Every great Italian sub starts with one thing: the meats. While bread, cheese, and toppings matter, it’s the cold cuts that define the flavor, texture, and authenticity of this iconic sandwich. At one of your favorite restaurants, like Nelly’s Kitchen, we stick to tradition but bring our own twist, using a carefully selected lineup of premium Italian meats that work together to create a sub worth craving.
The Essentials of a Proper Italian Sub
A true Italian sub isn’t just a pile of deli meat. It’s a thoughtfully layered blend of flavors—salty, spicy, savory, and a little sweet. The right balance is everything. Let’s take a closer look at the meats that make our Italian sub a standout.
Salami: Bold and Tangy
Salami brings that classic Italian flavor you expect. It’s dry-cured, slightly tangy, and full of garlic and spice. We use it as a base layer because it packs a punch and holds up well to bold toppings and vinegar-based dressings.
Mortadella: Smooth and Savory
Often overlooked, mortadella adds a soft texture and mild, nutty flavor that balances the heat from spicier cuts. Think of it as the mellow counterpoint in the mix—it rounds out the sandwich and gives it depth.
Capicola: A Touch of Heat
Capicola, or “gabagool” as it’s affectionately known in some regions, is a cured pork shoulder seasoned with paprika and other spices. It has a subtle heat and savory depth that’s essential for a layered flavor experience.
Pepperoni: A Spicy Finisher
While not always found on traditional Italian subs, pepperoni brings a smoky, spicy kick that complements the milder cuts. At Nelly’s Kitchen, it adds just the right amount of bite without overwhelming the other flavors.
Cheese and the Supporting Cast
To tie everything together, we use aged provolone, known for its slightly sharp, nutty taste. It blends perfectly with the meats without overpowering them. Our fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and crisp red onion provide crunch and freshness, while our oil blend dressing enhances flavor without masking it.
And then there’s the bread: we serve our Italian sub on a fresh-baked braided roll—crusty on the outside, soft on the inside, and sturdy enough to hold it all together without falling apart.
What Not to Include
We skip the fillers. No turkey, processed ham, or mayonnaise. These might be great in other sandwiches, but they don’t belong on a true Italian sub. We like to keep it classic, bold, and full of flavor.
Nelly’s Kitchen | Haverhill Restaurants
You can read about flavor all day, but nothing beats that first bite. Our cold cut combination is carefully crafted, balanced, and served fresh every time. Come try the best Italian sub in town at Nelly’s Kitchen—where tradition meets flavor, and every bite tells a story. We’ll become one of your favorite Haverhill restaurants in no time!