![An Italian Grinder sandwich on a cutting board with chips next to it.](https://www.spoonforkbacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grinder-sandwich-recipe.jpg)
We made TikTok’s viral Grinder Sandwich (better known as the Grinder Salad Sandwich) and it definitely didn’t disappoint. Its been so long since I’ve had a grinder sandwich, I had forgotten how delicious they are. You might be asking how the viral version is any different but it’s the ‘salad’ mixture made with the shredded lettuce that takes it over the top!
There’s something about the ‘salad’ that’s stuffed into the center of the hearty sandwich that really brings out a much needed fresh and zesty texture. We promise you will not be disappointed to eat this during your next lunch break!
![Up close on the detail of a grinder sandwich.](https://www.spoonforkbacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grinder-sandwich.jpg)
How to Make a Grinder Sandwich
Ingredients
![Grinder sandwich ingredients on a kitchen counter.](https://www.spoonforkbacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grinder-sandwich-ingredients.jpg)
Process
Salad
- Ia mixing bowl combine mayo, vinegar, oregano, and pepperoncinis.
- Add lettuce, red onion, and parmesan and toss together until evenly coated.
![The base to make a slaw for a grinder sandwich in a bowl.](https://www.spoonforkbacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/grinder-sandwich-process-.jpg)
![Grinder sandwich slaw in a bowl being mixed together.](https://www.spoonforkbacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/grinder-sandwich-process-2.jpg)
Sandwich Assembly
- Preheat oven to 350˚F. Place a slice of cheese onto each side of the bread roll and bake for 4 to 5 minutes, until the cheese just melts. Remove from oven and sprinkle each side with dried oregano.
- Top bottom half of roll with mortadella (or ham) and top half of the roll with soppressata and salami.
![An Italian roll with provolone cheese melted in the oven.](https://www.spoonforkbacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/grinder-sandwich-process-3.jpg)
![Grinder sandwich assembly with meat being placed on bread.](https://www.spoonforkbacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/grinder-sandwich-process-4.jpg)
- Top mortadella with cherry peppers, if using.
- Top cherry peppers with iceberg salad, then sliced tomatoes.
![Pickled peppers being placed on top of mortadella.](https://www.spoonforkbacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/grinder-sandwich-process-5.jpg)
![Tomato and slaw on top of a sandwich to make a Grinder.](https://www.spoonforkbacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/grinder-sandwich-process-6.jpg)
- Carefully, but tightly press the sandwich roll together, slice in half and serve.
![A grinder sandwich freshly made on a surface.](https://www.spoonforkbacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/grinder-sandwich-process-7.jpg)
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Placing the salad in the center of the grinder sandwich will help prevent the bread roll from becoming soggy.
- Don’t slice the tomato slices too thin or it will make the sandwich too wet.
- Soak the red onions in water for about 10 minutes before tossing it into the salad mixture. This will take away some of the sharp, acidity of the red onions.
Grinder Sandwich Variations
- Use thinly sliced romaine lettuce instead of iceberg lettuce.
- Switch up the cured meats in the sandwich based on personal preference. Other meats we like to use are roasted turkey, prosciutto, Spanish chorizo, and pepperoni.
- Use other types of cheese such as havarti, mozzarella, fontina, and Swiss.
- If pepperoncinis and cherry peppers are too spicy for you, swap them out with chopped pickles, cornichons or even olives.
- If you’re not into the creamy salad mixture, replace the sauce with a couple tablespoons of our red wine vinaigrette!
![A grinder sandwich cut in half.](https://www.spoonforkbacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Italian-grinder-sub-sandwich.jpg)
More Delicious Sandwich Recipes You Will Love
![An Italian grinder sandwich on a cutting board.](https://www.spoonforkbacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grinder-sandwich-recipe-card-150x150.jpg)
Grinder Sandwich
INGREDIENTS
salad
- 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 thinly sliced pepperoncini
- 1 cup shredded iceberg
- 1 ounce thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
- salt and pepper to taste
sandwich assembly
- 1 Italian roll split
- 2 slices provolone cheese cut in half
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 ounces mortadella (or ham)
- 2 ounces soppressata
- 2 ounces salami
- 1/2 thinly sliced vine ripe tomato
- 3 chopped pickled cherry peppers optional
INSTRUCTIONS
salad
- Ia mixing bowl combine mayo, vinegar, oregano, and pepperocinis.
- Add lettuce, red onion, and parmesan and toss together until evenly coated.
sandwich assembly
- Preheat oven to 350˚F. Place a slice of cheese onto each side of the bread roll and bake for 4 to 5 minutes, until the cheese just melts. Remove from oven and sprinkle each side with dried oregano.
- Top bottom half of roll with mortadella (or ham) and top half of the roll with soppressata and salami.
- Top mortadella with cherry peppers, if using.
- Top cherry peppers with iceberg salad, then sliced tomatoes.
- Carefully, but tightly press the sandwich roll together, slice in half and serve.
NOTES
- Placing the salad in the center of the grinder sandwich will help prevent the bread roll from becoming soggy.
- Don’t slice the tomato slices too thin or it will make the sandwich too wet.
- Soak the red onions in water for about 10 minutes before tossing it into the salad mixture. This will take away some of the sharp, acidity of the red onions.
- Use thinly sliced romaine lettuce instead of iceberg lettuce.
- Switch up the cured meats in the sandwich based on personal preference. Other meats we like to use are roasted turkey, prosciutto, Spanish chorizo, and pepperoni.
- Use other types of cheese such as havarti, mozzarella, fontina, and Swiss.
- If pepperoncinis and cherry peppers are too spicy for you, swap them out with chopped pickles, cornichons or even olives.
- If you’re not into the creamy salad mixture, replace the sauce with a couple tablespoons of our red wine vinaigrette!
Did you make this recipe? We want to see!
tag @SpoonForkBacon and #SpoonForkBacon on Instagram
Oh my gosh this is the best sandwich I’ve had in a while! That juicy lettuce mix is TO DIE FOR!
So good!! Definitely use mortadella and all the pepperoncini.