The hoagie's origins trace back to early 20th-century Philadelphia, where Italian immigrants working at the Hog Island shipyard during World War I supposedly created the sandwich — piling meats, cheese and veggies onto long rolls for a hearty, portable lunch.

Some say the name "hoagie" is a corruption of "Hog Island," while others credit local delis that sold the sandwiches to shipyard workers, or "hoggies." The sandwich came to be called the same thing for their generous size.

Regardless of its exact origin story, the hoagie became a Philly staple by the 1940s and has since spread nationwide — going by different names depending on where you are (sub, hero, grinder) but always built on the same principle: Layer it high, and don't skimp.

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Classic Italian Hoagie Recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 long Italian or hoagie roll (or 4 individual rolls), sliced lengthwise
• 4 oz thinly sliced ham
• 4 oz thinly sliced Genoa salami
• 4 oz thinly sliced capicola
• 4 oz provolone cheese, sliced
• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1 tomato, thinly sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup banana peppers or pepperoncini, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

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1. Slice the roll lengthwise, leaving one side attached like a hinge. Lightly toast if desired.
2. Layer the provolone cheese first (this helps prevent a soggy sandwich), followed by the ham, salami, and capicola.
3. Top with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and banana peppers.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar, then sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Close the sandwich, slice into portions, and serve immediately.