Viral Grinder Sandwich

★★★★★ 4.9 (1,873 reviews)

The ultimate sandwich that's winning the internet! This loaded grinder features layers of Italian meats and cheeses on a crusty sub roll, all topped with crisp vegetables and a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for game days, picnics, or anytime you're craving a hearty, flavor-packed sandwich that's as impressive to look at as it is to eat.

Ingredients

For bread:
2 large Italian sub rolls or hoagie rolls (10-12 inches)
For meats:
1/4 lb thinly sliced ham
1/4 lb thinly sliced Genoa salami
1/4 lb thinly sliced capicola or prosciutto
1/4 lb thinly sliced mortadella
For cheese:
1/4 lb sliced provolone cheese
1/4 lb sliced mozzarella cheese
For veggies:
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
1 large tomato, thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
6-8 pepperoncini peppers, sliced
For dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste salt
Optional:
to taste mayonnaise
to taste mustard

Instructions

1 Prepare the Italian dressing by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, basil, garlic powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
2 Slice the sub rolls horizontally, but not all the way through, leaving them hinged on one side.
3 If desired, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and/or mustard on the inside of the top half of each roll.
4 Layer the meats onto the bottom half of each roll, starting with ham, followed by salami, capicola, and mortadella. Fold the meat slices as you layer them for height and texture.
5 Add a layer of provolone cheese, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese.
6 (Optional) For a toasted version: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled sandwich (with meats and cheese only, no vegetables yet) on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese begins to melt.
7 Layer the tomato slices on top of the cheese, followed by red onion slices and pepperoncini peppers.
8 Drizzle half of the Italian dressing over the vegetables.
9 Add the shredded lettuce to the top and drizzle with the remaining dressing.
10 Close the sandwich and press down gently.
11 For best results, wrap the sandwich tightly in wax paper or parchment paper and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the bread to absorb some of the dressing.
12 Slice in half diagonally and serve.

Chef's Tips

For the best texture, slightly hollowing out the top half of the bread creates a perfect pocket for the ingredients and prevents them from falling out when you bite into the sandwich.
Layering order matters! Always place meats and cheeses on the bottom, followed by vegetables, to prevent the bread from getting soggy. The lettuce should be added last as it creates a barrier for the dressing.
For an extra flavorful sandwich, brush the inside of the bread with the Italian dressing before adding any fillings. This ensures flavor in every bite.
Make your grinder sandwich ahead of time! These sandwiches actually get better after sitting for a few hours, allowing all the flavors to meld together. This makes them perfect for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep.
For a shortcut version, you can use a store-bought Italian dressing, but making your own is worth the extra few minutes. The flavor difference is noticeable, and you can adjust the seasonings to your preference.

Nutrition Information

Calories	680 kcal
Protein	35 g
Carbohydrates	48 g
Fat	42 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	1850 mg

*Nutrition values are approximate per serving (1/2 of recipe) and based on ingredients listed. Values may vary based on specific brands used, exact meat choices, and optional additions.