BEST BAKED ITALIAN GRINDER SANDWICHES

Crave that deli-counter flavor explosion but want something warm, melty, and perfect for sharing? These Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches are about to become your new obsession, delivering layers of savory Italian meats, tangy provolone, and a vibrant, crunchy slaw, all nestled in a toasted, golden-brown crust. Forget complicated appetizers; this is a crowd-pleasing masterpiece you can whip up in minutes, and I promise, everyone will be begging for the recipe!

The Star Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! Don’t worry if you need to make substitutions; I’ll share some tips along the way. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adapt it to your taste.

For the Sandwiches:

• 1 (12-14 inch) loaf Italian bread, halved horizontally
• 8 ounces provolone cheese slices
• 4 ounces ham, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces salami, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces pepperoni, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces capocollo (or other Italian cold cut), thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Grinder Slaw:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped banana peppers
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions: Building Your Masterpiece

Alright, let’s get down to business! This is where the magic happens. I’ll guide you through each step, making sure your Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches turn out perfectly.

Prepping the Oven & Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Carefully slice the Italian bread horizontally, creating a top and bottom half. Don’t cut all the way through the sides; we want a hinged “sandwich.”

Layering the Cheesy Goodness

3. On the bottom half of the bread, layer half of the provolone cheese slices. This will create a melty base.

Packing in the Meats

4. Now comes the fun part! Layer the ham, salami, pepperoni, and capocollo (or your favorite Italian cold cuts) evenly over the cheese. Don’t be shy – we want a hearty sandwich.

More Cheese, Please!

5. Top the meats with the remaining provolone cheese slices.

Butter & Seasoning: The Golden Touch

6. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
7. Brush this mixture evenly over the top half of the bread. This will give it a beautiful golden-brown color and add tons of flavor.

Baking to Perfection

8. Carefully place the assembled sandwich on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (for easy cleanup!).
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!

Whisking Up the Grinder Slaw

10. While the sandwich is baking, prepare the grinder slaw. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. Add the shredded lettuce, red onion, banana peppers, and parsley to the bowl. Toss to combine.

Assembly Time: The Grand Finale

12. Once the sandwich is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven.
13. Open the sandwich and spread the grinder slaw evenly over the cheese.
14. Slice into individual portions and serve immediately. Get ready for rave reviews!

Tips & Tricks for the Ultimate Grinder Sandwich

Want to take your Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches to the next level? Here are some extra tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:

• Bread is Key: Use a good quality Italian bread that’s sturdy enough to hold all the fillings. A slightly crusty loaf works best.
• Cheese Variations: Provolone is classic, but you can also use mozzarella, fontina, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Meat Options: Feel free to customize the meats to your liking. Mortadella, prosciutto, or even roasted turkey would be delicious additions.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the melted butter mixture for an extra kick.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the sandwich ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Grinder Slaw Variations: Add some chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, or even olives to the slaw for extra flavor and texture.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve your Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches with a side of potato chips, pasta salad, or a simple green salad. They’re also great for tailgating or potlucks!

Creative Variations to Try

Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s get creative! Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Pizza Grinder: Use marinara sauce instead of mustard, add some cooked Italian sausage, and top with mozzarella cheese.
• Vegetarian Grinder: Use roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant instead of meat. Add some marinated artichoke hearts and provolone cheese.
• Spicy Grinder: Use spicy capocollo, add some jalapeños to the slaw, and use pepper jack cheese.
• Consider making something similar to the Cheesy Meatball Subs, but with this baking technique.

What to Serve with Your Sandwiches

You’ve got the star of the show, but what about the supporting cast? Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

• Classic Sides: Potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad are always winners.
• Italian Flair: Pasta salad, marinated vegetables, or garlic bread will complement the Italian flavors.
• Soup’s On: A bowl of tomato soup or minestrone would be a comforting addition, especially on a chilly day.
• For a lighter option, consider a Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich the next day!

More Delicious Sandwich Ideas

Craving more amazing sandwich recipes? Here are a few of my favorites:

• Looking for something you can set and forget? Try these Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches.
• For a refreshing take on a classic, try a Chicken Caesar Sandwich.
• If you are in the mood for something meaty, give the Cheesy Ground Beef Melt a try!
• Or maybe even the Chicken Caesar Sandwich

Wrapping it Up

There you have it – the ultimate Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches! I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it. Happy baking, and happy eating!

BEST BAKED ITALIAN GRINDER SANDWICHES

Amelia Chen-Morrison

These Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches are a warm and melty deli-style treat perfect for sharing. Layers of savory Italian meats, tangy provolone, and a vibrant, crunchy slaw are nestled in a toasted, golden-brown crust for an easy and crowd-pleasing meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 6

Calories 800 kcal

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment paper
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Small bowl
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• pastry brush

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces provolone cheese slices
• 4 ounces ham, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces salami, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces pepperoni, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces capocollo or other Italian cold cut
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• ½ cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
• ¼ cup chopped banana peppers
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Carefully slice the Italian bread horizontally, creating a top and bottom half. Don’t cut all the way through the sides; leave the sides hinged.
• On the bottom half of the bread, layer half of the provolone cheese slices.
• Layer the ham, salami, pepperoni, and capocollo (or your favorite Italian cold cuts) evenly over the cheese.
• Top the meats with the remaining provolone cheese slices.
• In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
• Brush this mixture evenly over the top half of the bread.
• Carefully place the assembled sandwich on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• While the sandwich is baking, prepare the grinder slaw. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the shredded lettuce, red onion, banana peppers, and parsley to the bowl. Toss to combine.
• Once the sandwich is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven.
• Open the sandwich and spread the grinder slaw evenly over the cheese.
• Slice into individual portions and serve immediately.

Notes

Use a good quality Italian bread that’s sturdy enough to hold all the fillings. Provolone cheese can be substituted with mozzarella, fontina, or an Italian cheese blend. Customize the meats to your liking with mortadella, prosciutto, or roasted turkey. Assemble the sandwich ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Add chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, or olives to the slaw for extra flavor and texture. For a spicy sandwich, add jalapeños to the slaw and use pepper jack cheese.