Your Game Day MVP: The Ultimate Sub Sandwich Lineup

This post has been sponsored by Tyson Foods Inc. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

The roar of the crowd, the thrill of the game, and the incredible food spread – these are the hallmarks of an unforgettable Big Game party! While the football action captivates everyone, it’s often the food that truly brings friends and family together. This year, elevate your game day hosting with an effortlessly impressive sub sandwich bar, featuring the exceptional quality of Sara Lee® Premium Meats. We’ve crafted the ultimate guide to help you create a DIY sandwich station that’s not only simple to set up but guarantees a delicious experience for every guest, from the youngest fans to the most seasoned enthusiasts.

Why a Sub Sandwich Bar is Your Ultimate Game Day Play

When planning a large gathering like a Big Game watch party, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen can be daunting. This is precisely where a make-your-own sub sandwich bar shines as a game-winning strategy. It’s the perfect solution for pleasing a diverse crowd because it champions customization. Everyone gets to craft their dream sandwich, ensuring satisfaction and eliminating the stress of catering to individual tastes or dietary preferences. Imagine a beautifully arranged spread of fresh ingredients, displayed charcuterie-style, inviting guests to build their perfect bite. It’s interactive, visually appealing, and incredibly practical, allowing you more time to enjoy the festivities.

Building the Foundation: Essential Ingredients for an Epic Sub Bar

The secret to any extraordinary sub sandwich party lies in starting with high-quality, fresh ingredients. These are the building blocks that transform a simple sandwich into a gourmet creation. Here’s a comprehensive list of must-haves for your game day grocery run:

1. Premium Deli Meats: The Star of Your Sub

• Sara Lee® Premium Meats: This is where quality truly makes a difference. Sara Lee® Premium Meats offer an unrivaled freshness and delicious taste that elevates every sandwich. Whether you prefer your deli meats sliced-to-order at your grocer’s deli counter or opt for the convenience of freshly sliced, grab-and-go options in the deli cooler, Sara Lee® is my unwavering choice. Their commitment to quality ensures a consistently flavorful and tender foundation for your subs. Consider offering a variety like their savory Angus Roast Beef, sweet Honey Ham, and classic Honey Roasted Turkey Breast to cater to all preferences.

2. A Bread for Every Preference

The bread is more than just a vessel; it’s an integral part of the sandwich experience. Offer a diverse selection to add texture and variety:

• Classic Sub Rolls: The quintessential choice for a hearty sub.
• Mini Sub Rolls: Perfect for smaller appetites or for guests wanting to try multiple combinations.
• Ciabatta Rolls: For a chewier texture and rustic charm.
• Brioche Buns: A richer, slightly sweeter option that pairs wonderfully with many fillings.
• Fresh French Bread: Ideal for slicing into individual portions or serving as a larger, shareable sub.

3. Cheese, Please! A Variety of Flavors

Cheese adds creaminess and a layer of savory goodness. Offer a range of flavors and textures:

• American: Melts beautifully and is a crowd-pleaser.
• Provolone: A traditional choice for Italian-style subs, offering a mild, slightly sharp flavor.
• Colby-Jack: A flavorful blend that’s both creamy and visually appealing.
• Swiss: Distinctive nutty flavor, great with ham or turkey.
• Havarti: A buttery, mild Danish cheese that adds a touch of gourmet.

4. Fresh Veggies for Crunch and Color

Crisp vegetables bring freshness, crunch, and essential color to your sub bar. Make sure they are washed, prepped, and ready:

• Crisp Lettuce: Romaine or iceberg for classic crunch.
• Vine-Ripened Tomatoes: Sliced thinly.
• Fresh Spinach: A milder green option.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a pungent kick.
• Banana Peppers: For a tangy, slightly spicy element.
• Creamy Avocado: Sliced or mashed for a rich, healthy fat.

5. Spreads and Sauces to Tie It All Together

These are the flavor enhancers that complete the sandwich:

• Mayonnaise: Classic and creamy.
• Mustard: Yellow or spicy brown for a kick.
• Dijonaise: A smooth blend of Dijon mustard and mayonnaise.
• Chipotle Mayo: For a smoky, spicy twist.
• Olive Oil & Vinegar: Essential for a classic Italian sub drizzle.
• BBQ Sauce: A sweet and tangy option for certain meat combinations.

Planning Your Deli Meat Quantity: A Host’s Guide

One of the most common questions when hosting a sandwich party is, “How much deli meat do I need?” To ensure you have plenty for everyone without excessive waste, a good rule of thumb is to plan for approximately 2-3 ounces of meat per sandwich. This allows for generous portions without overstuffing. Here’s a quick guide:

• For 10 Sandwiches: You’ll need just under two pounds (approximately 20-30 ounces) of total deli meat.
• For 20 Sandwiches: Plan for just under four pounds (approximately 40-60 ounces) of total deli meat.
• For larger crowds (e.g., 30 sandwiches): Aim for around 60-90 ounces, or roughly 4-5.5 pounds of meat.

*Pro tip: When ordering your Sara Lee® Premium Meats at the deli counter, always ask for the meat to be sliced thinly. Thinly sliced meats not only offer a more delicate texture and stack beautifully, but they also tend to go a bit further visually and in terms of portioning, making your spread look even more abundant.

