Description
Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches are a flavorful and hearty deli-style sub featuring layers of Italian cold cuts, cheeses, and fresh vegetables baked to melty perfection. These sandwiches are perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner with a classic Italian-American flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Sauce
- 4 sub rolls or hoagie buns
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing rolls)
Cheese
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
Meats
- 1/4 pound sliced salami
- 1/4 pound sliced ham
- 1/4 pound sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 pound sliced turkey or capicola (optional)
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the grinder sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Mix well to create a tangy and flavorful sauce to spread on the rolls.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Slice the sub rolls horizontally and spread a generous layer of the grinder sauce on both the top and bottom halves. On the bottom half, layer a slice of provolone cheese, followed by slices of salami, ham, pepperoni, and turkey or capicola if using. Top with a slice of mozzarella cheese.
- Prep for baking: Close the sandwiches and place them on a baking sheet. Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter to promote browning and flavor.
- Bake the sandwiches: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the sandwiches loosely with foil and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
- Add fresh vegetables and serve: Remove the sandwiches from the oven and carefully open them. Add shredded iceberg lettuce, thin tomato slices, and red onion. Lightly season with salt and pepper, then close the sandwiches and serve warm.
Notes
- You can prep the sandwiches ahead of time and bake just before serving to save time.
- Feel free to swap out meats and cheeses to customize flavors according to your preference.
- Add banana peppers or pickles inside the sandwich for extra tang and crunch.
