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.
Marcie W. says
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.
Nichol says
Italian subs are my hubby’s favorite. They sound good, maybe I’ll make subs tonight since I’m dying in this heat.
Shell Feis says
Oh that looks so good! I don’t do ham but this would be PERFECT with roast beef & turkey. YUM!
Fiorella says
The Italian dressing is so versatile, you can use it on anything! Love all the pictures! It made me hungry just looking at them 🙂
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
Italian dressing makes everything better. I love the combo that you went with.
Anne says
Nice, I like the idea of using dressing on the salad to change up the taste.
Kath Rivera says
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.
Kelsey Apley says
My oh my, that looks SO good!!! I am so gonna have to make this!
Rachel says
Yum, that looks so good. I have been craving a good sandwich for awhile now. This is going to be lunch tomorrow.
Christina S says
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!
Alyssa C says
Mhmm, this Sandwich looks delicious!
Mhar Mg says
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.
Dawn says
That looks really good. I am especially loving the jalapenos!
Ari T. says
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.
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
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.
Virginia @thatbaldchick says
That zesty Italian hero sandwich looks so yummy. I have to make one now.
Mina Slater says
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!
Leira Pagaspas says
The Sandwich looks so good!! Perfect for a summer barbecue with friends.
Angela says
I love anything Italian! This Italian hero sandwich looks super tasty.
Karen @TheMissingNiche says
This looks so delicious! My kids love Italian subs, so do I! Thanks for documenting it so beautifully!
Mistee Dawn says
Yum, those look so good. I have to have one!
Rebecca Swenor says
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.
Family Travel Blogger says
WOw that looks really good, a hearty sandwich is perfect for summer lunch. You won me with the pickled jalapenos though.
[email protected] says
It’s National Grilling Month? I had no idea! These photos are terrific! Can’t wait to try it out 🙂
shannah @ Just Us Four says
That sandwich looks delicious. It would be the perfect thing to take on a summer picnic.
Yona says
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.
Leah says
This looks so good! I don’t typically eat mayo, but I may have to try this!
teresa mccluskey says
that sounds really good I love zesty food!
Veronica says
Great looking sandwich. Looks like fun to put together too
kristin says
That looks so good! I haven’t had a hero in a long time and I love that zesty Italian!
Chrysa says
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.
Nicole says
Forget Subway! This looks like a great summer lunch. Will be trying this one.
Marielle Altenor says
I bet the spicy mayo gave it an added kick! Recipe looks delicious!
Cassie @ Southeast by Midwest says
That sandwich looks and sounds amazing. I always love a little oil based product on my sandwiches, keeps them from being dry.
Amanda Love - Growing Up Madison says
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.
Veronica says
I agree! I thought of Brooklyn when I saw this
Tracey says
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!
Paula Krueger says
Mmm, this looks delicious. Italian dressing on burgers is a great idea!
Touristmeetstraveler says
This sandwich looks like it would taste great! I need to make it for myself sometime soon.
Sarah Bailey says
Oh yum this sounds delicious – I am a bit of a sandwich fan I have t have to admit. x
Krystal says
That looks SUPER awesome! I would love to try that sauce.
Krista says
Oh My! Yes please! That looks tasty!
Mel says
I love hero sandwiches. This one looks delicious!
Chelle @ Oh Just Stop Already says
Oh yummy! I like to use the Zesty Italian in my chicken stroganoff recipe.
Katie | Dixieland Sweets says
That looks just like a subway sandwich.. but BETTER!!! My husband would love this! Pinning for later!
Lisa Brown says
Looks great; now i’m hungry 🙂
Payal Bansal says
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
Carla S says
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.
Andrea Kruse says
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.
Debra says
These look delicious! I love that is summer grilling time!
Maria Oller says
Omg that sandwich looks wonderful better than the ones I daily eat at sub (sorta addicted tho)
Mommy Has A Life says
You take awesome food photos! I love it!
Oh and the sandwich looks delicious– but that could be your awesome food photography skills 🙂
Maria Oller says
I know I love her pictures I wish I could take pictures as great as those
Carly Bellard says
What a great recipe! These look super delicious!
Crystal says
Looks so good, I don’t know if I would want to share it! Thanks for the recipe!
Lois Alter Mark says
YUM! Totally agree that the dressing is the key, and this one looks amazing!
Hollywoodhiccups says
Those sandwiches look amazing, I would love to make myself one!
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs says
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.
Mrs. Mashed Up says
Sounds good!
Lady Lilith says
Looks so yumm. Thanks for sharing the photographs.
celebbabylaundry says
That reminds me I need to have a BBQ soon, I’m craving some burgers right now.
Ashley - Embracing Beauty says
That sounds so yummy! Your pictures are totally gorgeous too – they’re making me hungy!!
