Zesty Hot Ham and Cheese Hoagies are loaded with layers of ham, cheese, and a seasoned butter that soaks into every bite. Baked until golden and bubbly, they’re warm, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor-perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or game day crowd-pleaser.
This simple recipe elevates the hot ham and cheese to another level. When I need a quick meal and I ask my family for ideas, many times this ham sandwich is what they suggest. We all have those busy nights and need something fast to feed the family, but don't want to go through the fast food line. You can serve these with fries, chips, or any side dish you prefer. They are also really good as game day snacks. A platter of them will take you no time at all to make.
Try some of our other quick favorites: Ham and Cheese Sliders, Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, Bubble Up Lasagna, or Easy Chicken Cobbler.
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Ingredients for Zesty Italian Hot Ham and Cheese
- butter
- dry Italian dressing mix
- hoagie rolls
- cheese slices
- ham slices
FAQs
Yes! Assemble the sandwiches, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add the butter glaze right before baking for best texture.
Thinly sliced deli ham works great because it layers easily and heats evenly. Honey ham, smoked ham, or black forest ham all add delicious flavor.
Provolone, Swiss, mozzarella, or white American cheese melt beautifully. You can even mix two cheeses for extra flavor and gooey texture.
Absolutely! Try sliced banana peppers, red onions, Dijon mustard, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for even more zing.
Store cooled hoagies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yes. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven for best results.
Top Tips
- You can change the sandwich with different types of cheese. If you prefer cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, gouda, or provolone, change the swiss out for this. Most cheese types will work for this.
- Make it spicy by adding in banana pepper slices or jalapeno peppers.
- I usually use the 6 pack of hoagie rolls from the bread aisle. However, you can change the bread out for the hoagie rolls with no seeds, or whole wheat.
- Depending on size of cheese and the size of you hoagie rolls, will determine how many slices of cheese and ham is used. I use 1-2 slices of cheese per sandwich, along with at least 2 slices of ham.
How to make Hot Ham and Cheese Hoagies
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare your sheet pan with parchment paper or cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter and 2 packs of dry Italian seasoning packets.
- Lay your hoagie rolls out on your sheet pan. Spread about 2 teaspoons of butter mix on the inside of the hoagie, on both top and bottom.
- Place at least 2 slices of ham on the bottom of each hoagie roll.
- Lay 1-2 slices of cheese on top of the ham. Or you can lay one slice of cheese under the ham and one slice on top of ham.
- Close the sandwiches by placing the bread tops on. Spread about a tablespoon of butter over the top.
- Place into the oven and bake about 15 minutes, depending on your oven and how crispy you like your sandwiches. Remove from oven and serve with a side dish of your choice. Enjoy!
Zesty Italian Ham Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter
- 1-2 .6 or .7 packets of dry Italian dressing mix
- 6-8 hoagie rolls
- 12 slices cheese
- 16 oz. ham slices
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare your sheet pan with parchment paper or cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter and 2 packs of dry Italian seasoning packets.
- Lay your hoagie rolls out on your sheet pan. Spread about 2 teaspoons of butter mix on the inside of the hoagie, on both top and bottom.
- Spread about 1-2 teaspoons of butter mix on the inside of the hoagie, on both top and bottom. Cover both sides with a thin layer.
- Place at least 2 slices of ham on the bottom of each hoagie roll.
- Lay 1-2 slices of cheese on top of the ham. Or you can lay one slice of cheese under the ham and one slice on top of ham.
- Close the sandwiches by placing the bread tops on. Spread about a tablespoon of butter over the top.
- Place into the oven and bake about 15 minutes, depending on your oven and how crispy you like your sandwiches. Remove from oven and serve with a side dish of your choice. Enjoy!
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