It’s National Grilling Month, and I’ve already got burgers, chicken, ribs and veggies on my 4th of July party menu. I can hardly wait!
I’ve also got some weekend getaways on the calendar, and I’m planning some make-ahead meals (sandwiches and finger foods) for those trips. I’ll put a cooler in the back of the van and load it up with sandwiches, drinks and goodies.
Most of the time I make simple sandwiches, but Kraft sent a really nice gift basket to me recently with a Good Seasons Italian dressing and cruet kit in it. I’m not a salad dressing on salad person at all, but I love, love, love to use Good Seasons Italian dressing packets in my recipes, especially my slow-cooked Italian beef sandwiches.
This month I decided to add some flavor to another classic sandwich favorite, the sub, and I made some Zesty Italian Hero sandwiches.
I’ve shared the ingredients and directions with KraftRecipes.com so please visit the site for full details on how to make it, but here’s the gist of what I did.
Start with a French bread loaf that’s about a foot long. Don’t buy one of those skinny minis; choose a nice wide one, so there’s room for all your yummy sandwich ingredients!
On the bottom half, I put some Provolone cheese slices and and two different kinds of Kraft Deli Fresh lunch meat. There are lots of varieties, so buy whatever you like best, but I went with turkey and ham.
Then I added some lettuce, onion and the pièce de résistance – the zesty flavor of the Italian dressing mix. Good Seasons is good stuff! Then I added some tomato slices.
On the top half, I spread some Kraft Sandwich Shop Hot & Spicy Mayo. (They have lots of other flavors too.)
Sprinkle on some pickled jalapenos, and then put the sandwich back together.
Cut your Zesty Italian Hero into four equal sized servings, and enjoy with some friends!
The beauty of a sandwich is that you can add more, add less and change things up without destroying the integrity, so have fun being creative!
I created this sandwich as part of my Kraft Tastemaker partnership.
I love fresh hoagie type sandwiches especially in the summer or while watching sports. I use the dry Italian Dressing packets in a few recipes and feel it really adds a great depth of flavor.
Italian subs are my hubby’s favorite. They sound good, maybe I’ll make subs tonight since I’m dying in this heat.
Oh that looks so good! I don’t do ham but this would be PERFECT with roast beef & turkey. YUM!
The Italian dressing is so versatile, you can use it on anything! Love all the pictures! It made me hungry just looking at them 🙂
Italian dressing makes everything better. I love the combo that you went with.
Nice, I like the idea of using dressing on the salad to change up the taste.
Yummy! I had ham and cheese hero sandwich three days ago and seeing these Italian Hero Sandwich makes me want to go back to Hoagies to get another sandwich. I bet this one is very good since the dressing looks delish.
My oh my, that looks SO good!!! I am so gonna have to make this!
Yum, that looks so good. I have been craving a good sandwich for awhile now. This is going to be lunch tomorrow.
That looks like a great sandwich! We actually had subs last night for dinner. I need to pick up some of the sandwich shop mayos!
Mhmm, this Sandwich looks delicious!
My husband and I were just talking about what to serve on July 4th. We thought of simple light food. And hamburgers are great idea. Sandwiches are too.
That looks really good. I am especially loving the jalapenos!
Yum! I love adding seasoned and other zesty sauces or dressings to my sandwiches. I’ll have to try out the Hot & Spicy Kraft Mayo.
That looks like a mighty flavorful sandwich. I love that you added the zesty itallian dressing. I’m sure it tasts amazing. I’ll have to try it.
That zesty Italian hero sandwich looks so yummy. I have to make one now.
Okay now I’m hungry again and wish I had this for dinner! I’m a huge Kraft brand fan and I’m definitely going to make this a dinner or lunch plan this week!
The Sandwich looks so good!! Perfect for a summer barbecue with friends.
I love anything Italian! This Italian hero sandwich looks super tasty.
This looks so delicious! My kids love Italian subs, so do I! Thanks for documenting it so beautifully!
Yum, those look so good. I have to have one!
This would be something my kids would use. My grandmother had something like this when I was younger for making dressings and she was Italian. The sandwich looks great. Thanks for sharing.
WOw that looks really good, a hearty sandwich is perfect for summer lunch. You won me with the pickled jalapenos though.
It’s National Grilling Month? I had no idea! These photos are terrific! Can’t wait to try it out 🙂
That sandwich looks delicious. It would be the perfect thing to take on a summer picnic.
I love Provolone cheese and those hoagie buns are making me hungry. All of these pictures are getting me in the mood for a hero sandwich.
This looks so good! I don’t typically eat mayo, but I may have to try this!
that sounds really good I love zesty food!
Great looking sandwich. Looks like fun to put together too
That looks so good! I haven’t had a hero in a long time and I love that zesty Italian!
