Begin by slicing your Italian sub roll from the top. If it's not fresh, feel free to toast it for a minute or two. This adds a nice crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy fillings. Set your bread aside, and let your imagination run wild with the layering!

Start with the fresh mozzarella. Place a generous slice on the bottom half of the roll. This cheese acts as a barrier, preventing the bread from getting soggy when you add the tomatoes and other wet ingredients later. A soft, fresh mozzarella grants a luxurious texture that is hard to beat.

Next, layer on those luscious tomato slices. Choose ripe tomatoes for maximum flavor. Depending on your preference, you can either let the juices run or gently pat them dry with a paper towel. A little sprinkle of sea salt will elevate their taste.

Drizzle some pesto sauce over the layered tomatoes. The herbaceous notes will meld beautifully with the creamy mozzarella. Now tear some fresh basil leaves and scatter them on top. Feel free to be generous—basil is a shining star in this sandwich.

If you’re adding salami, layer the slices now. Remember, it adds depth and satisfaction, but you can skip this step for a lighter version. Next, introduce the roasted red peppers and artichoke hearts. These colorful additions create both flavor and texture contrasts, making your sandwich visually stunning.

Sprinkle a bit more sea salt and cracked black pepper on top. If you’ve got it, drizzle a touch of extra virgin olive oil. Follow this with the balsamic reduction—it can make a world of difference with its balance of sweetness and acidity.

Finally, cap off your masterpiece with the top half of the sub roll. Gently press down, allowing the ingredients to meld together, and your sandwich is ready to be devoured.