Jessica says
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.
Brett Martin says
These heros looks delish! These are great photos. I love a great sandwich with a kick.
Jenn @ The Rebel Chick says
You are so right! The dressing totally makes the flavor of an Italian sub!
Sarah @ Must Have Mom says
Great summer time sandwiches! Italian dressing is one of my sandwich must haves!
Jordan says
How cool! This looks great! Thank you!
noelle d says
minus the jalapenos, that sandwich looks AMAZING
Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting says
OMG this looks so so good!
becca says
Oh my the sandwich looks good and I would never have thought to put Italian dressing on it.
Melanie says
This looks like it would be excellent for lunch OR dinner!!
Erica says
Gosh this looks fantastic! We love the Kraft Sandwich Shop Chipolte Mayo. Yum!
Ann Bacciaglia says
I am going to check and see if my local grocery store carries the Kraft Mayo. Not sure if it is in Canada.
Beth says
Yum!!! I love sandwiches and those look really yummy!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
much better alternative than regular oil and vinegar on a sandwich!
Stevie says
I like using the french bread & also adding spicy mayo. My husband would definitely like that part.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
I love this dressing it’s so versatile and can be used in so many recipes.
Sojourner says
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.
Donna says
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.
Elayna Fernandez ~ The Positive MOM says
I didn’t know it was national grilling month. How fun. My husband loves to grill veggies. I just sit back and relax.
maria @ close to home says
These would be awesome sandwiches to take on a picnic. My kids lovesubs
Christie says
I love adding italian dressing to my sandwiches! This looks so tasty!
Theresa @ Faith and Family Reviews says
It looks good! I’m still hungry and would love to try one of these.
Joanna Sormunen says
That is one delicious sandwich! I really wish I could have one right now, yummy!
Penelope Guzman says
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.
Shauna says
oooh, I never thought of adding the dressing to a sandwich… Love the idea… and will have to try it. Thanks so much!
Lynsey @MoscatoMom says
YUM. I love sandwiches like that but can never make them that pretty at home lol
Crystal Green says
This is such a great looking sandwich. That dressing looks really delicious.
Amy ALvarado says
Oh my gosh. DH will def love this sandwich. Thanks for the awesome recipe!
Amber NElson says
That looks so heavenly! We love sandwiches in the summer.
Jaime says
This Italian dressing is so good. I use it all the time in pasta salads and we have it on hand all year round.
FamiGami says
Italian dressing in a burger? yet again, I am perplexed and intrigued!
Dawn Lopez says
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 😉
Pam says
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.
Pam says
That looks delicious! Really like using French bread! Its is a family favorite, and we are all big fans of mayonnaise.
LaTonya (Detroit Mom) says
Those are some really tasty looking sandwiches. Sandwiches are our go to foods for the summertime
Pam says
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.
Ashley Trail says
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 !
Cat @ TOTS says
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.
Meagan says
Okay, my mouth is watering! That looks SO yummy! I’m impressed, looks better than anything I’d find at the deli!
Marya says
That looks amazing – great for summer picnics! And love your photography, by the way!
Janel says
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.
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says
I would LOVE this, the sauces are perfect – exactly how I like my sub!
Jennifer B says
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!
Ann Bacciaglia says
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!
Lori says
That looks delicious! I should make one of those tomorrow for lunch!
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
I love sandwiches in the summer time. This looks amazing!
Katy Rawson says
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.
cyndi says
This sounds and looks so yummy! I want a giant sandwich now!
susan says
This looks amazing! I would love to make this for a picnic, I am sure my guests would love this!
[email protected] says
That sandwich looks so good. So ready for grilling season.
BethK says
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!!!!
Jessica (Savory Experiments) says
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!
[email protected] Tastes Good says
This sandwich looks fantastic! I love salad dressings on sandwiches!! yummm
aleshea says
This looks so good and is making me hungry. I also love how clear your pics are.
Jennifer says
This looks so good! I’m not a spicy food person, but my husband would definitely devour this!
xmasdolly says
Wow! You cook better than Subway! I’ll take two… no need to toast! hehehehe Thanks for sharing.
janelle says
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!
christy karch says
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 🙂
HilLesha says
Oh goodness. my husband would LOVE this!
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
Ooo, looks good! I enjoy creatively-building a unique sandwhich, as well!
Amanda A says
oh that looks so yummy! My hubby would love it
Janell Poulette says
I love adding salad dressing to my sandwiches. It adds so much flavor!
Sara Zielinski says
These sandwiches look so good, I would like to make them
Angela S says
Now that’s my kind of sandwich! I love putting zesty Italian dressing on subs. Yummy!
Jen - Life With Levi says
What a great to spice up a sub!
