We’re sandwich people. My family tends to hyper-fixate on a certain sandwich and put it on repeat until we can no longer handle it. This is our current obsession! A grinder is known for toasty bread and cheese, Italian meats, and a signature cold and crispy and very tangy salad piled on top (my favorite part). To be honest, it’s just as great completely cold and I probably make it most often that way! This recipe is written for an entire loaf of bread (I’m using a loaf of focaccia from Trader Joes here, it’s the perfect size) that you can divide into about 4 sandwiches. I double this when I make it for my family!
Ingredients Needed
This is just a preview of ingredients and method, keep scrolling for full printable recipe.
- a 14-16oz loaf of bread such as soft French bread or foccacia. (See bread section below)
- Mayo
- Iceberg lettuce
- Red onion
- Olive Oil and red wine vinegar
- Mild banana peppers/pepperoncini
- Fresh Parmesan
- Italian seasoning, salt and pepper
- Garlic
- Cheese and Deli meats as desired
How to Make an amazing Italian Grinder Sandwich
This is an overview for you- scroll down to find the full detailed recipe, below!
- You’ll make your salad topping by tossing shredded iceberg, sliced onion, pepperoncini, parmesan in a zippy dressing.
- Slice bread loaf in half horizontally and lightly spread mayo on both, (Note: If using this focaccia from Trader Joes like I am, I just leave the top side as-is so all of the parm doesn’t fall off when you flip it!)
- Layer cheese slices and meats on bottom half. If you want yours toasted, place this on a baking sheet and warm this in the oven so it gets nice and toasty, or eat it cold like I am here!
- Pile the salad on top, sandwich the sides together, slice and serve! (And get ready for the compliments.)
Literally one of my favorite things everrrrr.
Best Bread for Grinder Sandwiches
- Soft bread works best for grinder sandwiches. Super crusty artisan loaves can be hard to bite through and tend to squish all the filling and salad right out the back! A softer focaccia loaf is awesome beause it’s sturdy enough to hold the layers together while still being dreamy to bite through.
- This recipe is written for one 14-16oz focaccia loaf, but you can also use individual sandwich rolls (would make about 4 hoagies).
Italian Grinder Sandwich
Delicious Sandwich with deli meats, Havarti, and a creamy-tangy grinder salad on soft focaccia bread. Feel free to use ANY favorite deli meats, very flexible!
Servings people
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1½ teaspoon olive oil
- 1½ teaspoon red wine vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 small clove garlic, microplaned a few times no need to use the whole clove, just get some in there!
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 2-3 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup mild banana peppers or pepperoncini, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Sandwich
- 14-16 ounce loaf foccacia or other soft bread
- 6 slices cheese, I like havarti
- 4-6 ounces sliced deli turkey
- 4-6 ounces sliced deli ham
- 10-12 slices salami
- 10-12 slices pepperoni
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425℉ and set out a baking sheet.
- Mix dressing ingredients in a large enough bowl to add your greens to after. Combine mayo, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt and pepper an whisk until smooth.
- Add shredded lettuce, red onion, banana peppers, and parmesan and toss to combine. Set aside.
- Slice bread loaf in half horizontally and spread each side lightly with mayo. Place cut side up on the baking sheet.
- Layer cheese and deli meats on one side and place baking sheet in oven for 5 minutes or until bread looks toasty and cheese is melting.
- Remove from oven, transfer to a large cutting board and immediately top meat side with prepared salad topping. Top with remaining side of bread and slice!
Nutrition
Calories: 708kcal, Carbohydrates: 52g, Protein: 38g, Fat: 39g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 13g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 97mg, Sodium: 2031mg, Potassium: 283mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 365IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 297mg, Iron: 1mg
Calories: 708kcal
Cost: $18
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Questions & Reviews
I love a good focaccia. Where do you get yours from?
This one pictured is from Trader joes!
So delicious! My husband declared this to be “the best sandwich I’ve ever eaten!” And then my 10-year-old son, who has a tendency to be a bit picky about some things chimed in with, “yeah, me too!” (I made it as written on homemade focaccia. Ten stars!)