If you’ve ever watched Happy Gilmore and thought, “That sub looks ridiculously good,” you’re not alone. The moment Adam Sandler sinks into that oversized booth and blissfully bites into a Cold Cut Combo, it instantly became one of the most iconic product placement scenes of the ‘90s. Packed with layers of meaty goodness, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of that classic oil and vinegar dressing, this Subway sandwich has become a nostalgic craving for fans everywhere.
Now you can skip the line and recreate your own version of Happy’s go-to meal right at home. It’s a fresh, delicious, tasty bite of comfort that’ll leave you saying, “I eat three every day to help keep me strong.”
Table of Contents
How to make the Copycat Happy Gilmore Subway Cold Cut Combo
This homemade version delivers everything you love about the original, stacked meats, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy drizzle, without needing to step foot in a chain shop. It’s perfect for lunch, movie night, or even your next golf-themed watch party.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Assembly time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Calories per 6-inch sandwich: Approximately 520 kcal
Ingredients, tools, instructions and tips
Ingredients (for one footlong or two 6-inch sandwiches):
- 1 footlong Italian sub roll (or 2 six-inch sandwich rolls)
- 4 slices turkey ham
- 4 slices turkey salami
- 4 slices turkey bologna
- 4 slices provolone cheese or American cheese (optional)
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- ½ tomato, sliced thin
- ¼ cup sliced red onion
- ¼ cup sliced pickles or banana peppers
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 pinch dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Tools you’ll need:
- Serrated bread knife
- Cutting board
- Small bowl for mixing the dressing
- Spoon or small whisk
- Sandwich press or grill pan (optional, for warming)
Instructions:
- Prep your bread. Slice the sub roll lengthwise, leaving a hinge if you like the classic Subway style. Toast it lightly if you prefer a little crisp.
- Layer the cheese and meats. Start with the cheese slices, then stack the turkey ham, salami, and bologna in even layers. Fold the slices slightly for that deli-style fluff.
- Add the veggies. Pile on the lettuce, then top with tomato, onion, and pickles or banana peppers.
- Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Spoon the mixture over the veggies.
- Close and serve. Press the sandwich gently to hold everything in place. Cut in half if desired, and enjoy immediately.
Tips:
- For a crispier bite, grill your sandwich on a panini press for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Want extra zing? Add yellow mustard or mayonnaise to one side of the roll.
- Use deli-fresh meats if you prefer a lower-sodium or preservative-free version.
What to serve with the dish
A Cold Cut Combo screams for crunchy sides and a sweet finish. Keep the Happy Gilmore energy alive by pairing your sandwich with:
- A bag of Doritos (Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch work best)
- A fountain drink or iced tea in a tall cup
- A chocolate chip cookie or two (just like the Subway combo)
Or go all-in and serve it with a mini putting challenge in your backyard. Happy would approve.
Ingredient substitutes
- Bread
Original Ingredient: Italian sub roll
Substitutes:
- Whole grain sub rolls: For added fiber and a nuttier taste.
- Gluten-free rolls: Perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities.
- Brioche buns: A richer, sweeter take on the classic sandwich.
- Turkey Ham
Original Ingredient: Processed turkey ham
Substitutes:
- Oven-roasted turkey breast: For a leaner, cleaner flavor.
- Chicken ham: Another lean poultry-based option.
- Vegan deli slices: Great for plant-based diets.
- Turkey Salami
Original Ingredient: Processed turkey salami
Substitutes:
- Beef or pork salami: Traditional flavor, but higher in fat.
- Chicken salami: A lower-fat alternative.
- Vegan salami: For a fully meatless sub.
- Turkey Bologna
Original Ingredient: Processed turkey bologna
Substitutes:
- Mortadella: Similar texture with a deeper flavor.
- Chicken bologna: A slightly milder choice.
- Tofu deli slices: Plant-based bologna substitute.
- Cheese
Original Ingredient: Provolone or American cheese
Substitutes:
- Mozzarella slices: Mild and stretchy.
- Swiss cheese: For a nutty flavor twist.
- Vegan cheese slices: Dairy-free and melty.
- Oil and Vinegar Dressing
Original Ingredient: Olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano
Substitutes:
- Balsamic vinaigrette: For a sweeter, deeper dressing.
- Italian dressing: Ready-made and seasoned.
- Lemon juice and olive oil: Brighter, lighter dressing option.
Ingredients
1 footlong Italian sub roll (or 2 six-inch sandwich rolls)
4 slices turkey ham
4 slices turkey salami
4 slices turkey bologna
4 slices provolone cheese or American cheese (optional)
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
½ tomato, sliced thin
¼ cup sliced red onion
¼ cup sliced pickles or banana peppers
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 pinch dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prep your bread. Slice the sub roll lengthwise, leaving a hinge if you like the classic Subway style. Toast it lightly if you prefer a little crisp.
Layer the cheese and meats. Start with the cheese slices, then stack the turkey ham, salami, and bologna in even layers. Fold the slices slightly for that deli-style fluff.
Add the veggies. Pile on the lettuce, then top with tomato, onion, and pickles or banana peppers.
Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Spoon the mixture over the veggies.
Close and serve. Press the sandwich gently to hold everything in place. Cut in half if desired, and enjoy immediately.
