Copycat Grinders Italian sandwich cut in half for serving.

Copycat Grinders Italian Sandwich Recipe

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This copycat Grinders Italian sandwich recipe went viral on TikTok, and with good reason! This viral sandwich is piled high with meats and cheeses and is absolutely packed with flavor. After only one bite, youโ€™ll understand the obsession and will be immediately hooked on these tasty, hearty sandwiches.

Copycat Grinders Italian sandwich cut in half for serving.

Sandwiches are a go-to in my house at least once a week, especially on a busy night or even for lunch on the weekend. This homemade Grinders Italian sub is one of our all-time favorites. These sandwiches are absolutely packed with meats, cheeses, veggies, and the perfect seasoning and spread combo. What makes them even better? Theyโ€™re baked in the oven long enough to get just crispy enough to be absolutely irresistible. These delicious copycat Grinders Italian subs will melt in your mouth and have you craving them almost every night of the week.

DIY Grinders Italian sandwiches are simple to make and can be ready to eat in less than 15 minutes! To make these tasty sandwiches, start by prepping the Grinder salad. This is the delicious mixture that goes into the sandwich with the meat and cheese. To prep the salad, whisk together your mayo, vinegar, and seasonings. Then youโ€™ll add in your lettuce, onion, and banana peppers. This filling is so tasty that itโ€™s almost impossible to resist taking a few bites before you stuff your sandwiches. Your next step is to put together your sandwiches! Divide the meat evenly over each of the subs, then top with cheese. Broil them in the oven until they are nice and crispy! This is what really makes these sandwiches stand out. Once you take them out of the oven, add the tomato, salt and pepper, and the Grinder salad. Top with parmesan cheese, close the subs, and enjoy your copycat Grinders Italian sandwich!

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Copycat Grinders Italian Sandwich

This sandwich is packed with meat and cheese, making it a super filling meal!ย 

You can make multiple sandwiches with this recipe and eat on them for more than one meal.

These Italian sandwiches are easy to customize and make your own.

These subs have a flavorful filling and are perfectly crisp.

The Grinder salad really sets these sandwiches apart! This will definitely be one of your new favorites.

Ingredients For Homemade Grinders Italian Sandwich

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/2 head of iceberg lettuce, finely chopped

1/3 cup banana peppers, thinly sliced

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (optional) my family does not like red onion, so I omit it from the recipe

3 sub rolls

1/4 lb. salami

1/4 lb. pepperoni

1/4 lb. sliced turkey

1/4 lb. sliced provolone cheese

1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

close up shot of Grinders Italian sandwich cut in half showing the inside

How to Make Copycat Grinders Italian Sub

Step 1: Start by preparing the grinder salad.  Add the mayo, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to a large bowl.  Whisk to combine.

Step 2: Then add the lettuce, red onion (optional), and banana peppers.  Combine thoroughly.

Step 3: Next assemble the sandwiches.  Divide the salami, pepperoni, and turkey among the rolls.  Add the cheese on top of the meat.

Step 4: Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the meat is crisped up.

Step 5: Remove the subs from the oven.  Add the tomato slices to the sandwiches.  Season with salt & pepper.

Step 6: Add a generous amount of grinder salad to each of the sandwiches. Top with parmesan cheese. Close the sandwiches, cut in half, and enjoy!

What to Serve/Pair with DIY Grinders Italian Sandwich

To really feel like youโ€™ve come straight from the deli, you can enjoy these sandwiches with a side of your favorite chips! You could also opt for this delicious Classic Macaroni Salad. To sneak in another veggie, you could also go with this broccoli salad recipe.

Popular Substitutions & Additions

These sandwiches are super simple to customize. If there’s meat that you donโ€™t like, switch it out! Want to add one? Go ahead! Iโ€™ve even added pepper jack cheese for a little spice, and it was delicious! 


To save some time, you can use a bag of shredded lettuce instead of chopping your own.

Banana peppers are optional. If you have picky eaters, serve these on the side.

Storage & Leftovers

Leftover sandwiches can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight storage container. I do want to note that they will get soggy over time. If you think that you arenโ€™t going to eat it right away, leave it as deconstructed as you can until you are ready to enjoy.

Copycat Grinders Italian Sandwich FAQs

What is an Italian Grinder Sandwich?

An Italian Grinder is a type of sub sandwich made with Italian deli meats like salami, ham, and capicola, often combined with provolone or mozzarella cheese, and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and Italian dressing. The sandwich is typically served on a long roll, which can be toasted for added flavor and texture.

What kind of bread should I use for this sandwich?

Traditionally, Italian Grinder sandwiches are made with a sturdy, chewy roll such as a hoagie roll, baguette, or ciabatta. The bread should be thick enough to hold the fillings and absorb some of the dressing without becoming soggy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sandwich ahead of time, but it’s best to add the dressing and any wet ingredients (like tomatoes) just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

Copycat Grinders Italian sandwich placed on a wooden plate ready to serve

Other Sandwich Recipes Youโ€™ll Love

Donโ€™t Forget To Come Back And Let Me Know How Your Copycat Grinders Italian Sandwich Recipe Turned Out!

Copycat Grinders Italian sandwich cut in half for serving.

Copycat Grinders Italian Sandwich Recipe

April King
This copycat Grinders Italian sandwich recipe went viral on TikTok, and with good reason! This viral sandwich is piled high with meats and cheeses and is absolutely packed with flavor. After only one bite, youโ€™ll understand the obsession and will be immediately hooked on these tasty, hearty sandwiches.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1/2 head of iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup banana peppers, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (optional) my family does not like red onion, so I omit it from the recipe
  • 3 sub rolls
  • 1/4 lb. salami
  • 1/4 lb. pepperoni
  • 1/4 lb. sliced turkey
  • 1/4 lb. sliced provolone cheese
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Start by preparing the grinder salad.ย  Add the mayo, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to a large bowl.ย  Whisk to combine.
  • Then add the lettuce, red onion (optional), and banana peppers.ย  Combine thoroughly.
  • Next assemble the sandwiches.ย  Divide the salami, pepperoni, and turkey among the rolls.ย  Add the cheese on top of the meats.
  • Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the meat is crisped up.
  • Remove the subs from the oven.ย  Add the tomato slices to the sandwiches.ย  Season with salt & pepper.
  • Add a generous amount of grinder salad to each of the sandwiches. Top with parmesan cheese.Close the sandwiches, cut in half, and enjoy!
Keyword Grinders Italian Sandwich
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