Name: Grinder Sandwiches
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 sub rolls or hoagie rolls; 8 slices provolone cheese; 12 oz sliced deli meats (ham, salami, pepperoni, turkey, or a combination); 1 1/2 cups shredded lettuce; 1 large tomato, sliced; 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup banana peppers or pepperoncini; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grinder Sandwiches are everything you want in a sandwich—crunchy, cheesy, savory, and fresh. They’re easy to customize, perfect for lunch or dinner, and come together quickly with deli staples. Toasted to perfection and finished with a creamy “grinder salad,” these sandwiches strike the perfect balance between indulgent and refreshing.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

sub rolls or hoagie rolls
sliced provolone cheese
sliced deli meats (such as ham, salami, pepperoni, and turkey)
shredded lettuce
sliced tomatoes
sliced red onion
banana peppers or pepperoncini
mayonnaise
red wine vinegar
Italian seasoning
garlic powder
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
salt
black pepper

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice the sub rolls lengthwise, without cutting all the way through.
Layer provolone cheese and your choice of deli meats inside each roll.
Place the sandwiches open-faced on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the bread are toasted.
Meanwhile, make the grinder salad: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir in shredded lettuce, sliced onions, and banana peppers.
Once sandwiches are toasted, remove from the oven and top with tomato slices and a generous spoonful of the grinder salad.
Close the sandwiches, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 sandwiches.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Spicy Grinder: Add jalapeños, spicy mustard, or hot sauce to turn up the heat.
Chicken Grinder: Substitute deli meats with grilled or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Veggie Grinder: Skip the meat and load up with roasted vegetables, cheese, and grinder salad.
Pesto Twist: Spread pesto inside the roll for a fresh herbaceous flavor.
Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the grinder salad for a sweet-tangy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: For best texture, store components separately if making ahead. Assembled sandwiches may become soggy if refrigerated too long.
Reheating: Reheat the sandwich (without the salad topping) in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Add the salad topping fresh after reheating.

FAQs

What is a grinder sandwich?

A grinder is a type of hot, toasted sub sandwich filled with deli meats, cheese, and fresh vegetables—typically served with a creamy, tangy shredded lettuce mix known as “grinder salad.”

Why is it called a grinder?

The term “grinder” is regional slang (commonly used in New England) for a sub sandwich. It’s believed to come from the effort it takes to “grind” through the hearty crusty bread.

Can I make these cold instead of hot?

Yes, grinders can also be served cold, but toasting the bread and melting the cheese enhances the flavor and texture.

What kind of bread should I use?

Use crusty sub rolls, hoagie rolls, or Italian sandwich rolls that can hold up to the heat and fillings.

Is grinder salad necessary?

Yes, it’s one of the signature elements of the sandwich. The creamy, tangy lettuce mix adds freshness and balances the richness of the meats and cheese.

Can I use different meats?

Absolutely. Use your favorite deli meats like pastrami, roast beef, capicola, or mortadella.

What cheese works best?

Provolone is classic, but mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack are great alternatives.

How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?

Add the grinder salad right before serving and toast the sandwich before adding wet toppings like tomatoes and peppers.

Can I make grinder sandwiches ahead of time?

You can prep the meats and cheese in the roll and store them in the fridge. Toast and top with fresh salad just before serving for best results.

What sides go well with grinder sandwiches?

Serve with chips, pickles, potato salad, or a simple green salad to round out the meal.

Conclusion

Grinder Sandwiches are the ultimate deli-style meal you can make at home. With warm, crusty bread, melty cheese, savory meats, and a zesty grinder salad, they deliver the perfect bite every time. Whether you’re making lunch for the family or hosting a casual gathering, these sandwiches are sure to be a hit.

Grinder Sandwiches

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Grinder Sandwiches are warm, toasted subs stacked with layers of deli meats, melty provolone, crisp veggies, and a tangy grinder salad, all packed into crusty rolls for the ultimate deli-style bite.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Makes 4 sandwiches
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice sub rolls lengthwise, leaving them hinged, and layer the inside with provolone cheese and deli meats.
Place open-faced sandwiches on a baking sheet and toast for 8–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bread is crisp.
Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir in shredded lettuce, red onions, and banana peppers.
Remove sandwiches from oven. Top with tomato slices and a generous scoop of grinder salad.
Close the sandwiches, slice if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

To avoid sogginess, add grinder salad just before serving.
Use crusty rolls to hold up to the heat and fillings.
Customize with your favorite deli meats or cheeses.
Grinder salad can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a day.
For a cold version, skip the toasting step.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 620
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 1380mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 22g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 85mg