Italian grinder sandwich

Back-to-school Grinder 🥪 This Italian Grinder Sandwich is packed with @DietzAndWatson meats, cheese, and a tangy grinder salad tossed in sweet red pepper mayo, pepperoncini, and crisp romaine. Perfect for game day, back-to-school lunches, or an easy family dinner that tastes like your favorite deli hoagie. Save this recipe and bring the ultimate grinder sub to your table tonight!

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Grinder Sandwich FAQS

What is a grinder sandwich?

A grinder is an Italian-style sub packed with deli meats, cheese, and a tangy shredded lettuce salad. It became a viral TikTok trend thanks to its flavorful “grinder salad” made with mayo, vinegar, and seasonings.

What’s the difference between a grinder and a hoagie?

Both grinders and hoagies are Italian-style sandwiches, but the term “grinder” is more common in New England while “hoagie” is used in Philadelphia. A grinder is often toasted, giving the bread a crisp texture.

Can I make this grinder sandwich ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the grinder salad and slice the meats and cheese in advance. For the best texture, assemble the sandwich just before serving so the bread stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy.

What are the best meats for an Italian grinder sub?

Classic grinder sandwiches feature provolone cheese, ham, salami, and pepperoni. For this recipe, we use premium Dietz & Watson deli meats for authentic Italian flavor and perfect layering.

Can I customize the grinder salad?

Absolutely. While the classic version uses mayonnaise, vinegar, and pepperoncini, you can add shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, or swap romaine for iceberg lettuce to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Sandwich

18 ounce rustic loaf of bread

1/2 pound medium sliced Dietz & Watson provolone cheese (about 6 slices)

1/2 pound thinly sliced Dietz & Watson ham

1/4 pound thinly sliced Dietz & Watson turkey

8 thin slices Dietz & Watson Genoa salami or hard salami

8 thin slices Dietz & Watson pepperoni

Grinder Salad

1 cup Dietz & Watson sweet red pepper mayonnaise

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon TJ Green Goddess seasoning

1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes

1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 - 1/2 cup pepperoncini, chopped

1 head romaine lettuce, shredded

Directions

1. Prepare the grinder salad by whisking together the Dietz & Watson sweet red pepper mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, Green Goddess seasoning, and red chili flakes until smooth. Fold in the red onion, pepperoncini, and shredded romaine lettuce. Toss well so the lettuce is evenly coated. Cover and chill until ready to assemble.

2. Slice the rustic loaf in half horizontally. Scoop out some of the soft inside to make room for the fillings. Optional: Lightly toast the bread in the oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to add structure and crunch.

3. Layer the Dietz & Watson provolone slices directly on the bottom half of the bread. Add the ham, turkey, Genoa salami, and pepperoni, slightly overlapping for even coverage.

4. Generously spoon the prepared grinder salad over the meats, making sure to cover the entire surface.

5. Place the top half of the bread over the salad. Press down gently, slice into portions, and serve immediately.