Baked Italian Grinder Sandwich Recipe

Introduction

The Baked Italian Grinder Sandwich is a delicious, hearty option perfect for lunch or a casual dinner. Combining layers of savory meats, melted provolone, and a tangy salad topping, this sandwich offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. It’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 french bread loaf (18 inches long)
• 3 tablespoons softened butter
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces ham (thinly sliced)
• 2 ounces thinly sliced pepperoni
• 2 ounces thinly sliced salami
• 4 ounces provolone cheese (sliced)
• 8 ounces shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced tomato
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
2. Step 2: Cut the french bread loaf horizontally and lay the halves on a baking sheet open side up.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, grated parmesan, garlic powder, and salt. Spread this mixture evenly over the top half of the bread.
4. Step 4: Layer the ham, pepperoni, and salami on the bottom half of the bread, then place the sliced provolone cheese on top. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the garlic butter is bubbly. For extra crispy edges, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
5. Step 5: While the sandwich bakes, prepare the salad topping. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to make a dressing. Toss the shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and sliced pepperoncini peppers with the dressing until evenly coated.
6. Step 6: Once the sandwich is baked, spread the salad mixture over the melted provolone. Place the garlic buttered top half of the bread over the salad, press gently, and cut into 4 large or 8 smaller finger-sized sandwiches. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or swap pepperoncini for banana peppers.
• Try using mozzarella or fontina cheese instead of provolone for a different flavor.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing the meats with grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
• Broil carefully at the end to avoid burning the garlic butter topping.
• Use day-old bread for a better crunch after baking.

Storage

Store any leftover sandwich parts separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the salad topping separately to avoid sogginess. To reheat, warm the bread and melted cheese portion in the oven at 350˚F for 5-7 minutes before assembling with fresh salad.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components in advance, but it’s best to assemble the sandwich just before serving to keep the bread from becoming soggy and the salad crisp.

Can I use different types of meats?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add meats like turkey, roast beef, or even bacon to customize the sandwich to your liking.

Baked Italian Grinder Sandwich Recipe

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4.5 from 136 reviews

This Baked Italian Grinder Sandwich is a delicious combination of thinly sliced ham, pepperoni, and salami layered on fresh French bread, topped with provolone cheese and a garlic parmesan butter spread. Baked to melty perfection and served with a zesty Italian dressing tossed salad of lettuce, tomatoes, and pepperoncini peppers, this sandwich offers a perfect balance of savory flavors and crisp textures, ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 large sandwiches or 8 small sandwiches 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sandwich

• 1 french bread loaf (18 inches long)
• 3 tablespoons softened butter
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces ham (thinly sliced)
• 2 ounces thinly sliced pepperoni
• 2 ounces thinly sliced salami
• 4 ounces provolone cheese (sliced)

Grinder Salad Topping

• 8 ounces shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced tomato
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350˚F to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the sandwich.
2. Prepare Bread: Cut the French bread loaf horizontally and lay both halves on a baking sheet with the open sides facing up to prepare for layering.
3. Make Garlic Butter Spread: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, grated parmesan, garlic powder, and salt. Spread this flavorful mixture evenly over the top half of the bread loaf to add a savory crust when baked.
4. Layer and Bake Sandwich: On the bottom half of the bread, layer the ham, pepperoni, and salami evenly, then add the sliced provolone cheese on top. Place the sandwich halves in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese melts and the garlic butter topping is bubbly. For extra crispy and browned edges, broil the sandwich for the last 1-2 minutes if desired.
5. Prepare Salad Topping: While the sandwich bakes, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to create a tangy dressing. Toss the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and pepperoncini peppers in this dressing until well coated.
6. Assemble and Serve: Once the sandwich comes out of the oven, layer the dressed grinder salad evenly over the melted provolone cheese on the bottom half. Place the garlic butter topped bread half on top, press gently, and cut the sandwich into 4 large or 8 small finger-sized servings. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For a crispier sandwich top, broil the sandwich for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
• You can substitute provolone with mozzarella or another melting Italian cheese if preferred.
• Add olives or sliced onions to the grinder salad for extra flavor and texture.
• If you prefer a spicier sandwich, add crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing or sandwich layering.
• Store leftovers wrapped tightly in foil and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.

Keywords: Italian Grinder Sandwich, Baked Sandwich, Ham Pepperoni Salami Sandwich, Provolone Cheese Sandwich, Italian Sandwich, Oven Baked Sandwich