Italian Grinder Sub

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If you’re craving a sandwich that truly delivers, the Italian Grinder Sub is the one. This isn’t your average deli sandwich — it’s a bold, hearty creation stacked with layers of Italian meats, melty provolone, crisp veggies, and a tangy grinder salad that ties it all together.

Perfect for feeding a crowd, game day gatherings, or just leveling up your lunch routine, this grinder sandwich is the ultimate fusion of texture, flavor, and pure satisfaction. Toasted bread, spicy meats, creamy dressing — what more could you want?

Why You’ll Love This Grinder Sub

• Loaded with layers – Ham, salami, pepperoni, soppressata, and cheese
• The iconic grinder salad – Creamy, tangy, and crunchy perfection
• Great for parties – Makes 8 hearty servings
• Toasted and melty – Warm bread and gooey cheese = unbeatable
• Customizable – Mix and match meats or add banana peppers, olives, or even giardiniera

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Ingredients (Serves 8)

For the Sub

• 16 oz Italian loaf of bread
• ½ lb sliced deli provolone cheese
• ½ lb thinly sliced deli ham
• ¼ lb thinly sliced deli soppressata
• ¼ lb thinly sliced deli Genoa salami
• 6 slices deli pepperoni

For the Grinder Salad

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp fresh cracked black pepper
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red chili flakes
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ cup sliced pepperoncini
• ¼ medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded

For Assembly

• 2 oz freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1 beefsteak tomato, sliced
• Drizzle of olive oil
• Kosher salt and cracked black pepper, to taste

How to Make the Italian Grinder Sub

Step 1: Prep the Bread and Cheese

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the Italian loaf in half lengthwise and remove some of the soft interior to create room for fillings.
Layer half of the provolone onto each bread half and toast in the oven for 5 minutes, until melted.

Step 2: Layer the Meats

On one half of the bread, layer ham followed by salami.
On the other half, layer soppressata topped with pepperoni.
Return to oven and toast for 5 more minutes, until meats are warmed and edges are slightly crisped.

Step 3: Make the Grinder Salad

While the sub is heating, make the iconic grinder salad.
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, garlic, oregano, pepper, red chili flakes, and salt.
Stir in pepperoncini and red onion until coated.
Add the shredded lettuce and toss with tongs until evenly dressed.

Step 4: Assemble the Sub

Remove the sub from the oven.
Sprinkle with ¼ of the Parmesan cheese, layer on tomato slices, and drizzle with olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Top with a generous scoop of the grinder salad, then sprinkle on the remaining Parmesan.
Close the sandwich with the top half, gently pressing it down.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the sandwich into 8 wedges.
Serve with extra grinder salad on the side and chips for dipping — trust me, the salad makes a killer dip!

Tips for Grinder Sub Success

• Use crusty bread that holds up to all the fillings
• Adjust heat with more or less chili flakes or pepperoncini
• Don’t skip the salad — it’s the flavor bomb that makes this sandwich shine
• Make ahead tip – Prep salad and meats in advance; assemble before serving
• Customize your meats – Try capicola, mortadella, or prosciutto

Final Thoughts

The Italian Grinder Sub isn’t just a sandwich — it’s an experience. With its layers of savory meats, melty cheese, and that tangy-crunchy salad, it brings serious flavor to the table.

Whether you’re serving a crowd, building a killer lunchbox, or need the ultimate party sub, this recipe delivers every time. And the best part? It’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Share Your Stack

Tried the Grinder Sub?
📸 Snap a pic of your sandwich masterpiece! Did you go spicy? Add pickles or jalapeños? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to see your grinder creations.