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
My whole family loved this!! So good!!
This was so delicious! The Trader Joe’s Foccacia really took it over the top.
My boys love these sandwiches!