Experience all the beloved elements of a classic Italian deli sandwich – premium meats, savory cheeses, vibrant peppers, crisp lettuce, and a delectable dressing – transformed into an unforgettable, piled-high dip. This Chicago Style Hoagie Dip is set to become your new go-to appetizer for game days, gatherings, and any occasion craving a taste of authentic deli deliciousness!
As January unfolds, blanketing the ground with a fresh layer of snow, there’s a unique energy in the air. People are embracing their New Year’s resolutions with renewed vigor, cherishing the crisp start to another year. For many, January represents a chance to reset, to pursue new goals, and to rekindle healthy habits after the indulgence of the holiday season. I, too, find myself a fan of this particular month. While my “goals” are often set with a flexible spirit, I do enjoy the return to lighter desserts and hitting the treadmill with determination. After all, the memory of countless cookies, cakes, and rich holiday treats from December provides ample motivation, especially with spring breaks and warmer weather just around the corner!
Beyond resolutions and fresh starts, January holds a special place in my heart as my birthday month. Now, I wouldn’t go so far as to claim the entire month for myself, but I truly adore my birthday. It’s that one day of the year that feels entirely mine, a perfect excuse to celebrate and enjoy. It’s also the singular day I can convince my husband to join me for a game of bowling. We literally lace up our bowling shoes once a year, every January, and it’s always a blast. There’s something undeniably satisfying about sending pins flying and enjoying a few laughs (and perhaps a few beers!) with your most competitive friends, all while celebrating another year around the sun.
My husband has already posed the perennial birthday question: “What do you want?” And while my mental wish list is extensive, my actual “needs” are quite limited. So, I’m currently on a quest to dream up something truly exciting and memorable for my special day. If you have any brilliant ideas for unique birthday experiences or gifts, I’m all ears!
Soon enough, January gracefully transitions into February. By this point, many of us might be finding our initial New Year’s resolutions starting to loosen their grip. But fear not, February brings its own exciting events: the anticipation of the BIG football game and the romance of Valentine’s Day. For me, any excuse to indulge in an array of delicious dips and decadent desserts is a complete win. I love the planning stage, often starting weeks in advance, meticulously considering what culinary delights I’ll bring to the party or serve for a cozy night in.
And this year, I have two words for you: Hoagie Dip. This creation isn’t just good; it’s genuinely sensational. I’m talking about a dip so irresistible that I found myself bypassing the bread entirely, diving in with a spoon without a hint of shame. This Chicago Style Hoagie Dip masterfully captures all the vibrant, savory flavors you adore in an authentic Chicago-style deli sandwich. Imagine those hearty meats, cheeses, and fresh veggies, all finely chopped into perfect bite-sized pieces and served as a revolutionary dip. To be completely honest, it’s not designed for the delicate dip-and-scoop action you might expect from a creamy hummus. This is a robust, substantial dip that truly shines when you pile it high onto a sturdy cracker, a crunchy piece of baguette, or even better, enjoy it by the spoonful! It’s a full-flavored experience, making it an ideal centerpiece for any gathering.
The moment I tasted this Chicago Style Hoagie Dip, I was transported back to my childhood, to a beloved sandwich shop my dad and I would frequent. Growing up only about an hour from the iconic “Windy City,” I learned a thing or two about what truly constitutes “Chicago style.” And let me assure you, friends, this recipe is spot on. Forget the fuss of assembling individual subs; simply chop up all those incredible ingredients, combine them in a bowl, and watch it disappear. On game day, no one cares about perfectly constructed sandwiches; they just want to eat, and they want it fast, easy, and incredibly flavorful. This dip delivers on all counts, offering the full impact of an Italian sub without the intricate layering, making it perfect for hungry fans eager to get back to the action.
Crafting this magnificent dip begins with selecting the classic deli meats that are the cornerstone of any authentic Chicago Italian deli hoagie sandwich. I started with a flavorful quartet: finely diced pancetta for a rich, savory depth, tender mortadella, lean turkey, and robust Genoa salami. These provide a beautiful balance of textures and tastes. For an even grander spread, feel free to include other Italian deli favorites like thinly sliced ham, spicy capicola, or delicate prosciutto. Each addition only enhances the symphony of flavors. Then comes the cheese – and for true authenticity, it absolutely must be provolone. Its slightly sharp, wonderfully creamy profile is not only delicious but essential for that genuine hoagie experience. Dice all these premium meats and the provolone into small, uniform pieces, then gently place them into a large mixing bowl, ready for the next layer of flavor.
