Inspired by the viral grinder sandwich, this version of the Italian grinder sandwich is what dreams are MADE OF. I wish I was kidding when I say I have dreamed of this sandwich on multiple occasions. It’s made with soft Italian bread, cured meats, cheese, and a delicious and addicting zesty salad. My version is pretty traditional in compared to the original. This Italian grinder sandwich is beyond customizable and will become apart of your weekly recipe routine.
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What is a grinder sandwich?
I am so glad you asked. A grinder sandwich is traditionally a sub made with various cured meats and cheeses on top of a crusty Italian loaf. This version varies because of the delicious salad component that is slapped onto this baby. This version of the grinder sandwich went viral on TikTok a while back and I am here to say it lived up to all the hype. The reason it’s called a grinder sandwich because you need some teeth to grind the sandwich down. The eclectic textures enveloped by the chewy bread provides the most delectable texture you could dream of.
What ingredients do I need to make this sandwich?
As for the ingredients go, they are extremely customizable. Essentially every ingredient has a substitution available, especially the meat, cheese, and even bread options. See the list below for more details!
- Italian bread (1 large Italian bread loaf works great. However, smaller Italian sub bread works as well. If Italian bread is not at your local supermarket, try french bread, hoagie rolls, white sandwich bread, or even a wrap or tortilla works great as well! If you use a wrap, don’t bake it.)
- Salame *
- Prosciutto *
- Capacollo *
- Turkey or chicken breast
- Provolone cheese (Colby jack, havarti, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese work too!)
- Parmesan cheese
- Iceberg lettuce (romaine could work too)
- Mayonnaise (any type works great)
- Pepperocini or banana peppers (deseeded add diced)
- Italian seasoning
- Oregano
- Onion powder
- Red wine vinegar
- Minced garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red chili flakes
*I have placed the star on these three meats because technically you do not need all three to make this Italian grinder sandwich. As long as you have at least one cured meat, this sandwich will be amazing. However, I believe the more cured meats, the more flavorful (and grinder-like) this sandwich will be!
More recipe ideas?
If you are looking for more recipe ideas for either lunch or dinner, check out these below!
- Chicken Curry Salad
- Simple Sweet Potato Salad
- The JUICIEST Turkey Burgers
- Low-FODMAP Vegetable Curry Soup
- Spicy Egg Frittata
Italian Grinder Sandwich
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce washed, chopped, and dried
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup pepperoncini peppers diced and deseeded!
- ⅔ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp minced garlic garlic powder will also work!
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
For the bread:
- 1 large Italian bread loaf 1 pound Italian loaf (or any bread amounting to 1 lb!)
- 6 slices salame *
- 6 slices capacollo *
- 6 slices prosciutto *
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 4 slices provolone cheese* colby jack, havarti, mozzarella, or pepper jack work too!
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper if desired.
- First we will marinate the salad. Together in a bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, along with the mayo, parmesan, vinegar, peppers, garlic, and seasonings. Mix until thoroughly combined. Set aside as the flavors soak into one another.
- Next, slice the bread horizontally. Sprinkle ¼ cup of parmesan cheese to each side of the bread (totaling ½ cup). Then to one half of the bread (keep on side face open with only parm), add the turkey/chicken breast and cured meats in an even layer.
- Top the meats with the provolone cheese and then pop the giant sandwich into the oven for 10 minutes. Once the cheese is melted and the bread looks golden brown, take the sandwich out of the oven.
- Let the sandwich cool down for about 5 minutes, then stuff as much salad as you can fit into the sub. Top with the parmesan only side of the sandwich. It may be messy and drippy, but that's part of the experience.
- Once the sandwich is stuffed with the lettuce mixture, slice it into 4 pieces. The portion sizes are pretty generous, so if this was a gathering I might split it into 8 pieces. Whatever works for you!
- Devour this sandwich immediately. If you are making this just for yourself, do not add the salad mixture to the entire sandwich. It will get soggy if you save it as leftovers! Keep the lettuce mix separate if you are planning to not eat the whole thing!
Notes
Please let me know what changes you made to this recipe! Did you love it? Let me know in the comments below!
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