Hey guys! Ever wondered exactly what goes into that delicious Subway Italian BMT sandwich you love so much? Well, you're in the right place! We're diving deep into the ingredients that make this sub a fan favorite and even touching on its nutritional info. Let's get started!

    The Bread

    The foundation of any great Subway sandwich is, of course, the bread. Subway offers a variety of bread options, but for the classic Italian BMT experience, you're likely looking at the Italian bread or the Italian Herbs & Cheese bread. Here's a breakdown:

    • Italian Bread: This is your standard, soft, white bread. It's lightly seasoned and provides a neutral base that allows the flavors of the meats, cheeses, and veggies to really shine. The Italian bread is a daily staple, freshly baked and offers a soft, chewy texture that complements the sandwich's fillings, making each bite a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s a reliable choice for those who appreciate the traditional Subway experience.

    • Italian Herbs & Cheese: If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, the Italian Herbs & Cheese bread is the way to go. This option is also a soft bread but is topped with a generous sprinkling of herbs and cheese. The herbs and cheese add an extra layer of flavor that complements the savory meats in the BMT. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread infused with herbs and the subtle sharpness of cheese, enhancing every bite. This bread option elevates the sandwich, providing a more complex and satisfying taste experience.

    Subway's bread is baked fresh daily, ensuring that every sandwich starts with a quality base. The choice of bread can significantly impact the overall flavor profile of your BMT, so consider your preferences when ordering. Whether you prefer the simplicity of the Italian bread or the added zest of the Herbs & Cheese, you're setting the stage for a delicious meal.

    The Meats: The Heart of the BMT

    The "BMT" in Italian BMT stands for Big Meaty Treat, and it definitely lives up to its name! This sandwich features a trio of delicious Italian-style meats:

    • Genoa Salami: This is a type of salami that is typically made from pork and beef, seasoned with garlic, salt, and black pepper, and then air-dried. It has a slightly tangy and savory flavor that adds a distinct Italian flair to the sandwich. Genoa salami is characterized by its fine grain and slightly fermented taste, which brings depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile of the BMT. The curing process enhances its savory notes, making it an essential component of this classic sub. Its firm texture and rich taste make it a satisfying addition, ensuring each bite is packed with authentic Italian flavor.

    • Pepperoni: A classic pizza topping, pepperoni is also a star player in the Italian BMT. Made from cured pork and beef seasoned with paprika and other spices, pepperoni adds a spicy kick and a vibrant color to the sandwich. The slightly smoky and peppery taste complements the other meats and cheeses, creating a well-balanced flavor profile. Pepperoni’s slightly greasy texture also adds a satisfying mouthfeel, making the BMT even more enjoyable. It’s a familiar and beloved ingredient that brings a touch of comfort and indulgence to the sandwich.

    • Black Forest Ham: This smoked ham brings a touch of sweetness and smokiness to the BMT. It's made from pork that has been cured and then smoked, giving it a distinctive flavor and a tender texture. The Black Forest ham adds a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness of the salami and pepperoni, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Its delicate smoky aroma enhances the overall sensory experience, making the BMT a truly delightful treat. The ham’s lean texture also provides a contrast to the richer, fattier meats, contributing to a more balanced and satisfying bite.

    These three meats combine to create a symphony of flavors and textures that make the Italian BMT so irresistible. The combination of salty, spicy, and smoky notes is what makes this sandwich a true classic.

    Cheese

    No good sandwich is complete without cheese! Subway typically offers several cheese options, but the most common choices for an Italian BMT are:

    • Provolone: This is a mild, slightly tangy cheese that melts beautifully. Its creamy texture and subtle flavor complement the meats without overpowering them. Provolone’s smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality makes it a perfect addition to the BMT, enhancing the overall cohesiveness of the sandwich. Its mildness allows the flavors of the meats and vegetables to shine through, while still providing a comforting cheesy element. The slight tanginess cuts through the richness of the meats, creating a balanced and satisfying flavor profile.

    • Mozzarella: Another great option, mozzarella is known for its mild, milky flavor and excellent melting properties. It adds a creamy, comforting element to the sandwich. The soft, slightly elastic texture of mozzarella adds a pleasant mouthfeel to the BMT, making each bite more enjoyable. Its mild flavor blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, providing a subtle yet essential layer of richness. Mozzarella’s clean, fresh taste ensures that it doesn’t overpower the other flavors, allowing the unique characteristics of each component to stand out.

    • Monterey Cheddar: Monterey Cheddar cheese is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk. Its flavor is mild and slightly tangy, with a smooth, creamy texture that melts well, making it a popular choice for sandwiches. When used in an Italian BMT, Monterey Cheddar adds a comforting, familiar taste that complements the savory meats and vegetables. Its subtle tanginess provides a nice contrast to the richer, saltier flavors of the salami, pepperoni, and ham, while its creamy texture enhances the overall mouthfeel of the sandwich. This cheese choice offers a pleasant and satisfying experience, contributing to the BMT's classic appeal.

    The choice of cheese is key to complementing the meats and other fillings, so consider what flavors you enjoy most.

