I’m in love with this Firehouse Hook & Ladder sub (copycat) recipe for all the right reasons. It’s so deliciously good, and extremely simple to make. Loaded with turkey, ham and classic sub toppings, this is one sub sandwich you will make repeatedly. If you like easy lunch ideas try this chicken parm sliders, chicken salad wraps, or these turkey burger sliders.
This post may contain affiliate links in which I receive a small commission at no cost to you.
Strangely enough, I’ve seen Firehouse Subs around for years but had never tried them—until recently. By chance, I decided to stop in and ordered their Hook & Ladder sub. From the first bite, I was completely hooked. I loved everything about it, the warm turkey, ham and cheese, the crisp toppings that it all just melted together so effortlessly. I loved it so much that I was compelled to recreate that sandwich for myself at home. Hence this copycat recipe.
WHY LOVE THE FIREHOUSE HOOK & LADDER SUB
The Firehouse Hook & Ladder sub is a fan favorite for several reasons:
- Flavorful Ingredients: It features smoked turkey breast and Virginia honey ham, both of which are high-quality, savory, and perfectly paired. The addition of mayo & monterey cheese adds a creamy note to the sandwich.
- Perfect Balance of Toppings: The sub comes topped with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, onions, and deli mustard, giving it a crisp, fresh bite.
- Steamed-to-Perfection: Firehouse Subs is known for steaming their meats and cheeses, which enhances the flavors and ensures every bite is warm and melty.
- Soft, Toasted Bread: The freshly baked sub roll is soft on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and perfectly holds all the delicious ingredients together.
- Generous Portions: Firehouse is known for its hearty portions, making the Hook & Ladder sub satisfying and filling.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR HOOK & LADDER SUB SANDWICH
The list of ingredients is super simple to make this recipe:
- Whole wheat sub sandwich bread
- Turkey Breast
- Honey Ham
- Swiss cheese: To save a few extra calories I decided to use thin sliced swiss cheese vs. the traditional monterey jack cheese used on the subs. However you can use any cheese you prefer.
- Onions: thinly sliced onions add the perfect hint of bite to this sandwich
- Tomato
- Lettuce: Shredded green leaf lettuce works great for this sub sandwich
- Deli Mustard: If you cannot find deli mustard dijon mustard is a good alternative
- Mayo: I used low-fat mayo but again, you can use whichever mayo you have on hand
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
HOW TO MAKE HOOK & LADDER RECIPE
Full recipe ingredients plus amounts are listed in the recipe card down below.
First gather and prepare all of your ingredients.
On a cutting board, thinly slice the onions using a mandolin or sharp knife and slice the tomatoes. Next finely chop the lettuce. Lastly, slice the medium sub bread in half down the middle.
Lay the bread on the cutting board and to one half spread the deli mustard and to the other half spread a thin layer of mayo.
On the bottom half of the bread, 2-3 slices of turkey breast then top with 2-3 slices of honey ham. Top the ham with the swiss cheese.
Place both slices of bread in the air fryer and toast for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is nice and melted. About 2-3 minutes.
Remove from the air fryer and add the thinly sliced onions on top of the cheese and next add the tomatoes. Lastly top with lettuce and place the top half of the sub on top to complete the sandwich.
Slice in half and enjoy!
WAYS TO MAKE IT YOUR OWN
While this is the traditional way the Firehouse hook and ladder sandwich is served there are a few ways you can make it your own:
Mustard: swap out the deli mustard for spicy mustard or dijon mustard for an extra kick
Veggies: add some veggies like bell pepper, spinach or banana peppers
Dress it: dress it up by drizzling italian dressing or balsamic vinegar and oil on top
WHAT TO SERVE WITH SUB SANDWICH
Of course the traditional items to serve with any sub sandwich would be a pickle spear and chips. However you can mix things up by serving up a side of fruit, pasta salad or a side salad to break away from the norm.
FAQ’S
No, the Hook & Ladder sub is not spicy. However, you can add hot sauce, jalapeños, or other spicy condiments to give it an extra kick.
This version is healthier and comes in at around 400 calories vs. the restaurant version at 700 calories. What makes it healthier is opting for wheat bread, using light mayo and swapping out the cheese to swiss cheese.
Yes, you can make this sub ahead of time however I would recommend adding the condiments once ready to eat.
This easy Firehouse Hook & Ladder sub recipe is sure to be a winner if your house. If you make this recipe and enjoy it, feel free to leave a comment down below. Follow me on my social media as I share more healthy recipes, fitness workouts and motherhood. Give a follow at: Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest!
Firehouse Hook & Ladder Subs
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Mandolin
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Whole wheat bread
- 2-3 slices Turkey
- 2-3 slices Ham
- 2 slices Swiss cheese thin slice
- 2 slices Tomato
- 1/2 cup Lettuce shredded
- 4-5 slices Onions thinly sliced
- 1.5 tbsp Mayo
- 1.5 tbsp Deli mustard
Instructions
- On a cutting board, thinly slice the onions using a mandolin or sharp knife and slice the tomatoes. Next finely chop the lettuce. Lastly, slice the medium sub bread in half down the middle.
- Lay the bread on the cutting board and to one half spread the deli mustard and to the other half spread a thin layer of mayo.
- On the bottom half of the bread, 2-3 slices of turkey breast then top with 2-3 slices of honey ham. Top the ham with the swiss cheese. Place both slices of bread in the air fryer and toast for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is nice and melted.
- Remove from the air fryer and add the thinly sliced onions on top of the cheese and next add the tomatoes. Lastly top with lettuce and place the top half of the sub on top to complete the sandwich.
- Slice in half and enjoy!
Leave a Reply