First off that sandwich looks DELISH and I want to make one just like it. I do forget about that Zesty Italian dressing from Kraft. I’ll have to get some to make this for my family.
Forget Subway! This looks like a great summer lunch. Will be trying this one.
I bet the spicy mayo gave it an added kick! Recipe looks delicious!
That sandwich looks and sounds amazing. I always love a little oil based product on my sandwiches, keeps them from being dry.
This reminds me of the Hero’s I would buy at the corner store in Brooklyn. They were absolutely delicious and I’m sure this one is too.
I agree! I thought of Brooklyn when I saw this
This looks so good, just like a Subway one but even more appetizing…now I’m hungry and it’s not even close to lunch time yet!
Mmm, this looks delicious. Italian dressing on burgers is a great idea!
This sandwich looks like it would taste great! I need to make it for myself sometime soon.
Oh yum this sounds delicious – I am a bit of a sandwich fan I have t have to admit. x
That looks SUPER awesome! I would love to try that sauce.
Oh My! Yes please! That looks tasty!
I love hero sandwiches. This one looks delicious!
Oh yummy! I like to use the Zesty Italian in my chicken stroganoff recipe.
That looks just like a subway sandwich.. but BETTER!!! My husband would love this! Pinning for later!
Looks great; now i’m hungry 🙂
ummmm…. cant stop drooling! You shouldnt have shown, The making of a Delicious Italian Hero Sandwich so nicely… I just had lunch, but I am feeling hungry again
This looks like an excellent sandwich. I’m going to make these and I’m going to add swiss cheese and green bellpeppers. Thanks for the recipe.
Yum! I just love the versatility of Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing. I used it to make Sourdough French Bread… I think it would also make awesome croutons for homemade tomato soup.
These look delicious! I love that is summer grilling time!
Omg that sandwich looks wonderful better than the ones I daily eat at sub (sorta addicted tho)
You take awesome food photos! I love it!
Oh and the sandwich looks delicious– but that could be your awesome food photography skills 🙂
I know I love her pictures I wish I could take pictures as great as those
What a great recipe! These look super delicious!
Looks so good, I don’t know if I would want to share it! Thanks for the recipe!
YUM! Totally agree that the dressing is the key, and this one looks amazing!
Those sandwiches look amazing, I would love to make myself one!
That sounds delicious. I don’t usually add dressing to my sandwiches but seems like a great addition. Love the tip to choose a nice wide loaf for more room to stack on yum.
Sounds good!
Looks so yumm. Thanks for sharing the photographs.
That reminds me I need to have a BBQ soon, I’m craving some burgers right now.
That sounds so yummy! Your pictures are totally gorgeous too – they’re making me hungy!!
Indeed! — “The beauty of a sandwich is that you can add more, add less and change things up without destroying the integrity…”
In my case, I’d have to go with less–way less–yummy jalapenos. I think going for a half and half recipe would suit my family better. I love spicy. He doesn’t–quite as much.
These heros looks delish! These are great photos. I love a great sandwich with a kick.
You are so right! The dressing totally makes the flavor of an Italian sub!
Great summer time sandwiches! Italian dressing is one of my sandwich must haves!
How cool! This looks great! Thank you!
minus the jalapenos, that sandwich looks AMAZING
OMG this looks so so good!
Oh my the sandwich looks good and I would never have thought to put Italian dressing on it.
This looks like it would be excellent for lunch OR dinner!!
Gosh this looks fantastic! We love the Kraft Sandwich Shop Chipolte Mayo. Yum!
I am going to check and see if my local grocery store carries the Kraft Mayo. Not sure if it is in Canada.
Yum!!! I love sandwiches and those look really yummy!
much better alternative than regular oil and vinegar on a sandwich!
I like using the french bread & also adding spicy mayo. My husband would definitely like that part.
I love this dressing it’s so versatile and can be used in so many recipes.
I love cold summer sandwiches. Sometimes it’s so hot outside, the last thing you want to do is stand over a hot stove or grill.
That sub looks de.lic.sious! I haven’t made subs in awhile, you’ve inspired me. And I always use Kraft Italian dressing on mine.
I didn’t know it was national grilling month. How fun. My husband loves to grill veggies. I just sit back and relax.
These would be awesome sandwiches to take on a picnic. My kids lovesubs
I love adding italian dressing to my sandwiches! This looks so tasty!
It looks good! I’m still hungry and would love to try one of these.
That is one delicious sandwich! I really wish I could have one right now, yummy!
You’re making me hungry for a nice size sub sandwich. I have to agree with you that it’s nice to be able to add or take away items on them. I love a good dressing, and Kraft knows how to make them.
oooh, I never thought of adding the dressing to a sandwich… Love the idea… and will have to try it. Thanks so much!
