Blackstone’s Jersey Mike’s Buyout: Recreating Delicious Recipes at Home

In November, news broke that Blackstone had finalized its acquisition of Jersey Mike’s Subs. While the ownership might be changing, one thing remains constant: the craving for those delicious subs! Whether you’re a long-time Jersey Mike’s fan or simply looking for some incredible sandwich recipes, this article will guide you through recreating some of their iconic offerings right in your own kitchen. We’ll explore some popular choices, provide detailed recipes suitable for your Blackstone griddle (or stovetop!), and offer tips for achieving that authentic Jersey Mike’s taste.

Understanding the Jersey Mike’s Magic

What makes Jersey Mike’s so special? It’s a combination of high-quality ingredients, fresh preparation, and that signature “Mike’s Way” topping – onions, lettuce, tomatoes, vinegar, oil, and spices. Before diving into specific recipes, let’s break down the essential elements:

* **Quality Meats and Cheeses:** Jersey Mike’s uses premium deli meats and cheeses, sliced fresh daily. When recreating these recipes at home, opt for the best quality you can afford. Look for Boar’s Head, Dietz & Watson, or other reputable brands.
* **Fresh Produce:** Crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and thinly sliced onions are crucial. Don’t skimp on the freshness!
* **The Perfect Bread:** The bread is the foundation of any great sub. Seek out a good quality sub roll, preferably one that’s slightly chewy with a good crust. Italian bread or hoagie rolls work well.
* **Mike’s Way:** This is the signature topping that elevates Jersey Mike’s subs. Don’t skip it! The combination of red wine vinegar, olive oil, and spices creates a tangy, flavorful dressing.
* **The Grill (or Blackstone):** While Jersey Mike’s traditionally makes cold subs, grilling or using a Blackstone griddle adds a delicious layer of flavor and texture, especially for cheesesteaks and other hot sandwiches.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Blackstone Griddle (Optional):** A Blackstone griddle is ideal for creating a flat-top cooking surface similar to what Jersey Mike’s uses. However, a large skillet or griddle pan on your stovetop can also work.
* **Good Quality Bread Knife:** For slicing the sub rolls evenly.
* **Cutting Board:** For prepping ingredients.
* **Chef’s Knife:** For chopping vegetables and slicing meats (if necessary).
* **Spatula or Turner:** For flipping and moving ingredients on the griddle.
* **Bowls and Containers:** For prepping and storing ingredients.

Recipe 1: The Original Italian (Mike’s Way)

This is a Jersey Mike’s classic! The combination of ham, provolone, and assorted Italian deli meats is a crowd-pleaser.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 sub roll (approximately 12 inches)
* 4 slices provolone cheese
* 4 slices ham
* 4 slices pepperoni
* 4 slices capicola
* 2 slices prosciutto (optional)
* Iceberg lettuce, shredded
* 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
* 1/2 medium tomato, sliced
* Mike’s Way dressing (recipe below)

**Mike’s Way Dressing:**

* 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
* 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Mike’s Way Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. **Slice the Sub Roll:** Carefully slice the sub roll lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open the roll like a book.
3. **Layer the Cheese:** Place the provolone cheese slices on the bottom half of the sub roll.
4. **Layer the Meats:** Arrange the ham, pepperoni, capicola, and prosciutto (if using) on top of the cheese.
5. **Add the Vegetables:** Top with shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, and tomato slices.
6. **Drizzle with Mike’s Way Dressing:** Generously drizzle the Mike’s Way dressing over the vegetables.
7. **Close the Sub:** Close the sub roll and slice in half (optional).
8. **Serve Immediately:** Enjoy your homemade Original Italian sub!

Recipe 2: Philly Cheesesteak (Blackstone Style)

While Jersey Mike’s doesn’t strictly focus on Philly Cheesesteaks, this recipe is inspired by their dedication to quality and fresh ingredients, adapted for a Blackstone griddle.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 sub roll (approximately 12 inches)
* 1 pound thinly sliced steak (ribeye or sirloin recommended)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
* 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
* 4 slices provolone cheese or white American cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Optional Toppings:**

* Mushrooms, sliced
* Banana peppers
* Hot sauce

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Steak:** If your steak isn’t already thinly sliced, partially freeze it for about 30 minutes to make slicing easier. Then, slice it as thinly as possible against the grain.
2. **Preheat the Blackstone:** Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat. Add the olive oil.
3. **Cook the Vegetables:** Add the sliced onions and bell peppers (if using) to the griddle. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the griddle and set aside.
4. **Cook the Steak:** Add the thinly sliced steak to the griddle. Use your spatula to chop and spread the steak into a thin layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
5. **Combine Steak and Vegetables:** Add the cooked onions and peppers back to the griddle with the steak. Mix well.
6. **Melt the Cheese:** Divide the steak and vegetable mixture into two portions. Place two slices of cheese on top of each portion and allow the cheese to melt, about 1-2 minutes. You can use a dome or cover to help the cheese melt faster.
7. **Assemble the Cheesesteak:** Carefully scoop each portion of the steak and cheese mixture onto a sub roll.
8. **Add Optional Toppings:** Top with mushrooms, banana peppers, or hot sauce, if desired.
9. **Serve Immediately:** Enjoy your Blackstone-style Philly Cheesesteak!