Next, to introduce a refreshing crunch and vibrant color, finely chop half a head of crisp lettuce and quarter about half a cup of sweet cherry tomatoes. These fresh components cut through the richness of the meats and cheese, adding a delightful textural contrast. Toss these fresh vegetables into the bowl with your diced meats and cheese. Then, for that essential zesty kick, throw in some sliced pepperoncinis. Their tangy, slightly spicy brine is a non-negotiable component of a true Italian hoagie, and they add an incredible zing to this dip. Mix all these elements gently to ensure an even distribution.
The heart of this dip’s incredible flavor lies in its super simple, yet utterly delicious, dressing. In a separate small bowl, whisk together a quarter cup of creamy mayonnaise, one and a half tablespoons of rich extra virgin olive oil, a tablespoon of robust Italian seasoning, and one tablespoon of tangy red wine vinegar. This combination creates a harmonious, zesty, and subtly creamy dressing that perfectly complements the savory ingredients. Once thoroughly mixed, pour this exquisite dressing over the contents in your large bowl. Gently toss everything together, ensuring all the meats, cheeses, and vegetables are beautifully coated in the flavorful dressing. The goal is to combine without crushing the delicate ingredients.
To present this spectacular dip, hollow out a rustic bread bowl, ensuring you don’t cut through the bottom. This creates a visually stunning and deliciously edible serving vessel. Pile the Chicago Style Hoagie Dip high into the bread bowl, creating an irresistible mound of flavor. Don’t let the removed bread go to waste! Cut the hollowed-out bread into sturdy chunks and serve them alongside the dip, perfect for scooping. Additionally, offer extra slices of crusty French bread for dipping. For an authentic Chicago flourish, serve it with a generous side of hot giardiniera – because pickled veggies add that perfect tangy, spicy crunch that true deli enthusiasts crave. This presentation makes for an impressive spread that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy the ultimate game day experience.
4 votes
Chicago Style Hoagie Dip
Prep
Total
Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 10 servings
This ultimate Chicago Style Hoagie Dip combines all the irresistible flavors of a classic Italian deli sandwich – from savory meats and sharp provolone to crisp vegetables and a zesty dressing – into one incredible, easy-to-serve appetizer. Perfect for game days, parties, or any gathering, this dip is designed for piling high onto bread and sharing with friends!
Ingredients
1 bread bowl, hollowed out (don’t cut through bottom)
4 ounces pancetta, diced
4 ounces deli turkey, diced
4 ounces mortadella, diced
4 ounces genoa salami, diced
4 ounces provolone cheese, diced
1/2 head of lettuce, diced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
Dressing
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Toppings
4 ounces pepperoncinis, sliced
1/4 cup giardiniera, if desired
1 loaf French bread, sliced
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced meats (pancetta, deli turkey, mortadella, Genoa salami), diced provolone cheese, chopped lettuce, and quartered cherry tomatoes. Ensure all ingredients are well distributed.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing: mayonnaise, extra virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning, and red wine vinegar until smooth and fully combined.
Pour the prepared dressing over the chopped meats, cheeses, and vegetables in the large bowl. Gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly, taking care not to mash the mixture.
Cover the bowl and place the hoagie dip into the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes, or until you’re ready to serve. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
When ready to serve, carefully scoop the chilled Chicago Style Hoagie Dip into the hollowed-out bread bowl, piling it high. Garnish the top with sliced pepperoncinis. Serve immediately with additional French bread slices and a side of giardiniera (if using) for an extra burst of flavor and crunch.
Notes
Adapted from: Mary Alice’s Hoagie Dip
For an extra layer of flavor and a crispier texture, you can lightly toast the bread bowl and the accompanying bread chunks before serving. This dip can be made a few hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen even further. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Courses Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 serving
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 301 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 21 g | 32% | |
Saturated Fat 6 g | 30% | |
Cholesterol 38 mg | 13% | |
Sodium 1168 mg | 49% | |
Total Carbohydrates 18 g | 6% | |
Dietary Fiber 1 g | 4% | |
Sugars 3 g | ||
Protein 12 g | 24% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
This Chicago Style Hoagie Dip is truly a game-changer. Your football-loving friends, family, and guests won’t be able to resist its magnetic appeal, making it the star of any gathering. It’s absolutely bursting with the robust, savory flavors of a classic Italian deli sub, but cleverly re-imagined in a convenient, dip-able, or spoon-able form. While it’s perfect for scooping onto bread, you could even enjoy this vibrant mixture as a hearty, satisfying salad. After all, embracing delicious balance is key, especially as we navigate our New Year’s resolutions and strive for a little bit of everything in our culinary lives, right?! It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that promises to leave everyone craving more.
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