YUM. I love sandwiches like that but can never make them that pretty at home lol
This is such a great looking sandwich. That dressing looks really delicious.
Oh my gosh. DH will def love this sandwich. Thanks for the awesome recipe!
That looks so heavenly! We love sandwiches in the summer.
This Italian dressing is so good. I use it all the time in pasta salads and we have it on hand all year round.
Italian dressing in a burger? yet again, I am perplexed and intrigued!
I can’t believe we’ve already hit Summer and it’s nearly the 4th of July! Time sure seems to fly right by, doesn’t it? Let me just say you really know how to make a beautiful looking sandwich 😉
Looks delicious to me. My oldest son just loves sandwiches like this and I do too so we will have to have some this week.
That looks delicious! Really like using French bread! Its is a family favorite, and we are all big fans of mayonnaise.
Those are some really tasty looking sandwiches. Sandwiches are our go to foods for the summertime
I love sandwiches like this in the summer! They taste great and there’s no heating up the kitchen. Italian dressing is great on so many things.
I don’t usually like sandwiches like that, but this one looks ok as long as I don’t have to put any bologna in there !
Italian dressing is one of my favourite secret weapons in the kitchen. I love it on potatoes or chicken, or anything really. It makes cooking sooooo easy.
Okay, my mouth is watering! That looks SO yummy! I’m impressed, looks better than anything I’d find at the deli!
That looks amazing – great for summer picnics! And love your photography, by the way!
That sandwich looks great! We are all picky and like our sandwiches our own particular way, so I have to do sandwiches that are easy to customize.
I would LOVE this, the sauces are perfect – exactly how I like my sub!
Now this looks like a scrumptious sandwich!! Reminds of the ones I like from my favorite sub shop but these can be made right at home!
What a great idea. I’ve never thought of using salad dressings in anything other than salad. Thanks for sharing, I am going to start experimenting with salad dressing!
That looks delicious! I should make one of those tomorrow for lunch!
I love sandwiches in the summer time. This looks amazing!
Aren’t you the clever one. I don’t think I would have thought to use the seasoning in a sandwich. That will definitely kick it up a notch. I wouldn’t use the Hot & Spicy mayo so I’d have to check out the other flavors available. Great suggestion, thanks.
This sounds and looks so yummy! I want a giant sandwich now!
This looks amazing! I would love to make this for a picnic, I am sure my guests would love this!
That sandwich looks so good. So ready for grilling season.
All these ideas for great food combinations gets me excited to hold a get-together in my backyard or have a picnic on the beach. Hooray for Summer!!!!
I’m still waiting my invite to your 4th of July party, friend. Cause if you are serving your famous “perfect” burgers and these hero’s, I don’t want to miss it!
This sandwich looks fantastic! I love salad dressings on sandwiches!! yummm
This looks so good and is making me hungry. I also love how clear your pics are.
This looks so good! I’m not a spicy food person, but my husband would definitely devour this!
Wow! You cook better than Subway! I’ll take two… no need to toast! hehehehe Thanks for sharing.
I really love the picture with the dressing. not that the sandwich doesn’t look amazing, but as a food blogger myself, I am always looking at food pics!
This sandwich made my mouth water, I love good seasonings as well and now have the urge to go get some to copy your idea 🙂
Oh goodness. my husband would LOVE this!
Ooo, looks good! I enjoy creatively-building a unique sandwhich, as well!
oh that looks so yummy! My hubby would love it
I love adding salad dressing to my sandwiches. It adds so much flavor!
These sandwiches look so good, I would like to make them
Now that’s my kind of sandwich! I love putting zesty Italian dressing on subs. Yummy!
What a great to spice up a sub!
Those look so good right now! It’s long past lunch time but I am STARVING. This sandwich would be heavenly. It looks fresh and yummy 🙂
Big fan of these.. i like them all loaded up!
this looks good. I will have to keep this to make later
I love Italian dressing. I have never done anything with it besides put it on a salad. Thank you for the ideas!
Okay, I had NO IDEA that Kraft sold a hot & spicy mayo, but I want it! I’m not usually fan of plain mayo, but I think I’d love that. I wonder if it would taste good with shrimp? Kind of like a Bonefish Grill “Bang-Bang Shrimp”? Their sauce always tastes like sweet spicy mayo to me.
looka amazing I am of to try this now!
YUM! That looks fantastic! I’d add some spicy italian cold cuts, as well. I love snadwiches
These sandwiches are perfect for taking on picnics and on road trips. They look really good.
My hubby would love these!
I love sandwiches! I like to add fun odd things to my sandwiches to make the unique and I have not tried that spicy mayo! I will have to pick some up! Thanks!
Yum! What a great summer (or even spring!) meal idea! I’ve been filling up our menu with great ideas, so thanks!