Recipe 3: The Super Sub (Inspired)

Jersey Mike’s Super Sub is another popular choice, featuring a combination of provolone, ham, prosciuttini, and cappacuolo. We’ll adapt it for a homemade version.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 sub roll (approximately 12 inches)
* 4 slices provolone cheese
* 4 slices ham
* 4 slices prosciuttini (or other spicy ham)
* 4 slices cappacuolo (or coppa)
* Iceberg lettuce, shredded
* 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
* 1/2 medium tomato, sliced
* Mike’s Way dressing (recipe above)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Mike’s Way Dressing:** If you haven’t already, prepare the Mike’s Way dressing according to the recipe above.
2. **Slice the Sub Roll:** Carefully slice the sub roll lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open the roll like a book.
3. **Layer the Cheese:** Place the provolone cheese slices on the bottom half of the sub roll.
4. **Layer the Meats:** Arrange the ham, prosciuttini, and cappacuolo on top of the cheese.
5. **Add the Vegetables:** Top with shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, and tomato slices.
6. **Drizzle with Mike’s Way Dressing:** Generously drizzle the Mike’s Way dressing over the vegetables.
7. **Close the Sub:** Close the sub roll and slice in half (optional).
8. **Serve Immediately:** Enjoy your homemade Super Sub!

Tips for Achieving Authentic Jersey Mike’s Flavor

* **Source High-Quality Ingredients:** This is the most important factor. The better the ingredients, the better the sub.
* **Slice Meats and Cheeses Thinly:** Thinly sliced meats and cheeses provide a better texture and allow the flavors to meld together.
* **Don’t Overload the Sub:** While it’s tempting to pile on the ingredients, too much can make the sub difficult to eat. Strike a balance between flavor and manageability.
* **Use Fresh Produce:** Crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes are essential for a great sub.
* **Get the Bread Right:** Choose a sub roll that’s slightly chewy with a good crust. A good quality Italian bread or hoagie roll will work well.
* **Master Mike’s Way:** The Mike’s Way dressing is the key to that authentic Jersey Mike’s flavor. Don’t be afraid to adjust the ratios to your liking.
* **Experiment with Different Combinations:** Jersey Mike’s offers a wide variety of subs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different meats, cheeses, and toppings to create your own signature sub.
* **Consider a Meat Slicer:** If you plan on making subs frequently, investing in a meat slicer can be a worthwhile investment. It will allow you to slice meats and cheeses to the perfect thickness.
* **Taste as You Go:** Don’t be afraid to taste the different components of the sub as you’re building it. This will help you ensure that the flavors are balanced.
* **Enjoy the Process:** Making subs at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of making subs at home is that you can customize them to your liking. Here are a few variations and customizations to consider:

* **Spicy Italian:** Add a few slices of hot capicola or soppressata to the Original Italian for a spicy kick.
* **Turkey and Provolone:** Substitute ham and other Italian meats with sliced turkey breast for a lighter option.
* **Roast Beef and Cheddar:** Use roast beef and cheddar cheese instead of Italian meats and provolone.
* **Vegetarian Sub:** Load up the sub with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, cucumbers, sprouts, and your favorite dressing.
* **Grilled Chicken Sub:** Grill or pan-fry chicken breast and add it to a sub with your favorite toppings.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
* **Add Avocado:** Avocado adds a creamy and healthy element to any sub.
* **Use Different Dressings:** If you’re not a fan of Mike’s Way, try using a different dressing, such as mayonnaise, mustard, or a vinaigrette.
* **Add Pickles or Olives:** Pickles or olives can add a tangy and salty element to your sub.

Serving Suggestions

* **Serve with Chips:** Potato chips, tortilla chips, or veggie chips make a great accompaniment to subs.
* **Serve with Salad:** A side salad provides a healthy and refreshing contrast to the richness of the sub.
* **Serve with Soup:** A warm bowl of soup is a perfect addition, especially on a cold day.
* **Cut into Smaller Portions:** Cut the sub into smaller portions for easy sharing.
* **Wrap for On-the-Go:** Wrap the sub tightly in parchment paper or foil for easy transport.

Storage Tips

* **Best Served Immediately:** Subs are best enjoyed immediately after they’re made.
* **Store Ingredients Separately:** If you’re not planning on eating the sub right away, store the meats, cheeses, and vegetables separately to prevent the bread from getting soggy.
* **Refrigerate Leftovers:** If you have leftover sub, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. The quality will deteriorate over time.
* **Do Not Freeze:** Subs do not freeze well.

The Takeaway

The Blackstone buyout of Jersey Mike’s might signal changes within the company, but the love for their iconic subs remains. With these recipes and tips, you can recreate the Jersey Mike’s experience at home, using high-quality ingredients and your own culinary creativity. Whether you’re craving an Original Italian, a Philly Cheesesteak, or a Super Sub, these homemade versions will surely satisfy your sandwich desires. So, fire up your Blackstone griddle (or your stovetop!), gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy some delicious subs!