How to Build the Perfect Custom Sub Sandwich

A great sub sandwich isn’t complicated. But there’s a difference between a sandwich that’s just fine and one that you’re still thinking about an hour later. The gap between the two usually comes down to a few decisions made at the counter.

At Zarley’s Subz & Ice Cream, every order is a custom sub sandwich built exactly to your tastes. The bread is fresh, the deli meats and toppings are quality, and nothing is pre-made waiting for someone to take it. That foundation makes the customization actually worth doing, and here’s how to make the most of it.

Start with the Bread

The bread is the structure of everything else, and at Zarley’s it’s baked fresh. That matters more than most people realize. Fresh bread holds up to toppings without going soggy, has texture worth biting into, and makes a real difference in how the complete sub sandwich tastes.

If you’re someone who cares more about the fillings than the bread, Zarley’s also lets you skip it entirely and get any sub in a salad bowl instead. Same ingredients, no bread, all the same delicious Zarley’s flavor.

Hot or Cold: Know What You’re Going For

Zarley’s has both hot and cold subs, and the choice shapes everything else about what you build.

Cold subs are about texture and freshness. The ingredients stay crisp, the bread doesn’t soften, and you get the full flavor of everything individually. This is where a good vinaigrette or a fresh Zarley spread really shows up.

Hot subs are about the melt and the warmth. Cheese gets involved in a different way, meats get a little more flavor from the heat, and the whole thing is more of a cohesive bite. If you want something that feels more like a full meal on a cold day, this is the direction we recommend.

Neither is better overall, they’re just different sandwiches. But knowing which one you’re in the mood for before you order makes the whole build easier.

Pick Your Protein 

The protein is the main event. Zarley’s uses quality deli meats, which means the flavor is actually there without needing to pile on extras to compensate.

The most popular orders on our menu tell you something useful:The Zarley is the most ordered sub for a reason. It’s built around a cream cheese spread that sounds unexpected until you try it, at which point it makes complete sense. The Charlie and the Italian Stallion are close behind. 

These aren’t just menu names. They’re combinations that our team has dialed in, and they’re a great starting point if you’re not sure where to begin.

That said, the whole point of a custom sub sandwich is that you’re building it your way. If you have a specific combination in mind, Zarley’s is set up to make it a reality. 

The Toppings: Where People Go Wrong

Most people either put too little on or try to include everything and end up with a sandwich that’s hard to eat and tastes like nothing in particular.

According to the Culinary Institute of America, balance is the defining principle of a well-built custom sub sandwich. The goal is for no single ingredient to overpower the others, with each component adding something distinct: texture, acidity, fat, or freshness. Practically speaking, that means picking toppings that do different jobs.

Fresh vegetables add crunch and brightness. A spread adds richness and holds the sandwich together. Something acidic like pickles or peppers cuts through heavier ingredients. If all your toppings are doing the same thing, the sandwich ends up one-dimensional.

The Zarley’s crew builds subs every day and knows what work – and what doesn’t. If you’re genuinely unsure, just ask one of our team members. The people at the counter have opinions and they’d love to help guide you in the right delicious direction.

Sauce and Spreads: Don’t Skip This Step

For most people, a dry sub is a sad sub. The spread is what ties the whole sandwich together, but it can also be the most overlooked part of sub customization.

The cream cheese spread on the Zarley is the best example of this on the menu. It’s not a default choice, but it’s what makes that sandwich the most ordered item. A good spread adds fat and flavor in a way that makes every other ingredient taste better. Take our word for it and don’t skip the sauce. You’ll thank us later.

Size: Be Honest with Yourself

Zarley's portions are generous, and not "generous" in the way sub sandwich chains use that word when they mean average. Multiple reviews mention being caught off guard by how much food comes with an order from Zarley’s, and how stacked our subs are with delicious ingredients. 

If you're eating lunch and have somewhere to be, the regular size is probably enough. If you're hungry enough to justify the full size, it exists for a reason and it delivers. Either way, you're leaving satisfied and full.

Order It Your Way at Zarley’s

At Zarley’s, the whole build process is quick, the ingredients are fresh, and the people making your custom sub sandwich actually care about getting it right. Browse the hot and cold Subz menu before you come in, or place an online order for either our Tulsa or Sapulpa location through Tap Tap Eat. |

Find us at 5509 E 41st Street in Tulsa (Monday through Saturday, 10am to 7pm) or at 1024 E Taft Ave in Sapulpa (Tuesday through Sunday, 10:30am to 7pm).

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good custom sub sandwich?

A good custom sub starts with fresh bread, a quality protein, and toppings that balance texture, acidity, and richness rather than just piling on everything available. A spread or sauce ties the build together and keeps the sandwich from being dry.

What is the most popular sub at Zarley’s?

The Zarley is the most ordered sub on the menu. It features a cream cheese spread that makes it stand out from a standard deli-style build. The Charlie and Italian Stallion are also consistently popular.

Can I get a sub without bread at Zarley’s?

Yes. Any sub can be made as a salad bowl with the same ingredients, no bread. It’s a good option if you want the flavor without the bread.

Does Zarley’s have hot subs?

Yes. Zarley’s has both hot and cold subs. Hot subs are good for a warmer, more cohesive bite with melted cheese. Cold subs are better for fresh texture and crunch.

Author: Misty Jackson