Ohhh I haven’t had lunch yet &&& THAT is making me very hungry! I looove a good sandwich! Especially in the summer. Sandwiches are a great cool & light meal.
My son would love this. He’s a huge fan of jalapenos.
That sandwich looks wonderful. I love the bite of an Italian dressing on a sandwich and I would think adding the zesty would be delicious.
Yummy!! This looks really good!
I’ll take a veggie only version! YUM!
yummy
This sounds absolutely amazing. Will have to put it on my list to try very soon.
I love sandwiches! That looks sooo good! I’m totally making it for my husband.
Oh my goodness that is the best looking sandwich! You’re making me SO hungry lol I can’t wait to try this looks DELICIOUS!
I always love a good sandwich and this sandwich looks very tasty! Kraft always make the best condiments!
Kraft really does! Our fridge is stocked with their stuff!
These look really good. I’d totally add this to a simple turkey sandwich. And this summer my tomato addiction has kicked up something strong, so I can see layering tomatoes in the middle. Mmn. 🙂
MMM i was just thinking about lunch!! I love Italian heroes.
YUM! I love to marinate my meats in Kraft dressings before I cook them.
oh those are perfect for summer get togethers with friends. kind of want one for lunch now!
Looks delicious, your making me hungry……
That does look tasty. I don’t like dressing on my green salad either (with one exception) but I do love dressing recipes, on subs, and especially on my pasta salad. Zesty Italian is the best!
Oh this looks great!! I’ll have to try that Italian dressing!
I had to stop reading (for now!) as I haven’t had lunch and you are making my mouth water. Thanks for sharing a great recipe!
Oh that looks delicious! That is so similar to the types of foods we used to get in Europe!
I am jealous, we do not have a grill yet where we are living – hopefully soon. I would love to give the recipe for the sandwich a try, I use the Italian seasoning mix quite often for recipes so I know my boys love it.
oh wow! This looks incredible… something I would love to pack for a picnic in the park with the kids 🙂 Thank you!
This looks fantastic. I love a good sandwich.
The sandwiches look delicious along with the drink.
You are making me hungry! I love Italian dressing on my salads, but also love to use it in recipes. It adds such great flavor.
Mmmm, this sandwich is mouth-watering. It’s almost lunch here, I may just have to make this for lunch! Thanks!
I love all of the ingredients you added to that sandwich! Looks delicious!
Looks yummy! I just grilled turkey burgers for the first time last night and absolutely loved them. Love firing up the grill!
This sounds great. We love sandwiches! Thanks for sharing!
I love making my own subs at home. Always taste much better! Yours looks so yummy!!
You got me at the grilling! BOY does that look inviting!
My mouth is watering just reading about these sandwich recipes. I need to go make myself a sandwich…now. Thanks for sharing them.
Your pics look amazing! The burgers are making me hungry!
Italian dressing is so good on so many things, and my perfect marinade. Adding it to burgers and soaking chicken is my favorite thing to grill!
Oooh! Looks great! I am a big fan of Italian dressing!
I’ve never thought of combining the Italian dressing with the Sandwich Mayo. It sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing!
I love Kraft Zesty Italian…I make a fantastic pasta salad using it! I had never thought to make Italian beef with it! SOUNDS DELICIOUS!!!! Pinned your Slow Cooked Italian Beef recipe!
i LOVE italian dressing on my grinders!! i’ve never met anyone who calls them heros before, lady. you win that prize!
You Krafted a wonderful looking sammy!
That looks so fresh and tasty. I just love Italian dressing in so many things!
I agree Debbie – I never thought to add to italian beef – excellent idea! Now I will be trying new ways to use Italian dressing!
The Good Seasons Italian Dressing looks really tasty and makes the hero sandwich better.
I was with you till the olives.
you should be a food stylist! those photos look amazing….you really know how to lay out an appetizing sandwich.
That looks so good! I love that you dressed the lettuce in the sandwich.
Grilled meat is my favourite part of any menu and seeing those pics is making my mouth water 🙂
this sandwich seems so light and great for summer. i love the ingredients. the only thing i would change is take out the meat and substitute a veggie pattie or faux meat because i am a vegetarian.
That looks very good! We are huge sandwich eaters in the summer because we are on the go. It also keeps the kitchen cool. I bet this one is tasty.
Nothing like a delicious sandwich to make a party sing.
That is my favorite dressing and I love it on sandwiches.
That looks fantastic! I love a little spicy on my sandwiches!
That sandwich looks fantastic! I love your creativity. Good Seasons makes the BEST Italian dressing ever.
Wow that hero looks amazing! I never thought to use the Italian dressing on a sandwich before! Where have I been!!?!?!?!
That sounds like an awesome sandwich. I could make a big one like that, bring it along on a picnic and feed the whole fam!