1-Step 1: Mix the dressing Start by adding the 4 ounces red wine vinegar and 3 ounces olive oil to a shaker bottle or jar with a tight lid. Shake well until the mixture looks blended and slightly cloudy. This dressing will be used in two places, first on the lettuce and then on the bread and meats.

2-Step 2: Prep the vegetables Shred the 1.25 cups iceberg lettuce if it is not already shredded. Add the lettuce to a bowl, then season with 0.75 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle a little of the oil and vinegar mix over it and toss lightly. Set it aside so the flavors soak in while you build the sandwich.

3-Step 3: Slice and soften the onion For a milder bite, soak the sliced onion in water for a few minutes, then drain and pat it dry. This helps tame the sharpness while keeping the crunch that makes a great hero sandwich. If you like a stronger onion flavor, you can skip the soaking step.

4-Step 4: Prepare the roll Use 1 large sub roll and split it lengthwise, but do not cut all the way through if you want the sandwich to stay together. For an even better texture, scoop out some of the soft bread from the center to make a shallow cavity. That little trick gives the fillings more room and helps the sandwich hold its shape.

5-Step 5: Layer the meats and cheese Build the sandwich on the bottom half of the roll. Start with the 0.1 pound thinly sliced boiled ham, then add the 0.1 pounds thinly sliced Genoa salami, the 0.1 pounds thinly sliced pepperoni, and the 0.1 pounds thinly sliced capicola. Top the meat with 0.2 pound provolone cheese. This order helps keep the sandwich balanced and gives every bite a mix of flavors.

6-Step 6: Add the toppings Place the dressed lettuce over the cheese, then add the 4 medium destemmed and seeded sliced cherry peppers, the tomato slices, and the onion. Try not to place the tomato directly next to the cheese, since that can make the sandwich slippery. Keeping the tomato above the lettuce or between other vegetables works best.

7-Step 7: Dress the sandwich Pour or spoon the remaining oil and vinegar mixture over the bread and meats. Let it soak in a little so the roll gets that deli-style flavor without falling apart. This is what gives a true Italian sub hoagie hero recipe its signature tang.

8-Step 8: Press and serve Press the top of the roll down gently to close the sandwich. You want it compact, but not smashed flat. Slice if desired, then serve right away while the bread still has a little structure and the fillings are cold and crisp.