The chopped Italian sandwich is a sandwich characterized by a mix of chopped Italian cold cuts, cheeses, vegetables, and seasonings that are combined and served on a sub roll. [1] [2] [3] It became famous due to its introduction through social media, namely TikTok in the early 2020s. [1]
While recipes can vary, a chopped Italian sandwich often includes: [4] [5]
The hallmark of the sandwich is the chopping process: all ingredients, including meats, cheese, and vegetables, are placed on a large cutting board and chopped together into a coarse mixture. [2] This ensures that each bite contains a balanced combination of flavors and textures. [2] The mixture is then piled into a sub roll. [2]
Many variations are possible. For different breads, it can be on sourdough or baguette. [1] [4] Different meats and cheeses, such as Swiss and Havarti, can also be used. [4]
The chopped Italian sandwich became popular due to viral social media content, particularly on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. [1] On March 19, 2023, the original viral video was posted on TikTok by user @Big_Erics_BBQ. [6]