It may be a fight, but there’s nothing better than an Italian grinder sandwich. It’s a classic Italian grinder sandwich with deli meats, cheeses, lettuce, and sauce. The TikTok version has been circulating, and it’s boosted its popularity.
What is a Grinder
It is a sandwich with different types of deli meats, cheeses, and lettuce. It also includes some dressing, such as oil and vinegar, mayonnaise, and a pickled ingredient, like pepperoncini. The bread is usually crusty outside and soft in the middle. The sandwich is called a “grinder” because it requires your teeth to be gnawed.
Who calls a sandwich a “Grinder”
In the Midwest, I called this sandwich an Italian Sub. However, they are known as grinders on the East Coast and New England. Subs and hoagies can be eaten hot or cold. However, reserves are often considered cold sandwiches, while grinders are warm. They are also known as heroes.
How to make the TikTok Grinder Sandwich
The famous TikTok Grinder sandwich is served with focaccia.
Ingredients
This recipe yields two grinders.
Two hoagie buns
Provolone sliced into 4 ounces
Other cheese sliced to 4 ounces
4 ounces turkey
Ham, 4 ounces
4 ounces soppressata
4 ounces capicola
4 ounces of prosciutto
One handful of mini pepperonis
Parmesan cheese to taste
2 cups of shredded iceberg lettuce
Half a cup of mayonnaise
Red wine vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon
Half a teaspoon of salt
Pepper is a taste
Oregano dried, one teaspoon
Red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon
One grated garlic clove
1/2 cup pepperoncini
Slice thinly 1/2 red onion
Sliced tomatoes
Directions
Melt cheese
Preheat the oven to 350degF.
Open the buns, and spread the cheeses on both sides. Melt the cheese in the oven and remove after a few minutes.
Add the meat
Fold the deli meats so that they don’t lay completely flat. Place the turkey on one end and the ham on another. Add capicola and soppressata to the turkey, then prosciutto to the ham—pepperoni on both sides. Sprinkle fresh grated Parmesan over the top. Repeat the process with the second sandwich.
Continue heating for a couple more minutes until the meat sizzle and the pepperonis begin to cup. Remove the meat from the oven.
Prepare salad and top grinders
Combine the iceberg salad, mayo, and red wine vinegar in a medium-sized bowl. Add oregano flakes, red pepper, garlic, pepperoncini, and red onions. Mix well, then place a few handfuls of the salad on one side of each bun. Add another layer of freshly grated Parmesan. Add sliced tomato and another sprinkle of salt.
Enjoy
Close your grinder, and then slice it in half. Enjoy with your favorite chip and plenty of napkins.
This is What I Thought
This sandwich is well worth the effort! This classic Italian grinder is elevated by creamy iceberg lettuce. Customizing this salad to suit your tastes is easy by adding your favorite cheeses and deli meats.
