Description
These Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches are loaded with layers of savory deli meats, melted mozzarella and provolone cheeses, and fresh veggies, all nestled in Italian sub rolls brushed with a flavorful garlic herb butter. Baked until the cheese is perfectly melted and the bread is slightly crispy, these sandwiches offer a warm and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Butter
- 1 loaf Italian sub rolls
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Meats and Cheeses
- 1/2 pound deli-sliced salami
- 1/2 pound deli-sliced chicken 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
Vegetables and Herbs
- Roasted red peppers, sliced, to taste
- Black olives, sliced, to taste
- Banana peppers, sliced, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, a handful
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the sandwiches.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the Italian sub rolls in half lengthwise, keeping the halves hinged so they open like a book.
- Make Garlic Herb Butter: Melt the unsalted butter and combine it with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to incorporate all the seasonings.
- Butter the Bread: Using a brush, evenly spread the seasoned butter on the cut sides of each sub roll.
- Layer Fillings: Begin layering the sandwich fillings inside each buttered roll. Start with salami, then add chicken ham, followed by pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, and finish with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Place roasted red peppers, black olives, banana peppers, and fresh basil leaves over the cheese layers for fresh, tangy flavor and texture.
- Bake Sandwiches: Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese melts and the bread turns slightly crispy.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the sandwiches from the oven and allow them to cool for about a minute before slicing into individual portions and serving.
Notes
- You can customize the sandwich fillings by adding or substituting different deli meats or cheeses to suit your taste.
- For an extra kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the butter mixture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for better flavor and melting quality.
- To make prep easier, slice and prepare veggies ahead of time and store in the fridge.
- These sandwiches are best enjoyed immediately after baking for optimal texture and flavor.
