The ultimate Italian grinder sandwich is here.
When I think of a ultimate sandwich recipe, this thick and hearty Grinder Sandwich comes to mind. It’s a hearty sandwich loaded with variety of Italian meats, cheeses and packed with flavor thanks to its famous creamy salad. If my lunch sandwiches don’t look like this, I don’t want it.
Why you'll love my recipe.
Easy preparation
Preparation is straightforward, as are sandwiches, making them the perfect choice for quick lunches or snacks to eat in between meals. Deli-style sandwiches right at home!
Customizable
You can easily substitute the filling to suit your taste preferences by choosing your favorite meats, cheeses or bread but don’t skip out on the Italian salad. Once you try it, you’ll understand why.
Hearty and wholesome
This grinder sandwich recipe is loaded with variety mix of meats, cheeses and veggies, making it super filling and hearty.
What is a Grinder Sandwich?
The term grinder is believed to have originated in New England and was used to describe a hearty sandwich that was difficult to “grind” through because of its thick, chewy bread and generous fillings. Grinder sandwiches typically use a sturdy, crusty bread that can stand up to the weight of its fillings. They are packed with deli meats like salami, ham or turkey, along with provolone, mozzarella and parmesan and a mix of veggies such as shredded lettuce, sliced tomato and sliced onions. They are often dressed with oil, vinegar and Italian herbs.
What sets the Grinder Sandwich apart?
Besides the simple fact that the Italian grinder sandwich is thick and hearty, what sets it apart from other sandwiches is the creamy iconic Italian salad nestled between the hot melted cheeses and Italian salami.
Ingredient notes.
Bread
I have made this sandwich using many different kinds of bread. French, Hoagie, Demi-loaf, Sub rolls. My favorite has to be the demi-loaf. The shape of demi-loaf allows for easy slicing into sandwich portions. When toasted, the crumbs stays soft while the crust becomes irresistibly crispy.
Meat
This viral sandwich calls for a variety of deli meats. Our favorite combination has been using Sopressata Salami, Spicy Salami, Genoa Salami and Turkey breast.
Cheeses
Combine the sharpness of parmesan and provolone with the creaminess of muenster.
Heirloom Tomatoes
When Heirloom tomatoes are in season, you will always find them in my sandwiches and salads.
The famous “Italian Salad” within the sandwich
I could eat this salad on its own. It’s that good. Made with full-fat mayo, red wine vinegar, banana peppers and oregano tossed with red onion and iceberg lettuce, it’s practically irresistible.
For the rest of the ingredients, please see the recipe index card below!
Can I prep this sandwich ahead of time?
The answer is yes and no. The salad will get soggy if it sits for too long. You can make the sub sandwich ahead of time, keep it in the fridge beforehand. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. Make the Italian salad right before serving. I’d say it’s what “makes or breaks” this sandwich.
What can I serve on the side?
Chips, pickles or soup! Any classic side pairings go well with our Italian grinder sandwich recipe.
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Grinder Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 footlong ciabatta demi loaf baguette or hoagie
- 5 slices sopressata salami
- 5 slices spicy salami
- 5 slices genoa salami
- 5 slices turkey breast thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes on the vine or heirloom
- 3 slices provolone
- 3 slices munster cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan freshly grated
For the Italian Salad
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 head iceberg Lettuce thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini or banana peppers chopped
- 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F / 204°C
- Slice the bread loaf in half. On one side, add provolone and muenster cheese slices. On the other side, start assembling the sandwich with your meats.1 footlong ciabatta demi loaf, 5 slices sopressata salami, 5 slices spicy salami, 5 slices genoa salami, 3 slices provolone, 3 slices munster cheese, 5 slices turkey breast
- Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is toasted.
- While the bread is toasting, add mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper and pepperoncini into a large bowl. Whisk together until combined.1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup pepperoncini or banana peppers, 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 teaspoon dried oregano, 2 garlic cloves, sea salt and cracked black pepper
- Toss together red onions and lettuce until evenly coated.1/2 head iceberg Lettuce, 1/2 small red onion
- Add the salad mixture to the meat side of the bread, along with sliced tomatoes and grated Parmesan. Close the sandwich with the cheesy slice on top and enjoy. This sandwich can get messy so I like to wrap it in parchment paper before slicing.2 tomatoes on the vine or heirloom, 1/4 cup parmesan
Nutrition
The provided nutritional value above is an estimate per serving. 100% accuracy is not guarenteed. Please see Nutrition Information Disclaimer in our Privacy Policy.
Nutrition Information Disclaimer
