Let’s bring back a classic: the Kmart deli sub, loaded with honey roast ham, crisp veggies, and that tangy-creamy dressing you remember. This copycat version balances sweet, salty, crunchy, and soft in every bite—simple to assemble and incredibly satisfying.

I’ll walk you through exactly how to build it at home with supermarket ingredients. You’ll get the same nostalgic flavors, better freshness, and the freedom to tweak it to your liking. Make it for easy lunches, game day, or a no-fuss dinner everyone will love.

Why This Honey Roast Ham Deli Sub Recipe Works

Balanced flavors: Sweet honey roast ham meets tangy sub sauce and creamy mayo for a perfect bite.
Right textures: Soft sub roll, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy onions give satisfying contrast.
Smart layering: Strategic stacking keeps the bread from getting soggy and the fillings from slipping.
Easy to scale: Make one sub for lunch or a whole tray for a crowd without extra effort.
Quick assembly: No cooking required—just slice, layer, and drizzle.

Ingredients

Bread and Spreads

1 large Italian or submarine roll (10–12 inches), soft inside with a thin crust
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (regular or light)
1 tablespoon yellow mustard (or deli brown for more bite)
2 tablespoons sub dressing (oil and vinegar blend) or make your own:
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Pinch dried oregano
- Pinch garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste

Deli Meats and Cheese

8–10 ounces honey roast ham, shaved or thinly sliced
3–4 slices American or provolone cheese (provolone for mild, American for classic creaminess)

Veggies and Toppings

2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
1/4 small red onion, very thinly sliced
6–8 dill pickle chips (or sandwich stackers)
Banana pepper rings (optional for mild heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

How to Make This Honey Roast Ham Deli Sub

Prep the roll: Split the sub roll lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Open it like a book. If the interior feels very bready, gently pull out a little from the center to make room for fillings.
Spread the base: Mix mayonnaise and mustard. Smear it evenly on both cut sides of the roll. This creates flavor and a moisture barrier.
Add the cheese: Lay the slices directly on the bottom half of the roll. Cheese helps anchor the meat and protects the bread.
Layer the ham: Fold the honey roast ham into loose ruffles and stack it evenly from end to end. Ruffling adds volume and keeps the sandwich from compressing.
Season the meat: Lightly crack black pepper over the ham for a savory pop. A tiny pinch of salt is fine if your ham isn’t very salty.
Dress the lettuce: Toss the shredded iceberg with the sub dressing in a small bowl until lightly coated. Dressing the lettuce—not the bread—prevents sogginess.
Add the veggies: Pile the dressed lettuce over the ham. Top with tomato slices, red onion, dill pickles, and banana peppers if using. Sprinkle a touch more oregano and pepper if you like.
Close and set: Gently press the top of the roll down to compact the fillings slightly. If you have time, wrap the sub tightly in parchment or foil and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This quick rest helps the flavors meld.
Slice and serve: Cut the sub into halves or thirds with a sharp serrated knife. Serve immediately.

How to Store Leftover Deli Subs

Short-term: Wrap tightly in foil or parchment and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The lettuce will soften a bit, but the flavor stays great.
Separate components: If prepping ahead, keep the roll, spreads, veggies, and ham separate. Assemble within 24–48 hours for the freshest texture.
Avoid soggy bread: Store tomatoes and dressing separately and add right before eating.
Freezing? Not recommended for assembled subs. The veggies and bread texture suffer. You can freeze unopened ham and cheese for later use.

Benefits of Making This Copycat Ham Sub at Home

Freshness control: You pick the bread, the ripest tomatoes, and the best deli ham.
Better value: Build generous subs at a fraction of the takeout price.
Customizable: Adjust the dressing, cheese, and toppings to fit your taste or dietary needs.
Quick and no-cook: Perfect for hot days, busy workweeks, or last-minute lunches.
Nostalgic flavor: That classic deli combo—sweet ham, tangy dressing, crunchy lettuce—hits the spot every time.

Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the moisture barrier: Always spread mayo/mustard and lay cheese on the bread before the veggies.
Overdressing the bread: Keep oil and vinegar on the lettuce, not the roll.
Thick tomato slices: Cut thin slices to prevent slipping and sogginess.
Uneven layering: Build from end to end so each bite gets meat, cheese, and veggies.
Using the wrong roll: Choose a soft sub roll that compresses slightly without tearing.
Cutting too soon: Let it rest wrapped for a few minutes to set the structure.

Variations You Can Try

Classic American cheese: Swap provolone for American to mirror old-school deli flavor.
Sweet onion twist: Use sweet onion if you want less bite than red onion.
Extra zing: Add more banana peppers or a drizzle of hot pepper relish.
Herb boost: Sprinkle dried oregano and a pinch of basil over the tomatoes.
Crunch factor: Add a handful of thinly sliced cucumbers for extra freshness.
Lighten it up: Use light mayo, extra lettuce, and half the cheese.
Toasted version: Lightly toast the roll and melt the cheese under the broiler before adding veggies.
Club-style: Add a couple slices of turkey or crispy bacon with the ham.

FAQ

What kind of ham works best?

Honey roast ham, sliced thin or shaved, delivers the signature sweet-salty flavor. Ask the deli to “shave” it for those ruffly layers.

Can I make the sub dressing ahead?

Yes. Mix oil, vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper and refrigerate for up to a week. Shake before using.

What’s the best bread for this sub?

Soft Italian or submarine rolls about 10–12 inches long. Avoid hard, thick-crusted loaves that shred the fillings.

How do I keep the lettuce crisp?

Shred iceberg fresh and toss with dressing right before assembly. Keep tomatoes and pickles on top of the lettuce, not directly on the bread.

Can I meal prep these?

Yes, with a tweak. Assemble meat and cheese in the roll, wrap, and refrigerate. Add dressed lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles right before serving.

What cheese is closest to the classic?

Provolone or white American nails the nostalgic deli vibe.

Conclusion

This copycat Kmart-style honey roast ham sub brings together everything we love about a great deli sandwich: tender, sweet ham, cool crunchy veggies, creamy-tangy spreads, and a soft roll that holds it all. Build it your way, keep the layers intentional, and you’ll get a sub that tastes like a memory—in the best possible way. Make one today, wrap it up, and enjoy that first perfect bite.