This Italian grinder sandwich is an easy weeknight dinner made with ham, salami, pepperoni, pesto, and melted provolone. It's finished with a creamy, tangy lettuce salad with pepperoncini and red onion. Serve with chips or fresh fruit for an easy meal.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Bread - I've used both a large Italian loaf and 4 submarine rolls, depending on what I can find that week. A thicker focaccia loaf can work, too. The main thing is to use a soft bread that can hold all the filling without being too crusty or hard.
- Cheese - I used provolone, but mozzarella is also a good option if you prefer a milder, melty cheese.
- Meats - Italian sandwiches often use a combination of ham, salami, pepperoni, capocollo, or mortadella. For this recipe, I use ham, Genoa salami, and pepperoni. You can mix and match the meats based on what you like. Overall, I'd aim for 1 pound of meat for 4 sandwiches, which gives you a hearty, filling sandwich.
Full ingredient list with quantities in the recipe card below
How to Make Italian Grinders
Build the Sandwich
Spread pesto on the bottom half of the bread. Layer it with ham, salami, and pepperoni. Top with provolone cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted.
Make the "Salad"
While the sandwich bakes, mix together the shredded lettuce, pepperoncini, Italian dressing, mayonnaise, and red onions.
Finish Sandwich
Add the salad to the sandwich and serve!
Tips
- Adjust the pepperoncini to your taste. Use ¼ cup for a milder sandwich, or closer to ½ cup for a tangier bite.
- Slice the red onion thin. Thick onion slices can overwhelm every bite. A mandoline or a sharp knife and a little patience will get you those paper-thin slices that blend right into the slaw.
Recipe Question
Can I substitute the pesto for something else?
You can swap it for garlic butter or leave it off entirely, but the pesto adds an herby richness that ties the whole sandwich together. If you skip it, the bottom half of the bread can taste a little flat.
Sandwich Sides
- Chips - Classic and easy. Salt and vinegar chips are especially good alongside the briny pepperoncini flavor in the sandwich.
- Fresh Fruit - I love eating my sandwich with fresh fruit, it's an easy way to add something light and refreshing to the meal. Grapes, berries, melon, or sliced apples would all work well.
- Pasta Salad - A cold pasta salad balances the warm, cheesy sandwich and holds up well at the table.
- Dill Pickles - A simple side that adds a sour crunch next to all that richness.
Tried this recipe? Let everyone know how it turned out! Your feedback and tips help others decide if they should make it.
Italian Grinder Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 large Italian loaf or 4 submarine rolls
- ¼ cup pesto
- 8 oz sliced deli ham
- 4 oz uncured Genoa salami
- 4 oz uncured pepperoni
- 4 oz sliced provolone cheese
- 3 cups shredded lettuce
- ¼ to ½ cup sliced pepperoncini to taste
- ¼ cup Italian dressing
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ red onion thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cut bread horizontally. Spread the pesto evenly over the bottom half of the bread. Layer with ham, Genoa salami, and pepperoni over the pesto. Top with the provolone cheese.
- Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- While the sandwich bakes, add the shredded lettuce, pepperoncini, Italian dressing, mayonnaise, and sliced red onion to a large bowl. Toss until the lettuce is evenly coated.
- Add the lettuce mixture evenly over the melted cheese.
- Fold the top half of the bread over the filling. If using an Italian loaf, cut into 4 large pieces. Serve immediately with chips and fresh fruit.
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!