2 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and sliced
  • 1 package (10 ounces) ready-to-serve salad greens
  • 8 ounces thinly sliced deli chicken
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. Cut loaves in half horizontally; hollow out tops and bottoms, leaving 1/2-in. shells (discard removed bread or save for another use).
  2. Combine oil and garlic; brush inside bread shells. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Layer bottom of each loaf with a fourth of each: roast beef, mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, salami, artichokes, salad greens, chicken and onion. Repeat layers. Season with salt, pepper and remaining Italian seasoning.
  3. Drizzle with remaining oil mixture if desired. Replace bread tops; wrap tightly and refrigerate at least 1 hour before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 341 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 991mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.

This big sandwich, inspired by one I tried at a New York deli, is a favorite with our football-watching crowd. Made ahead, it's easily carted to any gathering. Kids and adults alike say it's super. —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
Recipe Creator

© 2025 RDA Enthusiast Brands, LLC