Thunderbolt Sub
First attempt at cloning the Thunderbolt Italian Sub.
Yield: 1 sub sandwich
Trying to clone the Thunderbolt Italian Sub. Here’s my first attempt.
Ingredients
Dough (~250g ball)
| Ingredient | Amount / Weight | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 00 flour | 77g | |
| all-purpose flour | 77g | |
| lukewarm water | 100g | ~65% hydration |
| fine sea salt | 1g | ~1/4 tsp |
| active dry yeast | 1g | ~1/4 tsp |
| extra-virgin olive oil | 2g | ~1/2 tsp |
Sandwich Fillings
| Ingredient | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| salami | 3 slices | |
| soppressata | 3 slices | replacing capicola |
| mortadella | 3 slices | |
| provolone | 2 slices | |
| peppadew peppers | 4–6 | sliced |
| pepperoncini | 3–4 | sliced |
| iceberg lettuce | 1/2 cup | shredded |
| red onion | 2–3 slices | thinly sliced |
| mayonnaise | 1 tbsp | |
| red wine vinegar | 1 tbsp | |
| black pepper | to taste | freshly ground |
For Finishing the Dough
| Ingredient | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| extra-virgin olive oil | 1–2 tsp | for brushing inside |
| italian seasoning | 1/2 tsp | sprinkle on outside |
Steps
To make the dough:
- Mix wet ingredients: Stir yeast and olive oil into lukewarm water. Let sit for 3–5 minutes until slightly foamy.
- Combine dry ingredients: Add both flours and salt to the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Form dough: With dough hook on low, slowly pour wet mixture into the dry.
- Knead: Mix for 4–5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Scrape the bowl if needed.
- Rest: Cover the bowl and let dough rest for 15 minutes.
- Final knead: Mix for 1–2 more minutes.
- First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled container, cover, and rise at room temp for 3.5–4 hours until doubled in size.
To shape and bake the roll:
- Preheat your pizza oven to 850–900°F (I am using a Gozeny Arc XL).
- On a floured surface, stretch dough into a long rectangular strip, roughly sub-length.
- Brush the interior of one half with olive oil.
- Fold the dough over itself like a calzone, pressing gently to seal the edge but not crimping it shut — it should puff and split slightly when baked.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning on the outer surface.
- Transfer to a floured peel and bake directly on the stone for 60–90 seconds, rotating for even char. The roll should be golden, puffed, and crisp, with a tender interior.
To assemble the sandwich:
- While the bread is still warm, slice it lengthwise along the seam.
- Spread mayonnaise on both sides of the interior.
- Layer the salami, soppressata, mortadella, and provolone.
- Add peppadew peppers, pepperoncini, lettuce, and red onion.
- Drizzle with red wine vinegar and finish with freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve immediately, while the bread is still warm and crisp on the outside.