
Subway Footlong Dippers: Delicious Recipes & Creative Pairings
Subway’s new Footlong Dippers have taken the internet by storm, offering a snackable, affordable, and customizable treat. These footlong, filled breadsticks are designed for dipping and sharing (or not!), and come in three classic flavors: Pepperoni & Cheese, Chicken & Cheese, and Double Cheese. But why stop at just dipping? This article explores creative ways to elevate your Footlong Dipper experience, offering delicious recipes and pairing suggestions that will transform your next Subway run into a culinary adventure.
## What are Subway Footlong Dippers?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s quickly recap what makes Footlong Dippers so appealing:
* **Affordable:** Priced around $3, they are a budget-friendly snack or side.
* **Convenient:** Easy to grab and go, perfect for quick lunches or on-the-go snacking.
* **Customizable:** While they come in three main flavors, you can still add your own flair with dips and toppings.
* **Shareable (or Not!):** The footlong size makes them ideal for sharing, but they’re also perfectly satisfying as a single-serving snack.
## Mastering the Art of Dipping: Beyond the Basics
While the Footlong Dippers are delicious on their own, the right dip can elevate them to a whole new level. Here are some dipping sauce ideas, ranging from classic to creative:
* **Marinara Sauce:** A timeless classic, marinara sauce complements all three Footlong Dipper flavors, especially the Pepperoni & Cheese.
* **Ranch Dressing:** A creamy and tangy option that pairs well with the Chicken & Cheese and Double Cheese dippers. Consider adding a sprinkle of dried dill or chives to your ranch for an extra burst of flavor.
* **Honey Mustard:** The sweet and tangy flavor of honey mustard complements the savory Chicken & Cheese dipper perfectly.
* **Spicy Queso:** Add a kick to your Dippers with a warm and cheesy queso dip. This is especially good with the Pepperoni & Cheese dipper.
* **Garlic Aioli:** A creamy and garlicky aioli adds a sophisticated touch to your dipping experience. It pairs well with all three flavors, but especially enhances the Double Cheese.
* **Buffalo Sauce & Blue Cheese:** For a spicy and tangy kick, dip the Chicken & Cheese dipper in buffalo sauce and then in blue cheese dressing. This combination is a game-changer.
* **Pesto:** A vibrant and flavorful pesto sauce adds a fresh, herbal note to the Double Cheese dipper.
* **Creamy Sriracha Mayo:** Mix sriracha sauce with mayonnaise for a spicy and creamy dip that goes well with any of the dippers.
* **Sweet Chili Sauce:** A sweet and slightly spicy sauce that adds an Asian-inspired twist to your dipping experience. Pairs well with the Chicken & Cheese dipper.
* **Guacamole:** A cool and creamy guacamole provides a fresh and vibrant contrast to the savory flavors of the dippers, particularly the Pepperoni & Cheese and Chicken & Cheese options. A squeeze of lime juice can further brighten the flavors.
## Footlong Dipper Recipes: Beyond Dipping – Creative Transformations
Now, let’s get to the fun part: transforming your Footlong Dippers into full-fledged meals or even more exciting snacks. These recipes go beyond simply dipping and explore different ways to incorporate the dippers into your culinary creations.
### 1. Mini Pizza Dipper Bites
Transform your Pepperoni & Cheese Dipper into bite-sized pizza appetizers.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Pepperoni & Cheese Footlong Dipper
* 1/4 cup Marinara sauce
* 1/4 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
* Optional: Pepperoni slices, olives, bell peppers
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the Pepperoni & Cheese Footlong Dipper into 1-inch pieces.
3. Arrange the pieces on a baking sheet.
4. Top each piece with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and any desired toppings like extra pepperoni, olives, or bell peppers.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Let cool slightly before serving. These are perfect as appetizers or party snacks.
### 2. Chicken & Cheese Dipper Quesadillas
Turn your Chicken & Cheese Dipper into a quick and easy quesadilla filling.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Chicken & Cheese Footlong Dipper
* 2 Flour tortillas
* 1/4 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
* Optional: Salsa, sour cream, guacamole
**Instructions:**
1. Slice the Chicken & Cheese Footlong Dipper lengthwise and then into small pieces.
2. Spread the chicken and cheese mixture evenly over one tortilla.
3. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
4. Top with the second tortilla.
5. Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.
6. Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole (optional).
### 3. Double Cheese Dipper Garlic Bread
Elevate your garlic bread game with the Double Cheese Dipper.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Double Cheese Footlong Dipper
* 2 tablespoons Butter, softened
* 1 clove Garlic, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon Dried parsley
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the Double Cheese Footlong Dipper lengthwise.
3. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and dried parsley.
4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the Dipper.
5. Place the Dipper halves on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the garlic butter is melted and fragrant.
7. Slice into smaller pieces and serve as a side dish or appetizer.
### 4. Pepperoni & Cheese Dipper Stromboli
Create a simplified stromboli using the Pepperoni & Cheese Dipper as a shortcut.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Pepperoni & Cheese Footlong Dipper
* 1 sheet Pre-made pizza dough
* 1/4 cup Marinara sauce
* 1/4 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1 Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Optional: Italian seasoning
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface.
3. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the dough.
4. Place the Pepperoni & Cheese Footlong Dipper in the center of the dough.
5. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and Italian seasoning (optional).
6. Fold the dough over the Dipper, sealing the edges tightly. Crimp the edges with a fork to ensure they are sealed.
7. Brush the top of the stromboli with beaten egg.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
### 5. Chicken & Cheese Dipper Buffalo Chicken Dip Bites
Combine the flavors of buffalo chicken dip with the convenience of the Chicken & Cheese Dipper.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Chicken & Cheese Footlong Dipper
* 1/4 cup Cream cheese, softened
* 2 tablespoons Buffalo wing sauce
* 2 tablespoons Ranch dressing
* 1/4 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
* Optional: Green onions, chopped
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the Chicken & Cheese Footlong Dipper into 1-inch pieces.
