If you’re looking for a party dip that doubles as a killer sub filling, this Chopped Italian Hoagie Dip is the answer. It’s like the best of both worlds: you get all the hearty, savory goodness of a classic Italian hoagie in a dip that’s fun to share! Whether you’re hosting a game day, potluck, or just craving something easy and delicious, this dip is sure to be a hit. Plus, it can easily be transformed into subs for a fun twist on the usual sandwich spread. We love to top it with a homemade copycat Subway Southwest Sauce (recipe coming soon!)

Now, let’s talk mayo. Not all mayonnaise is created equal. For this hoagie dip, you definitely want to go with clean mayonnaise. You can make your own Homemade Mayonnaise-Super Simple!, or Chosen Foods and Sir Kensington both make good clean options. No need for mystery ingredients, just real, good stuff.

As for the heat, I’m a huge fan of hot banana peppers in this dip. If you are buying a jar, double check that it doesn’t include food dye. I’m not sure why they seem to think our banana peppers need to be MORE yellow, but I think they’re yellow enough 😉. They add a nice zing, but if they aren’t your thing just leave them out. This recipe is super flexible, and you can make it as spicy or mild as you want. Oh, and you can even throw in some tomato if you’re feeling fancy. Personally, I skip it because most of the people in my house won’t touch anything with a tomato in it.

And here’s a little bonus: if you’re looking to go full sandwich mode, The Good Stuff Bake Shop occasionally offers sub buns on their weekly menu. So if you’re planning to turn this dip into a sub, you can grab the perfect fresh sub rolls.

Why is it a good idea to avoid nitrates?

Avoiding nitrates is a good idea because they can turn into potentially harmful chemicals in the body. Nitrates in processed meats like bacon and sausages can turn into nitrites, and when those are cooked at high heat, they can form nitrosamines, which have been linked to cancer. Plus, eating too many processed meats might also increase the risk of heart disease.

It’s worth noting that nitrates in vegetables are not a problem and actually come with lots of healthy nutrients. But when it comes to processed meats, it’s better to keep them in check and go for options that don’t have added nitrates or nitrites. A healthy, balanced diet with lots of whole foods is always a good way to go.

Keto Friendly?

This dip is so delicious and versatile. It’s so good that it could easily double as a sub-in-a-tub option for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet. No bread? No problem! Just grab a fork and dig in—you’ll be amazed at how satisfying it is on its own. You can also scoop it up with crunchy pork rinds, which give you that perfect salty, crispy bite without all the carbs. Or, if you prefer to keep it veggie-friendly, go ahead and use crisp slices of cucumber, celery, or bell peppers to load up on the dip. It’s a fantastic way to keep things fresh, low-carb, and still totally indulgent. Whether you’re snacking on it during the game or serving it at a party, this dip is guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who’s looking for something delicious.

Ingredients

pepperoni-uncured/nitrate free is best! The private selection brand at Kroger is usually nitrate free
salami-uncured/nitrate free is best! The private selection brand at Kroger is usually nitrate free
ham-uncured/nitrate free is best! The private selection brand at Kroger is usually nitrate free
provolone cheese- I like using pepper jack also!
banana peppers- if buying a jar, be sure they don’t include food dye
red onion
mayonnaise- You can make your own Homemade Mayonnaise-Super Simple!, or Chosen Foods and Sir Kensington both make good clean options.
Italian seasoning
iceberg or romaine lettuce

Directions

If it’s not already done, dice all of your ingredients, you’ll want the lettuce to be very finely chopped. Combine all of the ingredients except the lettuce, stir to combine. If I have time I like to let this hang out in the refrigerator to let all of the flavors meld together!
Just before serving stir in the lettuce, this helps to keep it from getting soggy.
Serve with crackers, chips or baguette slices. You can also serve on a hoagie roll, or for parties use a loaf of French bread to make a party sub!

You can also use Gluten Free rolls, chips, or crackers to keep this gluten free!

This dip is so good that it also could be eaten as a sub in a tub option for those looking for a keto or low carb snack! Just grab a fork and dive in, or you can also use pork rinds or veggies to load up with this dip! Yum!

Yield: 8 servings