Slow Cooker Hot Subs

This recipe is your blueprint for perfectly warm, gooey, and satisfying sandwiches, ready whenever your crowd is. The magic is in the slow, gentle heat of the crockpot, which steams the buns and melts the cheese to perfection without making anything tough.

Good

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Homemade Garlic Butter Spread

Step 2

This simple spread is the key to adding that extra layer of flavor.

Step 3

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

Step 4

1 tsp garlic powder, OR 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced very finely

Step 5

1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)

Step 6

1/4 tsp salt

Step 7

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic (powder or fresh), parsley, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 8

Excellent suggestion! Using a garlic butter spread instead of plain butter or mayo is a fantastic way to add a huge burst of flavor to the sandwiches. It works especially well with the Italian, Roast Beef, and even the Ham & Swiss combinations.

Step 9

Here is the updated recipe incorporating your delicious idea.

Step 10

Crockpot Hot Sub Melts with Garlic Butter

Step 11

This recipe is your blueprint for perfectly warm, gooey, and satisfying sandwiches, made even more flavorful with a savory garlic butter spread. The slow, gentle heat of the crockpot steams the buns and melts the cheese to perfection.

Step 12

Yields: 6-8 subs, easily doubled

Step 13

Prep time: 20 minutes

Step 14

Cook time: 2-3 hours on High, or 4-5 hours on Low

Step 15

Core Ingredients & Equipment

Step 16

Equipment:

Step 17

Large Slow Cooker (oval-shaped works best for stacking)

Step 18

Heavy-duty aluminum foil

Step 19

Cutting board & knife

Step 20

Small bowl for mixing the garlic butter

Step 21

Ingredients:

Step 22

Buns: 6-8 sturdy sub, hoagie, or bolillo rolls.

Step 23

Homemade Garlic Butter Spread (see recipe below)

Step 24

Your Choice of Meats & Cheeses: See the popular combinations below. As a general rule, plan for about 1/4 pound of meat and 2-3 slices of cheese per sandwich.

Step 25

Homemade Garlic Butter Spread

Step 26

This simple spread is the key to adding that extra layer of flavor.

Step 27

Ingredients:

Step 28

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

Step 29

1 tsp garlic powder, OR 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced very finely

Step 30

1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)

Step 31

1/4 tsp salt

Step 32

Instructions:

Step 33

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic (powder or fresh), parsley, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 34

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 35

Prep the Buns:

Step 36

Slice each sub roll horizontally, but not all the way through, leaving a "hinge" on one side.

Step 37

Spread a thin layer of the Homemade Garlic Butter on the inside of both halves of each roll. This creates a delicious, savory moisture barrier.

Step 38

Assemble the Subs:

Step 39

Layer your ingredients inside the buns. A good order is:

Step 40

A slice of cheese on the bottom bun.

Step 41

Your layers of meat.

Step 42

Any "cookable" additions like onions or peppers.

Step 43

A final slice of cheese on top of the meat.

Step 44

Pro-Tip: Avoid adding wet condiments like mustard or fresh veggies like lettuce and tomato at this stage. They will be added fresh upon serving.

Step 45

Wrap Tightly:

Step 46

Close each sandwich firmly.

Step 47

Wrap each individual sub tightly and completely in a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Ensure there are no gaps for steam to get in or out.

Step 48

Load the Crockpot:

Step 49

Place a small, crumpled ball of foil on the bottom of the slow cooker crock. This elevates the bottom sandwiches slightly, protecting them from any condensation.

Step 50

Gently stack the foil-wrapped subs inside the slow cooker.

Step 51

Cook and Serve:

Step 52

Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-5 hours. The goal is simply to heat the sandwiches through until the meat is hot and the cheese is fully melted.

Step 53

Once done, you can turn the slow cooker to the "Keep Warm" setting for serving.

Step 54

To serve, let guests grab a foil-wrapped package, carefully unwrap the hot sandwich, and add their desired fresh toppings and condiments.