After countless stir-fries, bagels, burgers and salads from on-campus dining options, there is one gem we can all turn to for support: Subway. Subway’s smell monopolizes much of the space in the Mallinckrodt Center; in fact, Mallinckrodt owes one to Subway for nudging in students with its alluring aroma. Although a pile of veggies and meat already sounds more than appealing to much of the student body, why not try something new? There are numerous ways to put a creative spin on the classic sub. Why not put those extra meal points to good use?

Pizza…at Subway?

Illustration by Brandon Wilburn

Subway already offers its own pizza option, called the “Flatizza,” but why not get the best of both pizza flavors and Subway’s delectable, cushiony sandwich bread? Order a foot long (or 6-inch) and have the hoagie slit in half. Then, ask the sandwich artist to shmear a good helping of pizza sauce on top. Layer on all the cheeses and finish with some olives and veggies. For the finishing touch, ask for a sprinkling of Italian seasoning and a nice, long toast in the oven. Ta-da! Who needs pizza crust when you have bread?

Nachos…Yes, it can be done!

Illustration by Brandon Wilburn

We all hate the large array of chips that we can’t help but notice while we’re paying for our sandwiches. While you can munch away the last 20 minutes of cardio you just did, why not put those chips to better use? At the counter, ask for a to-go cardboard box. The sandwich artist should produce a cardboard box with a Subway logo on it and a clear panel on top (similar to the Panera salad to-go boxes). Next, hand the sandwich artist a bag of chips—go ahead and pick your favorite. Once the bag has been emptied into the box, go wild and pick your favorite toppings. After you have created a Subway microcosm in your box, ask the employee to top it all off with a nice, hearty helping of cheese. Ask for the nachos to be toasted for a few minutes, and you’re done! Watch in awe as your sub sandwich artist brings out your ooey-gooey nachos. Feel free to top them with some jalapenos and chipotle ranch.

Cookie sandwich—with a twist

Illustration by Brandon Wilburn

Popular New York restaurants have been experimenting with cookies and cheese to produce…grilled cheese! Why not try out this concoction at Subway? Order two cookies (in any flavor you like) and ask for a few slices of mozzarella to be placed in between them. Next, order a bag of sliced apples and ask for the apples to be sliced thin. Have the sub artist place the slices on top of the cheese. Finally, ask the cookie with the cheese and apples to be toasted for at least three minutes. After the melty cookie has been removed from the oven, place the other cookie on top and enjoy!

Meaty “Un-wich”—without the meat

Illustration by Brandon Wilburn

One option on Subway’s menu that is not too well-known is their veggie patty. These patties are long and hearty, making them perfect bases for sandwiches. Go ahead and order your favorite sandwich on two veggie patties, instead of ordering your sub on bread. This is a great way to up your vegetable intake without ordering yet another salad.

Soup torpedo

Illustration by Brandon Wilburn

Oh, how you miss your bread bowls from Panera. Whether you don’t have any mode of transportation to off campus or haven’t yet figured out that it’s just called St. Louis Bread Co. here, bread bowls are but a dream. After you’ve cried reminiscing about the good ol’ days when you and Panera Bread were in a steady relationship, run to Subway to find your new beau: the soup torpedo. That’s right! You can hack yourself into a bread bowl bigger than the size of your head! Order any soup on the menu and a loaf of bread to-go. Don’t have the bread sliced in half. Instead, ask for a long box to be cut on the top of the hoagie. When you are ready to eat, dump the soup into the long, thin crater on the top of your bread. You’re welcome.