3. In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing.
4. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions (optional).
5. Top each Dipper piece with the buffalo chicken dip mixture.
6. Arrange the pieces on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.
### 6. Double Cheese Dipper Grilled Cheese Sticks
Transform the Double Cheese Dipper into easily dippable grilled cheese sticks.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Double Cheese Footlong Dipper
* 2 tablespoons Butter, softened
**Instructions:**
1. Slice the Double Cheese Footlong Dipper lengthwise and then into 1-inch thick sticks.
2. Spread softened butter evenly on all sides of the Dipper sticks.
3. Heat a lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium heat.
4. Cook the sticks for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
5. Serve immediately with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
### 7. Pepperoni & Cheese Dipper Calzones
Similar to stromboli but individual-sized, these calzones are a fun twist on the Pepperoni & Cheese Dipper.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Pepperoni & Cheese Footlong Dipper
* 1 sheet Pre-made pizza dough, cut into 4 squares
* 1/4 cup Ricotta cheese
* 1/4 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1 Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Optional: Italian seasoning
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the Pepperoni & Cheese Footlong Dipper into small pieces.
3. On each pizza dough square, spread a spoonful of ricotta cheese.
4. Top with the Pepperoni & Cheese Dipper pieces and mozzarella cheese.
5. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, sealing the edges tightly. Crimp the edges with a fork.
6. Brush the top of each calzone with beaten egg and sprinkle with Italian seasoning (optional).
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Let cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce.
### 8. Chicken & Cheese Dipper Mini Chicken Pot Pies
A comforting and savory treat using the Chicken & Cheese Dipper as the base.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Chicken & Cheese Footlong Dipper
* 1 can (10.75 ounces) Condensed cream of chicken soup
* 1/2 cup Frozen mixed vegetables
* 1/4 cup Milk
* 1 sheet Refrigerated pie crust, cut into circles
* 1 Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the Chicken & Cheese Footlong Dipper into small pieces.
3. In a bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, frozen mixed vegetables, milk, and the Chicken & Cheese Dipper pieces.
4. Spoon the mixture into muffin tins lined with pie crust circles.
5. Brush the top of each pot pie with beaten egg.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.
### 9. Double Cheese Dipper Cheesy Breadsticks
An even cheesier version of breadsticks, perfect for dipping.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Double Cheese Footlong Dipper
* 2 tablespoons Butter, melted
* 1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder
* 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
* Optional: Italian seasoning
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the Double Cheese Footlong Dipper lengthwise and then into 1-inch thick sticks.
3. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Brush the cheese mixture evenly over the Dipper sticks.
5. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning (optional).
6. Arrange the sticks on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve immediately with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
### 10. Pepperoni & Cheese Dipper Pizza Rolls
A fun and easy snack that everyone will love.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Pepperoni & Cheese Footlong Dipper
* 1 sheet Pre-made pizza dough
* 1/4 cup Marinara sauce
* 1/4 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
* Optional: Pepperoni slices, Italian seasoning
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the Pepperoni & Cheese Footlong Dipper into small pieces.
3. Unroll the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface.
4. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the dough.
5. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and the Pepperoni & Cheese Dipper pieces, and optional pepperoni slices.
6. Roll the dough up tightly into a log.
7. Slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls.
8. Arrange the rolls on a baking sheet.
9. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning (optional).
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Let cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce.
## Creative Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Beyond the recipes, consider these serving suggestions to enhance your Footlong Dipper experience:
* **Charcuterie Board Addition:** Add sliced Footlong Dippers to a charcuterie board for a fun and unexpected twist.
* **Game Day Snack:** Serve the mini pizza bites or buffalo chicken dip bites at your next game day gathering.
* **Lunchbox Treat:** Pack a few Dipper sticks with a dipping sauce for a satisfying lunchbox snack.
* **Movie Night Snack:** Enjoy a warm stromboli or calzone while watching your favorite movie.
* **Soup & Dipper Combo:** Pair the Double Cheese Dipper garlic bread with a creamy tomato soup for a comforting meal.
**Drink Pairings:**
* **Pepperoni & Cheese:** Pairs well with a crisp lager or a dry red wine like Chianti.
* **Chicken & Cheese:** Complements a light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a refreshing iced tea.
* **Double Cheese:** Goes well with a sparkling wine like Prosecco or a classic cola.
## Tips for the Perfect Footlong Dipper Experience
* **Freshness is Key:** Enjoy your Footlong Dipper as soon as possible after purchasing for optimal flavor and texture.
* **Don’t Overheat:** If reheating, avoid overheating to prevent the bread from becoming tough.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to try different dipping sauces and toppings to find your perfect combination.
* **Share the Love (or Not!):** Footlong Dippers are perfect for sharing, but feel free to keep them all to yourself!
* **Ask for Extra:** At Subway, you can always ask for extra cheese or pepperoni on your dippers, within reason of course!
## Conclusion
Subway’s Footlong Dippers are more than just a snack; they’re a blank canvas for culinary creativity. Whether you prefer to keep it simple with a classic dipping sauce or transform them into a full-fledged meal with these creative recipes, the possibilities are endless. So, next time you’re at Subway, grab a Footlong Dipper and let your imagination run wild! Experiment with different flavors, toppings, and serving suggestions to discover your own perfect Dipper experience. Happy dipping!