Italian Grinder Sandwich (TikTok Viral)
This Italian Grinder Sandwich is a TikTok viral trend that 100% lives up to the hype!!! This epic sandwich starts with delicious, crusty bread that's piled with layers of meat, cheese, then topped off with the most amazing, crisp, creamy grinder salad!
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- 2 large hoagie rolls See Note 1
- 8 slices of cheese provolone, havarti, pepper jack, white cheddar and mozzarella cheese work well!
- 1-1 1/2 lbs. sliced deli cold cuts ham, turkey, salami, etc. (See Note 2)
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese + more to taste
Grinder Salad Ingredients
- 1/2 head of iceberg lettuce, sliced/shredded thinly about 4 cups
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers or banana peppers
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 small red onion, sliced about 1/2 cup
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven (or toaster oven!) to 400°F. Season tomato slices with a little salt and pepper.
- Start the Sandwich: Begin by slicing your bread in half lengthwise. Place bread on a sheet pan and add two slices of cheese to each half. Then, pile on the Italian meats or cold cuts onto both halves.
- Warm: Place the sandwiches in the oven for 5-6 minutes until the bread is toasty, the cheese is melted and meats are warmed through.
- Make the Grinder Salad: While the subs are baking, make the salad. In a medium bowl, stir together: mayo, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini, garlic powder, and oregano. Add red onion slices and shredded lettuce. Toss until lettuce is well coated with the dressing. Season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Assemble: Remove sandwiches from the oven. Sprinkle on half the Parmesan cheese. Then, add the seasoned tomato slices to the top of the baked deli meats. Top one side of each sandwich generously with the grinder salad. Sprinkle with the rest of the Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor! Close each sandwich, slice in half and enjoy immediately!
Notes
Note 1: The orignal TikTok recipe uses homemade Focaccia bread--YUM! It's just easier for me to find hoagie rolls :)
Note 2: The original TikTok version used turkey, ham, capicola (gabagoo), prosciutto, sopressata and mini pepperoni. Feel free to use a variety of meats or just stick to your favorite deli meat!
Make Ahead Instructions:
This grinder sandwich recipe can be made a couple of hours in advance if you want to transport it or take it for a picnic. Just follow the instructions below so the sandwiches aren't soggy!
- Complete steps 1-3 above. Then wrap each sandwich in aluminum foil.
- Whisk together salad dressing ingredients: mayo, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, oregano, and salt & pepper. Store in an airtight container.
- In another airtight container, store shredded lettuce, pepperoncini, sliced red onion, and tomato.
- When you are ready to eat, add sliced tomato to the sandwiches. Toss together lettuce, onion, and pepperoncini to the dressing. Top your sandwiches with the salad and enjoy right away!
Nutrition
Calories: 645kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 40gFat: 36.5gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 139mgSodium: 2609mgPotassium: 661mgFiber: 5.2gSugar: 11gVitamin D: 7µgCalcium: 637mgIron: 6mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!