Mastering the Art of Presentation: The Charcuterie-Style Sub Bar

Once you’ve gathered your fresh ingredients, it’s time to think about presentation. An aesthetically pleasing display is key to a truly impressive sub sandwich bar. Think charcuterie or snack board style – it’s both beautiful and functional. Here’s how to create a stunning spread:

• Diverse Serving Boards: Use a combination of wooden cutting boards, slate platters, and decorative trays to arrange your ingredients. This adds visual interest and texture to your table.
• Strategic Arrangement: Group similar ingredients together. For example, all cheeses on one board, all vegetables on another. This helps guests navigate the options.
• Height and Dimension: Use small risers or inverted bowls under some platters to create varying heights. This adds depth and makes the spread look more abundant.
• Labeling: Small, elegant labels for each item can be incredibly helpful, especially for cheeses, specific deli meats, or unique spreads. This is particularly useful for guests with allergies or specific preferences.
• Bread Basket: Display all your bread options in a large, inviting basket. Consider lining it with a clean linen for a rustic touch.
• Utensils: Provide tongs or small serving spoons for each item to maintain hygiene and ease of serving.

Get creative! Use whatever beautiful serving pieces you have on hand. The goal is to make the ingredients look fresh, abundant, and irresistible.

Score Big with Signature Sandwich Combinations

While the beauty of a sub bar is customization, offering a few suggested combinations can inspire your guests and guide them towards truly delicious creations. I’ve put together three winning sandwich ideas, named with a nod to football, that your guests will adore. For an even more curated experience, consider arranging the ingredients for each suggested sandwich on its own tray or snack board, creating distinct “stations” for easy assembly.

The Big Game Sub Sandwich Menu:

“The Victory” Sub Sandwich

A hearty and robust combination that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser, embodying the spirit of triumph. “The Victory” features tender Sara Lee® Angus Medium Roast Beef, perfectly complemented by a flavorful medley of sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and onions. A zesty chipotle mayo adds a smoky kick, all brought together with a layer of melty provolone cheese. This is a warm and satisfying choice that will leave everyone feeling like a champion.

“The Pig Skin” Sub Sandwich

Inspired by the beloved nickname for the football, “The Pig Skin” is a delightfully savory and slightly sweet sandwich. It brings together the irresistible flavors of Sara Lee® Honey Ham and crispy bacon, paired with the creamy tang of Swiss cheese. A generous drizzle of classic BBQ sauce provides a sweet and smoky base, perfectly balanced by a refreshing scoop of creamy cole slaw. This unique combination offers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes, reminiscent of a delicious backyard BBQ.

“The Touchdown” Sub Sandwich

Go for the ultimate win with “The Touchdown,” a powerhouse triple-meat sub designed to impress. This layered masterpiece combines the best of Sara Lee® Honey Roasted Turkey Breast, sweet Sara Lee® Honey Ham, and robust Sara Lee® Angus Medium Roast Beef. It’s elevated by a zesty dijonaise spread, fresh crisp greens, and creamy Colby-jack cheese. This sandwich is a true celebration of flavor and abundance, guaranteed to score big with your guests.

Beyond these tempting suggestions, remember to encourage your guests to unleash their creativity! With a diverse board or tray filled with quality ingredients, everyone can become a sandwich artist, mixing and matching to invent their perfect customized sub. Happy guests make for the best game day atmosphere!

What Sides Go with Sub Sandwiches for a Party? Completing Your Spread

A fantastic sub sandwich bar deserves an equally stellar supporting cast of side dishes. The right accompaniments balance the meal, add variety, and round out your game day feast. Here are some crowd-pleasing side dishes that pair perfectly with sub sandwiches:

• Cold Salads: Offer a variety of refreshing options like creamy pasta salad, classic potato salad, and crunchy cole slaw. These provide a cool, comforting contrast to the savory subs.
• Crunchy Snacks: Chips and pretzels are game day staples! Offer a selection of different flavors and shapes, along with a variety of dips such as French onion dip, spinach dip, or a zesty salsa.
• Fresh Fruit and Veggie Trays: A colorful platter of fresh fruits (grapes, berries, melon slices) and crisp vegetables (carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips) with a light dip (like hummus or ranch) is always a welcome sight. They add a healthy, refreshing element and can be prepped well in advance.
• Pickles & Olives: A small bowl of assorted pickles, pickled peppers, and olives can add a briny, acidic counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the sandwiches.

Pre-Game Prep Strategies: Host with Ease

The beauty of a sub sandwich bar isn’t just in the eating; it’s also in the effortless hosting. Much of the preparation can be done ahead of time, allowing you to relax and enjoy the game with your guests:

• Slice & Dice Ahead: Wash and chop all your vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers) the day before. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Prepare Spreads: Mix your dijonaise or chipotle mayo a day in advance.
• Sautéed Elements: For “The Victory” sub, you can sauté the mushrooms, peppers, and onions a few hours before the party and gently reheat or serve at room temperature.
• Cook Bacon: If making “The Pig Skin,” cook your bacon strips in advance and crumble them just before serving.
• Set Up Stations: Arrange your serving boards, baskets, and utensils on the table hours before guests arrive. This way, you only need to add the fresh ingredients at the last minute.

By front-loading your prep, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen during the party and more time cheering on your favorite team and mingling with your loved ones.

Conclusion: Your Effortless Path to a Winning Game Day Feast

There’s no doubt that your Big Game party will be an absolute success and extra special with a vibrant sub sandwich bar at its heart. With the premium quality of Sara Lee® Premium Meats, an array of delicious cheeses, crisp vegetables, and a variety of fresh breads, you’ll create a memorable dining experience that satisfies every palate. The best part? You won’t be tethered to the kitchen, allowing you to immerse yourself in the excitement of the game and the joy of good company. This easy, impressive approach ensures everyone leaves happy and full!

Now that you have all our insider tips and tricks for hosting an incredible sub sandwich bar, we encourage you to click over to Sara Lee® Deli.com. There, you’ll discover a wealth of new and delicious winning game day recipes, helpful how-to videos, creative meal inspirations, ongoing tips, fantastic entertaining ideas, lifestyle and meal hacks, and so much more!

Happy game day! Enjoy the festivities and your phenomenal sub creations!