Remember the simple joy of a Kmart sub? That perfect blend of tender meats, crisp vegetables, and gooey melted cheese, all tucked into a soft roll. For many, it's a taste of nostalgia. While Kmart delis might be a thing of the past for most, the good news is you can easily recreate that classic experience right in your own kitchen! Today, we're focusing on the beloved Honey Roast Ham Sub – a true classic.
Creating a delicious deli-style sub at home is more straightforward than you think. It's all about quality ingredients and smart layering. You don't need fancy equipment, just a few key components and a love for a great sandwich. If you're a fan of hearty, satisfying meals, this recipe is for you. And if you enjoy making other easy, cheesy wraps, you might also like learning How to Make Satisfying Melty Cheese Beef Wraps.
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and craft a sub that will transport you back to those simpler, delicious times. Let's dive into making your very own Kmart-style Honey Roast Ham Sub!

The Anatomy of a Perfect Kmart-Style Sub
What made those Kmart subs so special? It was the balance of flavors and textures: the sweetness of honey roast ham, the creamy Swiss cheese, the crunch of fresh vegetables, and the right amount of condiments on a soft, slightly warmed roll. Emulating this at home means paying attention to each component.
Choosing Your Ingredients:
- The Bread: Opt for soft sub rolls that are substantial enough to hold your fillings without falling apart. A good quality roll is the foundation of any great sub.
- The Ham: Honey roast ham is key here. Look for thinly sliced, high-quality ham for the best flavor and texture.
- The Cheese: Swiss cheese melts beautifully and adds a mild, nutty flavor that complements the ham. Provolone is another excellent choice if you prefer.
- Fresh Veggies: Crisp iceberg lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion are essential. Don't skimp on the freshness!
- Condiments: Mayonnaise and yellow mustard are the traditional choices. They add moisture and a tangy kick.
- The Extras: Dill pickle slices bring a briny zing that really elevates the sandwich.
Understanding the art of layering is crucial for a satisfying bite every time. For more insight into what makes a great deli creation, you can explore the history of the Submarine sandwich on Wikipedia.
Tips for Sub Assembly Success
Achieving that Kmart magic comes down to a few simple steps. Warming your roll, spreading condiments evenly, and layering systematically ensures every bite is perfect.
- Warm Your Rolls: A lightly warmed roll enhances both flavor and texture. It also helps the cheese melt more effectively.
- Even Condiment Spread: Use a spatula to spread mayo and mustard thinly from edge to edge. This prevents dry spots and excessive sogginess.
- Layering Strategy: Start with meats and cheese, then add your sturdier vegetables, finishing with lettuce. This helps maintain structure.
For those who love creating classic deli flavors at home, consider whipping up a batch of Delicious Bologna Salad Recipe: A Classic Favorite for another fantastic sandwich filling!
Recipe: Kmart-Style Honey Roast Ham Sub Sandwich
Here’s how to bring that beloved Kmart sub experience right into your kitchen. This recipe focuses on simplicity and maximizing flavor for a truly satisfying homemade sandwich.
FAQs
What kind of bread is best for a Kmart-style sub?
For an authentic Kmart-style sub, choose soft sub rolls with a tender interior and a slightly firm crust. These rolls hold up well to the fillings and provide the right texture.
How do I prevent my homemade sub from getting soggy?
To avoid a soggy sub, apply condiments in thin, even layers. You can also lightly toast the inside of the bun before assembly, and for warm subs, wrap it in foil and bake briefly to melt the cheese without overcooking the fresh vegetables.
Can I customize the vegetables in my honey roast ham sub?
Absolutely! While iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and dill pickles are classic, feel free to add your favorites like bell peppers, olives, or banana peppers for extra flavor and crunch.
What's the best way to warm a Kmart-style sub to melt the cheese?
After assembling, wrap the sub in aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350u00b0F (175u00b0C) for about 5 minutes. Then, unwrap and bake for another 2-3 minutes to get that perfect gooey, melted cheese without wilting the lettuce.
Kmart Style Honey Roast Ham Sub Sandwich
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
Recreate the nostalgic taste of a classic Kmart Honey Roast Ham Sub at home with this easy and delicious recipe.
Ingredients
2 soft sub rolls
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
8-10 slices (approx. 6 oz) thinly sliced honey roast ham
2 slices Swiss cheese
2 large iceberg lettuce leaves
4 slices ripe tomato
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
4-6 dill pickle slices (optional)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly warm the sub rolls for 2-3 minutes until soft, but not toasted. Split each roll open lengthwise, leaving a hinge intact.
Step 2: Spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise on one half of the roll and yellow mustard on the other half.
Step 3: Layer the thinly sliced honey roast ham evenly over the bottom half of each roll.
Step 4: Place one slice of Swiss cheese over the ham on each sub.
Step 5: Add one iceberg lettuce leaf, 2 slices of fresh tomato, thin rings of red onion, and 2-3 dill pickle slices (if using) onto each sub.
Step 6: Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste. Carefully close the rolls.
Step 7: Wrap each assembled sub securely in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped subs on a baking sheet.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. Carefully unwrap the subs and return them to the oven for another 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Step 9: Remove from oven, let rest for 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld, then serve immediately while warm.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, you can lightly brush the inside of your sub rolls with garlic butter before adding fillings. Adjust the amount of mustard and mayonnaise to your personal preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Assembly, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg










