State Fair Subs

My college roommate and I first ate these meaty sandwiches at the Iowa State Fair. After a little experimenting, we re-created the recipe. We ate the subs often because they were fast to fix between classes and didnt break our next-to-nothing grocery budget.

State Fair Subs
State Fair Subs

My college roommate and I first ate these meaty sandwiches at the Iowa State Fair. After a little experimenting, we re-created the recipe. We ate the subs often because they were fast to fix between classes and didnt break our next-to-nothing grocery budget.

  • Preparing Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 6
  • Carbohydrate 0.37043625534188 g
  • Cholesterol 141.127083333333 mg
  • Fat 3.35746876068376 g
  • Fiber 0.0230317841880342 g
  • Protein 4.24377107371795 g
  • Saturated Fat 1.05755278311966 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 servings. (110g)
  • Sodium 47.2132414529915 mg
  • Sugar 0.347404471153846 g
  • Trans Fat 0.560592094017093 g
  • Calories 49 calories

Step-by-step

  • Cut bread in half lengthwise; carefully hollow out top and bottom of loaf, leaving a 1-in. shell.
  • Cube removed bread.
  • In a large bowl, beat the eggs, milk, pepper and salt.
  • Add bread cubes and toss to coat; set aside.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage and onion until the meat is no longer pink; drain.
  • Add to the bread mixture.
  • Spoon filling into bread shells; sprinkle with cheese.
  • Wrap each in foil.
  • Bake at 400degrees for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted.
  • Cut into serving-size slices.

My Go-To Comfort Food: State Fair Subs

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook is often a challenge. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and after-school activities, a quick and satisfying meal is a necessity. That’s where these State Fair Subs come in. They’re a nostalgic recipe, a reminder of simpler times, and incredibly easy to whip up, even on the busiest of days.

I first discovered this recipe back in college. My roommate and I were always on a tight budget, and these subs were the perfect solution. They were inexpensive, used readily available ingredients, and were incredibly filling. We often made a batch on Sunday and had them throughout the week for a quick lunch or dinner. Now, years later, they’re still a staple in my kitchen. The ease and affordability haven't changed, but the comfort and delicious taste remain firmly entrenched in my family’s meal rotation. The cheesy, meaty goodness is always a hit with my kids, and it never fails to bring back fond memories of my college days.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There's no need for complicated techniques or rare ingredients. Just a few pantry staples and some readily-available meat are all you need to create a hearty and satisfying meal. It's perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch. The kids love helping with the preparation, too, making it a fun family activity. The whole family gathers around the kitchen island, chopping onions and mixing ingredients. It's a simple thing, but it adds a special element to our routine. I've also found that the recipe is remarkably versatile. Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage or cheese to customize it to your preferences. I've tried adding different vegetables, too—mushrooms and bell peppers worked particularly well—making it an even more wholesome and nutritious meal.

More than just a simple recipe, these State Fair Subs represent a connection to my past and a cherished tradition that I now share with my family. They’re a reminder that sometimes, the most satisfying meals are the simplest ones, the ones that bring people together around a table, sharing stories and laughter. The aroma filling my kitchen as they bake evokes a sense of warmth and comfort, a welcome feeling on a busy weekday or a relaxed weekend. The taste itself is a nostalgic trip back to my college days, a comforting reminder of a time filled with friendship, and inexpensive meals that satisfied both my stomach and my budget. The simplicity and the delicious result make it a winner every time!

What I love most about this recipe is its adaptability. I often find myself adjusting the ingredients based on what's in my fridge or what my family is craving. Sometimes I add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sausage mixture for extra flavor and nutrients. Other times, I'll substitute the mozzarella with a different cheese, like provolone or cheddar. The possibilities are truly endless! I encourage you to experiment and make it your own. The core ingredients remain the same—the sausage, the bread, the cheese—but you can really personalize it to your liking. The adaptability makes it a constant favorite, always a welcome change with very little effort. It's the kind of recipe that's as much a blank canvas as it is a tried-and-true classic.

So, whether you're a busy professional, a stay-at-home mom, or a college student on a budget, this recipe is perfect for you. It's simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. It's a recipe that evokes warm memories for me, and I hope it will become a cherished family favorite for you, too. Give it a try, and let me know what you think. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And if you do try it, let me know your variations! I'm always looking for new ideas to add to my repertoire.