Grinder Sandwich
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This Grinder Sandwich is loaded with layers of flavor and perfect for lunch or dinner! Packed with deli meats, cheese, crisp lettuce, and a creamy, tangy dressing, it’s all stuffed into a toasted roll. Easy to make and totally satisfying, it’s a sandwich everyone will love!

Sometimes, there is just nothing more satisfying than a super full hoagie bun and this Grinder Sandwich is the way to go. Loaded with four types of meat, cheese and a tangy salad, it is so filling!
The Italian Grinder sandwich recipe is fool proof to prepare and one that you’ll be so excited to sink your teeth into. This is such a great option for either a cozy lunch or a quick supper on the go.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This sandwich requires very little prep. Just mix the slaw, load your hoagie and enjoy!
- It is an easy option for either lunch or supper.
- There is something for everyone to enjoy in this sandwich. There are so many different fillings, that even if you have to leave something out, it is still super satisfying.
What is a Grinder Sandwich?
A grinder is a sandwich that is made on a roll with deli meats, cheese and veggies with dressing. The jury is out on where the name came from. Either the sandwich’s chewiness or for the hard working Italian-American dock workers in New England who popularized it. Either way, this Tiktok viral sandwich is oh so good.
Italian Grinder Sandwich Ingredients
- Pepperoncini peppers – These offer a perfectly spicy and tangy flavor. For a little less spice, you can substitute banana peppers.
- Mayonnaise – A great base for any slaw dressing.
- Red wine vinegar – Adds acidity to the dressing.
- Italian Seasonings – Dried oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt and ground black pepper.
- Iceberg lettuce – Shredded lettuce really is the best way to go in a sandwich.
- Red onion – Adds the perfect bite to the slaw.
- Hoagie rolls – The perfect roll for this sandwich is a bit crusty and chewy.
- Deli meats – Salami, ham, roasted turkey and prosciutto are a great combination.
- Provolone cheese – You can use your favorite cheese, but provolone really levels up this sandwich.
- Tomato slices – A nice thick slice of tomato elevates any sandwich.
what is a hoagie?
A hoagie is a delicious and hearty stuffed sandwich. It is traditionally on a long, crusty Italian loaf and filled with meats, cheese and veggies.
How to make a Grinder Sandwich
Combine pepperoncini, mayo, vinegar, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper in a medium sized bowl. Add lettuce and onions and toss to coat.
Cut hoagie rolls open and place on large baking sheet. Layer meats on one side of each roll and cheese on the other.
Place in oven and toast for 6-8 minutes, until cheese has melted and bread is lightly toasted.
Remove from oven and layer tomatoes and slaw on top of cheese side of the sandwich.
Fold the sandwich closed and serve immediately.
Pro Tips
- Other great meats you can use include pepperoni, soppressata, chicken and mortadella.
- If you like a little extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your slaw.
Are grinder sandwiches served hot?
Grinder sandwiches taste so great partly because they are baked in the oven. A nice toasted roll really makes a difference here. Adding the salad mixture after the roll comes out of the oven keeps the veggies crisp in the warm sandwich.
How to store leftovers
If you have any leftover ingredients, store them in an airtight container in the fridge in their own separate containers.
I would avoid storing the filled sandwiches if possible because they can get soggy.
The Grinder Sandwich is a must try! You’ll quickly be adding it to your regular lunch recipe rotation because it is so tasty and so easy to make.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Grinder Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
Slaw Ingredients
- ¼ cup pepperoncini peppers thinly sliced
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 4 cups iceberg lettuce shredded
- ¼ cup red onion very thinly sliced
Sandwich Ingredients
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 8 ounces thinly sliced salami
- 8 ounces sliced deli ham
- 8 ounces sliced deli roasted turkey
- 4 ounces prosciutto
- 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese
- 2 tomatoes sliced ¼-inch thick
Instructions
Slaw Instructions
- In a medium-size bowl, combine the pepperoncini, mayonnaise, vinegar, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Add the lettuce and onions and toss well to coat.
Sandwich Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cut the hoagie rolls open and place them on a large baking sheet. Layer one side of each roll with salami, ham, turkey, and prosciutto and then put the provolone cheese on the other side of the roll.
- Place in the preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit and toast for 6-8 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the bread is lightly toasted.
- Remove from the oven and layer tomatoes and slaw on top of the cheese side of the sandwich. Fold the sandwich closed and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Grinder sandwich
There are so many great options to serve with the Grinder salad sandwich. A classic that everyone loves is potato chips, maybe even slide them into your sandwich for a little extra crunch.
Air Fryer French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries are also a great addition to a sandwich lunch.
Soup is the perfect side for any sandwich. Veggie and bean filled Minestrone and perfectly creamy Broccoli Cheese are two of our favorites.
More great sandwich recipes
- Who doesn’t love a Reuben? Rye bread stuffed with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and a classic Russian dressing grilled to perfection!
- You’ve got to try a Monte Cristo, a French toasted ham, turkey and cheese sandwich that is perfect for breakfast, lunch OR dinner!
- In a pinch for time? A classic Tuna Salad Sandwich is just what you need. Creamy tuna is the star of the show and oh so satisfying.
- Egg Avocado Tuna sandwiches are great any time of the day! Make this for a super filling breakfast to start you off on the right foot.
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