These Italian Hoagie Skewers offer a fantastic mix of savory meats, creamy provolone cheese, and vibrant vegetables, all grilled to perfection. The colorful combination makes for an eye-catching appetizer that will impress guests at any gathering.
Perfect for a casual get-together or as a fun addition to a party spread, these skewers are easy to prepare, making them the ideal choice for a stress-free meal. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or serving them at a picnic, these skewers are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1/2 lb salami, sliced
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1/2 lb ham, sliced
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1/2 lb pepperoni, sliced
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1/2 lb provolone cheese, cubed
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
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1/4 cup green olives, pitted
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1/4 cup red onion, sliced
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1/4 cup banana peppers
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Wooden skewers
Directions:
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Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium heat.
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Thread the salami, ham, pepperoni, provolone cheese, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, and banana peppers onto the wooden skewers, alternating between each ingredient for a colorful presentation.
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In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Brush the skewers with the olive oil mixture to coat evenly.
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Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the cheese starts to melt and the ingredients are slightly charred.
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Remove from the grill and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Perfect Party Food
When hosting a gathering or party, having a variety of appetizers is essential to satisfy different tastes and dietary preferences. These Italian Hoagie Skewers are the perfect choice because they’re not only delicious but also easy to assemble and serve. You can load them with layers of cured meats, cheeses, vegetables, and a flavorful dressing that mirrors the famous hoagie taste but with the added bonus of being skewered, making them easy to eat and share with others.
As a variation of a traditional Italian hoagie, these skewers are packed with all the ingredients you would expect from a sub sandwich. Layers of salami, ham, pepperoni, mozzarella, and other Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, such as pepperoncinis, lettuce, and tomatoes, make for a hearty and well-rounded appetizer.
Why These Skewers Are So Great
Italian Hoagie Skewers are perfect for several reasons. First, they’re incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding or removing ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, if you want to make the dish vegetarian, you can simply omit the meat and add extra cheese and veggies. They are also naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free bread cubes, making them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Another benefit of these skewers is that they’re easy to prepare and transport. Whether you’re hosting a small get-together in your backyard or taking them to a potluck, they travel well and don’t require extensive prep work. Simply toast the bread cubes, layer them with your chosen ingredients, and drizzle with the Italian dressing right before serving. This method ensures the bread remains fresh and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Making It Ahead of Time
While Italian Hoagie Skewers are quick and easy to assemble, it’s best to prepare them just before serving. If you assemble them too far in advance, the bread could become soggy from the dressing, and the fresh ingredients could wilt. However, if you’re pressed for time, you can prepare the ingredients (such as cubing the bread, slicing the meats and cheese, and prepping the veggies) ahead of time and store them in separate containers. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the skewers and drizzle with the dressing for a fresh and flavorful appetizer.
Tips for the Best Italian Hoagie Skewers
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Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to a great Italian Hoagie Skewer is using the best quality ingredients you can find. Opt for fresh mozzarella, high-quality deli meats, and ripe vegetables like juicy tomatoes and crunchy lettuce. The better your ingredients, the more flavorful your skewers will be.
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Don’t Overload the Skewers: While it’s tempting to add as many ingredients as possible, be mindful of overloading the skewers. Too many items can make them difficult to eat and cause the ingredients to fall off. A balanced skewer with a few slices of meat, cheese, and veggies works best.
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Toasting the Bread: While you don’t have to toast the bread cubes, doing so adds a nice texture and flavor. Toasting the bread over medium heat in a skillet for a few minutes will give it a crispy outer layer, making it more enjoyable to eat. However, if you prefer softer bread, you can skip this step.
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Serve with Extra Dressing: If you’re a fan of extra dressing on your hoagie, it’s a good idea to serve a little extra Italian dressing on the side. This allows guests to drizzle as much as they like and enhances the flavor.
Customizing the Skewers
The beauty of these Italian Hoagie Skewers lies in their flexibility. You can easily customize them to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few ways to tweak the recipe:
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Meat-Free Option: For a vegetarian version, replace the salami, ham, and pepperoni with additional mozzarella, roasted red peppers, olives, or artichokes. You can also add extra greens like spinach or arugula for added flavor.
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Add More Vegetables: You can include more vegetables like cucumbers, red onions, or bell peppers. These vegetables not only add crunch but also a fresh, vibrant taste to balance the richness of the meats and cheese.
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Add Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add different types of cheese, such as provolone or parmesan, to make your skewers even more indulgent.
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Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to your dressing. This can give the skewers a spicy, tangy kick that will impress guests.
Serving Suggestions
Italian Hoagie Skewers are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They’re an excellent starter for any summer barbecue or party, and they pair beautifully with other appetizers, such as grilled vegetables, dips, or even fruit salads. They’re also great as a standalone snack, perfect for picnics or beach outings where you want something satisfying but easy to eat.
You can serve them with a side of extra dipping sauce or a crunchy salad to complement the flavors. For a more substantial meal, serve the skewers alongside pasta, grilled chicken, or even a light soup for a well-rounded dinner option.
Conclusion
Italian Hoagie Skewers are a delightful, simple-to-make appetizer that combines all the delicious flavors of a classic Italian hoagie but with a fun, easy-to-eat twist. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or a family gathering, these skewers are sure to be a hit. They’re versatile, customizable, and bursting with fresh, savory ingredients. Plus, they’re a great way to bring a bit of Italy to your table, offering all the richness of an Italian sub without the bread overload. So, fire up the grill, prepare your skewers, and enjoy this tasty, crowd-pleasing treat!