This Italian Grinder Sandwich is everything you ever dreamed about and more, with provolone cheese, smoked ham, pepperoni, Genoa salami, tomatoes, and a tangy mayonnaise iceberg salad all on soft Italian bread. It is easy to make and always a big hit with family and friends.
This is the perfect sandwich with tons of flavor from smoked ham, pepperoni, and a creamy, tangy iceberg salad with pepperoncini and red onions. For small gatherings and gameday, I make two of these and cut them into ten sections, securing them with flat paddle wooden skewers. I love to serve them with cowboy caviar, three bean salad, and chicken Caesar pasta salad.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Mayonnaise: I love Duke’s mayo, but you can use any kind.
- Oregano: Use dried oregano. Fresh oregano is bitter. I sometimes substitute dried Marjoram, which is a tad bit sweet and a little less pungent.
- Pepperoncini: Sliced pepperoncini are available in the grocery store next to the whole ones. If the sliced pepperoncini are not available, buy the whole ones and slice them.
- Italian bread: You can substitute crusty French bread, which I love, but my husband prefers the softer Italian bread.
- Cheese: I use provolone, but you can substitute Mozzarella or Swiss cheese.
- Meats: Use a mix of smoked ham, pepperoni, salami, Capocollo, and Prosciutto.
How to Make an Italian Grinder Sandwich
This is the summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.
In a large bowl, mix the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Gently mix in the pepperoncini, red onion, and iceberg lettuce.
Cut the Italian loaf in half lengthwise and spread both sides with a thin layer of mayo. Layer the cheese on both sides to create a little bit of a moisture barrier for the bread. Add the meats on both sides and top the bottom side with sliced tomatoes and the mixed iceberg lettuce salad. What is pictured here is half of the sandwich being prepared, so I could squeeze what I wanted into the picture.
Preparation Tips and Storage
- This sandwich has a lot of leeway when it comes to cheese and meat. Think Italian sliced cheese and Italian smoked and cured meats.
- You can prepare the dressing up to 2 days in advance, but don’t mix it with the pepperoncini, red onion, or iceberg lettuce until ready to serve.
- The sandwich can be prepped the night before with a thin layer of mayo, cheese, and meat, but do not add the tomatoes or salad mix. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, mix the pepperoncini, red onion, and iceberg lettuce with the dressing and add the tomatoes and salad mixture to the middle of the sandwich, slice, and serve.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The lettuce will not be as crisp, but it will still be delicious.
Serving Suggestions for a Grinder Sandwich
I love to serve these with rippled potato chips or kettle chips. Other great choices are garlic Parmesan fries, dill pickle potato salad, caprese pasta salad, deviled egg pasta salad, and Italian tortellini pasta salad.
More Sandwich Recipes
Italian Grinder Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
Iceberg Salad
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ⅓ cup sliced pepperoncini
- ⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ head iceberg lettuce, finely shredded
Sandwich
- 1 large Italian loaf (about 20 inches)
- 2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ½ lb sliced provolone cheese
- ½ lb thinly sliced smoked ham
- ½ lb thinly sliced deli pepperoni
- ½ lb thinly sliced Genoa salami
- 2 medium tomatoes sliced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Gently mix in the pepperoncini, red onion, and iceberg lettuce.
- Cut the Italian loaf in half lengthwise and spread both sides with a thin layer of mayo.
- Layer the cheese on both sides. Add the meats on both sides and top the bottom side with sliced tomatoes and the mixed iceberg lettuce salad.
- Fold the top side of the sandwich over the bottom. Using a serrated knife cut the sandwich into sections of desired length.
Notes
- This sandwich has a lot of leeway when it comes to cheese and meat. Think Italian sliced cheese and Italian smoked and cured meats.
- You can prepare the dressing up to 2 days in advance, but don’t mix it with the pepperoncini, red onion, or iceberg lettuce until ready to serve.
- The sandwich can be prepped the night before with a thin layer of mayo, cheese, and meat, but do not add the tomatoes or salad mix. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, mix the pepperoncini, red onion, and iceberg lettuce with the dressing and add the tomatoes and salad mixture to the middle of the sandwich, slice, and serve.
Sonia
Oh my god, this grinder sandwich was loaded in the best way! My guests loved every bite!
Beth Pierce
I understand completely!
Sonia
I made it last weekend and it was delicious. It made everyone go quiet at the table because it was just that good. Thanks for the recipe!
Gust
This sandwich is absolutely delicious! I love anything with salami and that creamy salad on top was amazing! My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed this grinder sandwich.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Gust! I am so happy that you and your friends liked it.
Nikki
This sandwich was so tasteful, thanks for sharing this. We loved it. I can’t wait to make this again.
Emily
This is such a fantastic sandwich. It was hearty and so flavorful. My boys really enjoyed it.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Emily, I am glad that they liked it.
Kristie
This is my favorite sandwich! I love the flavor combinations. It’s refreshing and filling all at the same time.
Beth Pierce
I agree, Kristie!
Marley
Love the variety in this sandwich – very filling too!! It reminds me of a classic subway.
Karletta
Very nice for a work at home lunch or picnic. The tangy mayo salad adds a little bit of decadence and because the sauce can be prepared in advance, makes it a quick and ready too.
Beth Pierce
Agreed, Karletta!
Jenny
A Grinder Sandwich is my favorite! Lately, I’ve been enjoying the Grinder Salad from TikTok, its the same thing as the sandwich, but chopped up, and it is just sooo tasty! Thanks for the great recipe!
Michelle
This was an absolute DREAM of a sandwich! Perfect for my growing family on Saturday movie night. Thanks for the recipe and inspiration, Beth!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Michelle!
April
I’ve always wondered how it’s made. Thank you so much for sharing the steps that are so easy to follow.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, April!
Mahy
I love this sandwich. Easy to make and all of my favorite ingredients. Thank you!!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Mahy!
Catalina
I made this for lunch and it was incredible! Loved the mix of meats and the creamy sub-style topping—tasted like something you’d get at a gourmet sandwich shop.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Catalina! I am so glad that you liked it.
Michelle Goth
I had never made Italian subs at home but we’re trying to eat out less. These turned out perfect and it was really very easy to make. The whole family loved them, even the picky eaters.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Michelle! So happy that everyone liked the sandwich!
Janie
You had me at sandwich. Im a sandwich connoisseur and love a good sandwich when red wine vinegar is mixed with mayo. Loved the Italian bread stuffed with all the goodies. Totally delish!
Beth Pierce
I agree! Thanks, Janie!
Maria
YUMMO! I love grinder salad, and I love the way you transformed it into a tasty sandwich.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Maria! We love it too!