    Veggies

    Subway is known for its customizable options, and that includes a wide array of fresh veggies. Here are some popular choices for the Italian BMT:

    • Lettuce: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch. The cool, crisp texture of lettuce provides a refreshing contrast to the richer, fattier meats and cheeses in the BMT. Its mild flavor doesn’t overpower the other ingredients, making it a perfect complement to the sandwich. Lettuce also adds a visual appeal, making the BMT look more vibrant and appetizing.

    • Tomato: Provides a juicy, slightly acidic flavor. The juicy and slightly acidic flavor of tomatoes adds a burst of freshness to the BMT, balancing the richness of the meats and cheeses. Their soft texture complements the other ingredients, making each bite more enjoyable. Tomatoes also add a vibrant color, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the sandwich.

    • Onions: Offer a sharp, pungent bite. Onions bring a sharp, pungent bite that cuts through the richness of the meats and cheeses. Their slightly sweet flavor adds complexity to the sandwich, making it more interesting and flavorful. Whether you prefer white, yellow, or red onions, they all add a unique dimension to the BMT.

    • Green Peppers: Add a slightly sweet and vegetal flavor. Green peppers provide a slightly sweet and vegetal flavor that complements the savory meats and cheeses. Their crisp texture adds a satisfying crunch to the sandwich, making each bite more enjoyable. Green peppers also add a pop of color, enhancing the visual appeal of the BMT.

    • Cucumbers: Contribute a cool, refreshing element. Cucumbers add a cool, refreshing element to the BMT, balancing the richness of the meats and cheeses. Their crisp texture provides a satisfying crunch, making each bite more enjoyable. Cucumbers also have a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients, making them a perfect complement to the sandwich.

    • Pickles: Offer a tangy, sour crunch. Pickles bring a tangy, sour crunch that cuts through the richness of the meats and cheeses. Their acidic flavor adds a delightful contrast to the other ingredients, making the BMT more interesting and flavorful. Whether you prefer dill or sweet pickles, they both add a unique dimension to the sandwich.

    Of course, you can customize your veggie selection to your liking! Feel free to load up on your favorites or skip the ones you don't enjoy.

    Sauces and Dressings

    The final touch to any great sandwich is the sauce! Here are some popular choices for the Italian BMT:

    • Oil & Vinegar: A classic Italian dressing that adds a tangy and zesty flavor. The combination of oil and vinegar provides a light, refreshing dressing that enhances the flavors of the meats and vegetables without overpowering them. It’s a simple yet effective choice for those who appreciate a classic Italian taste.

    • Mayonnaise: Adds a creamy, rich texture and flavor. Mayonnaise brings a creamy, rich texture that coats the ingredients and enhances their flavors. Its mild flavor complements the meats and cheeses, creating a satisfying and indulgent experience. However, it’s important to use mayonnaise sparingly, as it can be quite calorie-dense.

    • Mustard: Offers a tangy and slightly spicy kick. Mustard adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick that cuts through the richness of the meats and cheeses. Its bold flavor complements the other ingredients, making the BMT more interesting and flavorful. Whether you prefer yellow, Dijon, or honey mustard, they all add a unique dimension to the sandwich.

    • Subway Vinaigrette: A light and tangy vinaigrette dressing. Subway Vinaigrette is a light and tangy dressing that enhances the flavors of the meats and vegetables without adding excessive calories. Its balanced acidity and subtle sweetness make it a perfect complement to the BMT, providing a refreshing and flavorful experience.

    • Chipotle Southwest Sauce: Adds a smoky and spicy flavor with a creamy texture. Chipotle Southwest Sauce brings a smoky and spicy flavor that adds a unique twist to the BMT. Its creamy texture coats the ingredients, enhancing their flavors and creating a satisfying and indulgent experience. However, it’s important to note that this sauce is quite bold, so it’s best for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

    Choose your sauce wisely to complement the other ingredients and create the perfect flavor profile for your BMT.

    Nutritional Information

    Okay, let's talk nutrition. Keep in mind that the exact nutritional content of a Subway Italian BMT will vary depending on the bread, cheese, veggies, and sauces you choose. However, here's a general estimate for a 6-inch BMT on Italian bread with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and oil & vinegar:

    • Calories: Around 400-450
    • Fat: 20-25g
    • Saturated Fat: 7-9g
    • Cholesterol: 50-60mg
    • Sodium: 1000-1200mg
    • Carbohydrates: 40-45g
    • Fiber: 3-4g
    • Sugar: 5-7g
    • Protein: 20-25g

    As you can see, the Italian BMT can be a fairly substantial sandwich. To make it a bit healthier, consider opting for whole wheat bread, loading up on the veggies, and choosing a lighter sauce like oil & vinegar or a low-fat dressing. You can also reduce the sodium content by asking for less meat or skipping the cheese altogether.

    Conclusion

    The Subway Italian BMT is a customizable and delicious sandwich that offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. By understanding the ingredients that go into it, you can make informed choices and create a BMT that perfectly suits your taste and nutritional needs. So go ahead, build your perfect BMT and enjoy! And don't forget to share your favorite BMT combinations in the comments below! We'd love to hear what you come up with.