Introduction

Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches are a delicious blend of hearty deli meats, melted cheeses, and flavorful toppings all toasted to perfection in a crusty Italian roll. This satisfying sandwich is perfect for a cozy lunch or a casual dinner. Enjoy the layers of savory flavors with a touch of freshness from herbs and peppers.

The image shows a sandwich cut in half, placed side by side on a tray. The sandwich has a golden brown bread crust with a soft inside. The layers from bottom to top include dark slices of meat, thin slices of white turkey or chicken, thin slices of red salami or pastrami, bright red tomato slices, and green lettuce mixed with thin slices of purple onion. There is a topping of shredded cheese and sprinkled green herbs over the top. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 loaf Italian sub rolls
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 pound deli-sliced salami
1/2 pound deli-sliced ham
1/2 pound deli-sliced pepperoni
1/2 pound deli-sliced mozzarella cheese
1/2 pound deli-sliced provolone cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup banana peppers, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Slice the Italian sub rolls in half lengthwise, keeping them hinged at the bottom.
Step 3: Place the rolls on a baking sheet, cut side up, without overcrowding.
Step 4: Melt the unsalted butter in a small bowl.
Step 5: Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the melted butter.
Step 6: Stir well until all seasonings dissolve in the butter.
Step 7: Brush the seasoned butter generously over the cut sides of the rolls.
Step 8: Layer the deli-sliced salami evenly on the bottom half of each roll.
Step 9: Add a layer of deli-sliced ham over the salami.
Step 10: Place a layer of deli-sliced pepperoni on top of the ham.
Step 11: Spread a layer of deli-sliced mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni.
Step 12: Add a layer of deli-sliced provolone cheese over the mozzarella.
Step 13: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the provolone.
Step 14: Scatter sliced roasted red peppers evenly over the cheese layers.
Step 15: Add sliced black olives on top of the roasted red peppers.
Step 16: Layer sliced banana peppers evenly over the olives.
Step 17: Place fresh basil leaves over the banana peppers for freshness.
Step 18: Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese melts and the bread is slightly crispy.
Step 19: Remove from oven and let cool for a minute.
Step 20: Cut the sandwiches into portions using a serrated knife.
Step 21: Serve warm and enjoy your Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches!

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, toast the bread lightly before assembling the sandwich.
Swap the meats with your favorite deli options like turkey or roast beef for a different flavor.
Add some fresh arugula or spinach for a peppery, fresh touch.
Use a mix of cheeses according to your preference to vary the meltiness and taste.
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and banana peppers.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving to preserve the bread’s crispiness.

How to Serve

The image shows a sandwich with three main layers. The bottom layer is a toasted white bun with melted yellow cheese oozing over the edges. On top of that, there are folded slices of light pink ham. The next layer is fresh vegetables including red tomato slices, bright green lettuce mixed with chopped herbs, and thin rings of purple onion coated in a creamy greenish dressing. The sandwich is topped with a golden-brown, herb-speckled bun that looks crunchy. The sandwich is held together with two toothpicks and placed on a wooden board with a blurred blue glass bottle with a cork in the background, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these sandwiches vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the deli meats and add extra vegetables like grilled zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms along with the cheeses for a satisfying vegetarian version.

Can I prepare these sandwiches ahead of time?

You can assemble the sandwiches a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving to ensure the bread stays crispy and the cheese melts perfectly.