Kmart Submarine Sandwich (Exact Recipe)

Your memory of the Kmart submarine sandwiches is spot-on! There was something special about those pre-wrapped subs—maybe it was the way the flavors melded together while they sat in the plastic wrap or the nostalgic charm of a simple, satisfying deli sandwich. Here’s the exact recipe breakdown based on your ingredients list, along with some tips to recreate that iconic taste:

Kmart Submarine Sandwich (Exact Recipe)

Makes 4 subs

Ingredients:

• 4 submarine rolls – White, soft, split (Sarah Lee brand was common in stores)

• 8 slices salami – With embedded peppercorns (like Hormel or Margherita)

• 4 slices Oscar Mayer bologna

• 4 slices Oscar Mayer honey-roasted ham

• 4 slices Kraft American cheese

• ¼ onion, sliced paper-thin

• ½ oz lettuce, shredded (iceberg for that crisp texture)

• 2 tomatoes, sliced *1/8-inch thick*

• 1 oz yellow sweet mild banana pepper rings

• 1 dill pickle, sliced very thin

• 1 oz French’s yellow mustard

Assembly Instructions:

1. Split the rolls – Do not fully separate; just open them like a book.

2. Layer the meats & cheese in this order (key for texture and flavor blending):

   • 1 slice American cheese (on the bottom half)

   • 2 slices salami (folded)

   • 1 slice bologna (folded in quarters)

   • 1 slice honey ham (laid flat)

3. Add veggies in this order:

   • A few thin onion slivers

   • Shredded lettuce

   • 2-3 tomato slices

   • Banana pepper rings

   • Thin pickle slices

4. Squirt French’s yellow mustard in a zigzag across the top.

5. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap – This is the secret! The plastic wrap helps the sandwich “steam” slightly, softening the bread and letting the flavors meld.

6. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes (or refrigerate if not eating right away).

Pro Tips for Authentic Kmart Sub Taste:

• Use soft, slightly sweet white rolls (Sarah Lee or similar).

• Don’t skip the plastic wrap step—it really does change the texture and flavor.

• The meats must be classic deli cuts (Oscar Mayer was the go-to).

• Mustard should be French’s yellow—no substitutions!

Would you like any adjustments for a modern twist (like adding oil & vinegar or swapping cheeses)? Or are you going for 100% retro accuracy? Either way, enjoy that blast from the past! 🚀🥪