When it comes to sandwiches, I’m a creature of habit. Whether I’m making one at home or hitting the drive-thru, my go-to is always an Italian sub. Occasionally, I’ll grab The Veggie from Jimmy John’s, because who can resist the combo of avocado and provolone? And once a year, I’ll opt for Firehouse Subs’ Thanksgiving sandwich, which features all the best holiday sides combined into one satisfying bite. Most of the time, however, I’m sticking with my ham and salami-loaded favorite.
So, it goes without saying that, when I heard Jersey Mike’s is testing a new version of its cold Original Italian, I was all ears.
Jersey Mike’s Tests New Hot Italian Sandwich
The Mike’s Hot Italian just hit menus at Jersey Mike’s. The new sandwich features grilled ham, salami, and pepperoni covered with melted provolone cheese. The filling is loaded into a soft bun and piled high with grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, and finished with the chain’s signature Hot Chopped Pepper Relish.
The sandwich is a twist on the Original Italian, which has similar ingredients, but doesn’t include grilled onions or spicy relish. In addition, the cold sub contains prosciuttini and cappacuolo, whereas the new sandwich does not.
Instagrammer @thatcrazysubguy offered a look at how it’s made, and fans didn’t hold back their thoughts. “Looks amazing,” said one person. “On my way to get one now,” added another. “I’ll eat all that in one bite,” chimed in one more.
And while some were interested in the new menu item, others were disappointed that it didn’t include the same selection of deli meat as the Original Italian. A few more felt that it needed an acidic element, such as vinegar or banana peppers, to liven it up.
At this time, the sandwich is being tested in Chicago, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, and San Diego. There’s no official word on how long the test will last or if it will eventually become more widely available. If it does hit menus nationwide, I’ll be the first in line to try it.