Jessica says
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 🙂
Kungphoo says
Big fan of these.. i like them all loaded up!
janelle says
this looks good. I will have to keep this to make later
Paula Parker says
I love Italian dressing. I have never done anything with it besides put it on a salad. Thank you for the ideas!
Elisebet F says
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.
Ivory Glass says
looka amazing I am of to try this now!
Wendy says
YUM! That looks fantastic! I’d add some spicy italian cold cuts, as well. I love snadwiches
Tough Cookie Mommy says
These sandwiches are perfect for taking on picnics and on road trips. They look really good.
Lisa says
My hubby would love these!
Laura says
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!
Courtney says
Yum! What a great summer (or even spring!) meal idea! I’ve been filling up our menu with great ideas, so thanks!
Emilee says
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.
Ellen Christian says
My son would love this. He’s a huge fan of jalapenos.
mary says
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.
Rachel @RunningRachel says
Yummy!! This looks really good!
Not So Average Mama says
I’ll take a veggie only version! YUM!
Regina H. says
yummy
Stacie says
This sounds absolutely amazing. Will have to put it on my list to try very soon.
Melissa says
I love sandwiches! That looks sooo good! I’m totally making it for my husband.
Amber Conaway says
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!
Louida says
I always love a good sandwich and this sandwich looks very tasty! Kraft always make the best condiments!
Melissa says
Kraft really does! Our fridge is stocked with their stuff!
Andrea B (@goodgirlgonered) says
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. 🙂
Kungphoo says
MMM i was just thinking about lunch!! I love Italian heroes.
Amylk says
YUM! I love to marinate my meats in Kraft dressings before I cook them.
Elizabeth @Being MVP says
oh those are perfect for summer get togethers with friends. kind of want one for lunch now!
Deborah Pucci says
Looks delicious, your making me hungry……
Rosey says
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!
Heather says
Oh this looks great!! I’ll have to try that Italian dressing!
Samantha Angell says
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!
Amber Edwards says
Oh that looks delicious! That is so similar to the types of foods we used to get in Europe!
Jennifer Williams says
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.
Sherri Jo says
oh wow! This looks incredible… something I would love to pack for a picnic in the park with the kids 🙂 Thank you!
Dee says
This looks fantastic. I love a good sandwich.
Topazshell says
The sandwiches look delicious along with the drink.
Jen V says
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.
Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says
Mmmm, this sandwich is mouth-watering. It’s almost lunch here, I may just have to make this for lunch! Thanks!
Janet W. says
I love all of the ingredients you added to that sandwich! Looks delicious!
Bekki says
Looks yummy! I just grilled turkey burgers for the first time last night and absolutely loved them. Love firing up the grill!
Anna says
This sounds great. We love sandwiches! Thanks for sharing!
Kelli A says
I love making my own subs at home. Always taste much better! Yours looks so yummy!!
myrah - Coupon Mamacita says
You got me at the grilling! BOY does that look inviting!
Estelle says
My mouth is watering just reading about these sandwich recipes. I need to go make myself a sandwich…now. Thanks for sharing them.
Terri Ingraham | Sugar Free Glow says
Your pics look amazing! The burgers are making me hungry!
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
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!
Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says
Oooh! Looks great! I am a big fan of Italian dressing!
Tina Marie says
I’ve never thought of combining the Italian dressing with the Sandwich Mayo. It sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Debbie L. says
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!
brett says
i LOVE italian dressing on my grinders!! i’ve never met anyone who calls them heros before, lady. you win that prize!
Mally says
You Krafted a wonderful looking sammy!
Debbie Denny says
That looks so fresh and tasty. I just love Italian dressing in so many things!
Debbie L. says
I agree Debbie – I never thought to add to italian beef – excellent idea! Now I will be trying new ways to use Italian dressing!
Franc Ramon says
The Good Seasons Italian Dressing looks really tasty and makes the hero sandwich better.
Laura C says
I was with you till the olives.
kath g. says
you should be a food stylist! those photos look amazing….you really know how to lay out an appetizing sandwich.
Michelle F. says
That looks so good! I love that you dressed the lettuce in the sandwich.
Nisha says
Grilled meat is my favourite part of any menu and seeing those pics is making my mouth water 🙂
saminder gumer says
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.
ellen beck says
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.
Patty says
Nothing like a delicious sandwich to make a party sing.
Colleen says
That is my favorite dressing and I love it on sandwiches.
Kathy says
That looks fantastic! I love a little spicy on my sandwiches!
Terry says
That sandwich looks fantastic! I love your creativity. Good Seasons makes the BEST Italian dressing ever.
Larissa Melnik says
Wow that hero looks amazing! I never thought to use the Italian dressing on a sandwich before! Where have I been!!?!?!?!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
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!