Hoagie Dip

Hello, hello! Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that’s an absolute favorite in our household—my Italian Hoagie Dip. 

This dip is a flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any lazy weekend or game day get together. 

But, it’s more than just an appetizer; it’s a versatile, crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again!

Let me start by saying, this hoagie dip has a special place in my heart, mainly because it’s one of John’s all-time favorites. 

Usually, I leave the ingredients in larger pieces, but this time, I decided to finely dice everything. 

The result? A perfectly blended, creamy dip that’s easy to scoop and even easier to devour.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this dip lies in its blend of classic Italian flavors like genoa salami, pepperoni, capicola, and provolone cheese all mixed together with fresh veggies and a creamy dressing. 

It’s savory, a bit tangy, and absolutely addictive. Whether you’re dipping into it with a crunchy baguette or using it as a filling for sandwiches or lettuce wraps, this hoagie dip hits all the right notes.

Tips

• Versatility at Its Best: This Italian sub dip is not just great for dipping; try it as a filling for sandwiches or lettuce wraps. The finely diced ingredients make it perfect for spreading! I recently discovered that the creamy blend works wonders in a sandwich. Just spread it on a baguette or wrap it in lettuce for a lighter option.
• Serving Suggestions: Toast the baguette slices for an extra crunch or pair it with some crispy veggies for a lighter option. The added texture from the toasted bread perfectly complements the creamy antipasto dip.

Storage

If you have any leftovers of this Italian deli dip (which is rare in our house!), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.  

Before serving again, give it a good stir to re-incorporate all the flavors.

Make Ahead: This appetizer can be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge. In fact, letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to develop even more. It’s a lifesaver when you’re prepping for a party and need something you can make in advance.

Other Dip Recipes to Try

• Guacamole Dip
• Hot Crab Dip
• Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Pepperoncini Dip

Ingredients

You’ll need a few common deli ingredients to make this amazing dip!

Meats:

• Genoa Salami, Pepperoni, Capicola Ham
  • These classic Italian meats provide a rich, savory flavor and a variety of textures that make the dip hearty and satisfying.
  • Possible Substitutions: Any combination of your favorite deli meats like mortadella, prosciutto, or even turkey for a lighter option.

Cheese:

• Provolone Cheese
  • Provolone adds a mild, slightly nutty flavor that complements the meats without overpowering them.
  • Possible Substitutions: Mozzarella, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack depending on your flavor preference.

Vegetables:

• Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Black Olives, Pickled Banana Peppers or Pepperoncini, Romaine Lettuce
  • Fresh veggies add a crisp texture and bright flavors, balancing the richness of the meats and cheese.
  • Possible Substitutions: Grape tomatoes, yellow onion, or any bell pepper color can be used. For more heat, try jalapeños. Spinach or iceberg lettuce can substitute for romaine lettuce.

Dressing and Creamy Base:

• Mayonnaise, Cream Cheese, Italian Dressing, Red Wine Vinegar
  • This creamy blend creates a smooth, tangy base that ties all the ingredients together, making the dip rich and flavorful.
  • Possible Substitutions: Greek yogurt or sour cream can replace some or all of the mayonnaise for a lighter version. Balsamic vinegar can be used instead of red wine vinegar for a different tang.

Seasonings:

• Dried Oregano, Garlic Powder, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper
  • These seasonings enhance the overall flavor, adding depth and a bit of heat.
  • Possible Substitutions: Italian seasoning can replace dried oregano. For less heat, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.

How to Make Italian Hoagie Dip

My dip recipe takes a few minutes to prepare, but the results are worth the wait!

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced salami, pepperoni, capicola ham, provolone cheese, and cherry tomatoes.

2. Pulse the red onion, green bell pepper, black olives, and pepperoncini in a food processor until finely chopped. Add them to the bowl with the meats, cheese, and tomatoes. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3. Add the shredded romaine lettuce to the bowl and gently mix it in.

4. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the mayonnaise (or mayonnaise and sour cream), Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Mix until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir until everything is well coated.
7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
8. Serve the dip chilled with slices of baguette or hoagie rolls on the side for dipping.