Hook and Ladder Firehouse Subs Copycat Recipe + Video

Hook and Ladder Firehouse subs combine Monterey Jack cheese melted over turkey and ham with all the classic fixings. Recreate your favorite Hook and Ladder sub at home in minutes! I love making this simple sub roll! 

Making a medium sub at home is so fun to do and this Hook and Ladder recipe makes it simple! The recipe card below gives the simple steps to whip it up in no time for a fast and simple lunch! 

This simple sandwich is a great way to add a good source of protein to your day, and I love piling high the ripe tomatoes and fresh lettuce during the summer months.

I consider this one of my favorite healthy recipes because of all the added veggies! 

Hook and Ladder Firehouse

We’ve done it! We’ve cracked the code to the world-famous Firehouse Subs Hook and Ladder sandwich.

Other than using the air fryer, this copycat Hook and Ladder sub is cut and “built” exactly like the restaurant version, and it’s even got all of the fixings to make it “fully involved.”

Craving more sandwiches? You can’t go wrong with a gourmet grilled cheese or juicy French Dip. 

I’ve even got a copycat recipe for Monte Cristo sandwiches like the ones at Disney!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Meat – Use a combination of smoked turkey breast and honey ham. If you order from the deli counter of your store, you can ask that both be sliced really thin.
  
• Cheese – Monterey Jack has a mild flavor and melts really well. If you prefer something more bold, swap in white cheddar or Colby Jack.
  
• Spread – Keep it classic with mayo and deli mustard, or swap in Dijon for more tang.
  
• Veggies – Slice up iceberg lettuce, tomato, and white onion for a fully involved version!
  
• Bread – You’ll want a whole foot-long French loaf to build your copycat Firehouse Hook and Ladder subs. 
  
  Or, opt for sourdough or whole wheat loaves — as long as they are the same size and length.

I always say that when making a sub, the list of ingredients can vary. I’m a fan of this Hook & Ladder sandwich because of how perfectly all the flavors mesh together. 

Other ingredient options that you can use and add can vary – but some fun ideas can be Virginia Honey Ham, diced bell pepper, cream cheese, Italian dressing, zesty marinara, Italian seasonings, spicy mustard, and even Italian meatballs. 

Some of those ingredients might really be throwing the flavor a curveball, but why not?  

How To Make a Hook and Ladder Sub

Since most of us don’t have a commercial meat steamer or industrial bread toaster, we’ve adapted the Hook and Ladder Firehouse recipe so you can use your air fryer. 

It’s so good, you won’t be able to tell the difference!

First, chop and slice all of the ingredients so they are ready to go. Then, build your Hook and Ladder sandwich like this:

Recipe Video

To see us make this Hook and Ladder Firehouse recipe from start to finish, watch the video in this post!

1. Toast the French bread pieces in batches.
2. Roll the ham and turkey into tubes and arrange them on a sheet of parchment.
3. Add a layer of Monterey Jack, then cook until the cheese has melted over the meat.
4. While that’s cooking, spread mayo on the bottom piece of bread.
5. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, and onion.
6. Spread mustard on the top piece of bread.
7. Transfer the meat and cheese onto the veggies with a spatula.
8. Place the bread with mustard on top.

Hook and Ladder Sandwich Tips and Tricks

• Work in batches. These copycat Firehouse Hook and Ladder subs are made from a single loaf of French bread, so you will need to make one half at a time.
  
• Avoid a fire! Cut your parchment paper so it’s large enough to hold the meat and cheese, but not so large that it touches the heating elements.
  
• Don’t have an air fryer? You should be able to achieve the same results with a toaster oven instead. 
  
  Instead of cooking the filling on parchment, use a pan lined with foil and add a little cooking spray so it doesn’t stick.

Serving Suggestions

Instead of a plain pickle spear on the side, try these crispy pickle chips! Or, pair your Hook and Ladder sandwich with French fries or potato chips for a more filling meal.

All of these can be made with the same countertop appliance, saving you from a pile of dishes!

Firehouse Subs Hook and Ladder FAQ

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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Originally published May 2021, updated and republished June 2025

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