Mighty Hero Sandwich

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Apr. 23, 2022
My friend Valerie is a gracious hostess. Of all the dishes she's shared over the years, this hero sandwich stands out. It’s easy and colorful, and the marinated veggies give it all kinds of oomph. —Kelley Boyce, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Mighty Hero Sandwich Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 large tomato, halved and sliced
  • 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 2 thin slices red onion, separated into rings
  • 1 round loaf (1 pound) sourdough bread
  • 1 small zucchini, shredded
  • 1/2 pound sliced deli turkey
  • 6 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk the first 6 ingredients until blended. Add tomato, mushrooms and onion; toss gently to coat. Let stand 15 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, cut loaf horizontally in half. Hollow out both parts, leaving a 1/2-in.-thick shell (save removed bread for another use).
  3. Drain marinated vegetables, reserving marinade. Brush marinade over inside of bread halves. Top bottom half with zucchini. Layer with half the marinated vegetables, half the turkey and 3 slices cheese; repeat layers. Replace top of loaf. Cut into wedges.

Mighty Hero Sandwich Tips

What is in a hero sandwich?

Hero sandwiches are traditionally made with a variety of meats, cheeses and veggies piled high onto a loaf of bread or baguette. They can be served hot or cold. Check out our other hero sandwiches like Havarti and turkey and sausage and peppers.

Why is it called a hero sandwich?

It’s called a hero sandwich because in 1936, New York City columnist Clementine Paddleworth described a sandwich that was so large you’d have to be a hero to eat the whole thing. Check out the most popular sandwich in every state!

What should I serve with this hero sandwich?

Serve this hero sandwich with air-fryer potato chips and homemade pickles! Research contributed by Sarah Fischer, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 233 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 636mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.

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