Italian Grinder Sandwich

Tik Tok strikes again with another viral recipe. I love trying new recipes and this sandwich is so good! It’s definitely worth the hype. The grinder salad is what makes this Italian sandwich stand out. Creamy dressing with red pepper flakes and banana peppers add the perfect amount of spiciness.

This sandwich is super easy to make, yet it’s packed with flavor. The original version used homemade focaccia bread but a variety of breads will work. I have made this sandwich with french bread and that worked great, but I prefer ciabatta or focaccia bread. The thicker the bread the more challenging it will be to eat this delicious sandwich filled to overflowing with meat, cheese, and salad.

Use your favorite meats, and cheeses. This is another one of those customizable foods that I adore. Make this sandwich your own, although the version I’m giving you is very yummy. There is a good reason this Italian Grinder went viral, it’s fantastic! Have fun with this savory sandwich.

Happy Eating!

Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

Italian Grinder Sandwich

Ingredients

focaccia bread or ciabatta loaf

6 to 8 slices provolone cheese

1 to 2 lbs deli meats (turkey, salami, pepperoni)

1 sliced tomato

2 to 3 Tbsp parmesan cheese

Salad Ingredients

1/2 head of iceberg lettuce thinly sliced

1/2 red onion thinly sliced

Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 1/2 Tbsp red wine vinegar

1/4 cup banana peppers or sliced pepperoncinis

1/2 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove of fresh minced garlic

1/2 tsp oregano

1/4 tsp red pepper flake

salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. Slice loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Place each half on a baking sheet.
3. Place 3 slices of cheese on each half of bread.
4. Pile the turkey, then salami, then pepperoni on both halves.
5. Put the prepared bread with meat and cheese in the oven for 5 minutes, until meat is warmed and cheese is melted.
6. While the sandwich is in the oven get your salad ready. In a medium size bowl put mayo, red wine vinegar, banana peppers, garlic, oregano, red pepper flake, salt and pepper and whisk together. Add sliced lettuce, and red onion. Give it a good toss until evenly coated.
7. Once the hot sandwich is out of the oven sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Then place the sliced tomatoes on each side and add salt and pepper on top. Now pile on the grinder salad on one side and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Place the other side of the sandwich on top, slice and eat!

Notes

• French bread works well if you can’t find focaccia.
• Use ham, prosciutto, capicola, or any meats you prefer.
• Any of your favorite cheeses will work.
• There will be extra salad.