why make this recipe
The Chopped Italian Grinder Sandwich is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors and a variety of textures in their food. This sandwich is easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and can be customized to fit your taste. It’s great for lunch, dinner, or a casual gathering with friends and family. The combination of meats, cheeses, and fresh veggies makes each bite a delightful experience.
how to make Chopped Italian Grinder Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 1 French baguette; or Italian sub roll
- 4 ounces of deli-sliced ham (about 4 slices)
- 4 ounces of deli-sliced salami (about 5–6 slices)
- 4 ounces of deli-sliced sandwich pepperoni (about 5–6 slices)
- 4 ounces of deli-sliced peppered turkey (about 3 slices)
- 4 ounces of provolone cheese (about 4 thin slices)
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce (or any greens like green leaf, red leaf, or spring mix)
- ½ large tomato (sliced)
- ¼ large red onion (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup sliced green or black olives
- ¼ cup sliced banana peppers
- 1 Tablespoon freshly chopped fresh basil (optional)
- ½ tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 – 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon spicy mustard or regular mustard
Directions:
- On a large cutting board, layer the ingredients, starting with lettuce, followed by sliced tomatoes, red onion, olives (if using), and banana peppers.
- Add layers of the assorted meats and cheese on top.
- Using a large knife, chop all ingredients into bite-sized pieces.
- Gather the chopped ingredients into a pile on the cutting board, or place them into a large mixing bowl.
- Top with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, and Italian seasonings. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
- Mix everything well to create the grinder filling.
- Fill toasted Italian sub rolls, spinach wraps, pita pockets, or serve as a salad.
how to serve Chopped Italian Grinder Sandwich
You can serve the Chopped Italian Grinder Sandwich in a variety of ways. Place generous scoops of the filling into a toasted sub roll or wrap. For a lighter option, serve it as a salad on a bed of greens. You can also add extra dressings or toppings based on your preference.
how to store Chopped Italian Grinder Sandwich
If you have leftovers, you can store the filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the sandwich rolls separate until you are ready to serve. To keep the bread from getting soggy, avoid mixing the filling and the bread until you are ready to eat.
tips to make Chopped Italian Grinder Sandwich
- Feel free to use any combination of deli meats and cheeses that you enjoy.
- For a spicier kick, add more mustard or include hot pepper relish.
- Toast the sandwich rolls before filling them for added texture and warmth.
- You can prepare the filling a few hours ahead of time for convenience.
variation
You can create variations of this sandwich by adding ingredients such as sliced bell peppers, avocado, or shredded carrots. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply leave out the meats and load up on extra veggies and cheese.
FAQs
1. Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge. However, assemble the sandwich just before serving to keep the bread fresh.
2. What kind of bread is best for this sandwich?
A French baguette or Italian sub roll works well, but you can also use whole wheat or gluten-free bread based on your dietary needs.
3. Can I freeze this sandwich?
It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled sandwich because the bread may become soggy. However, you can freeze the prepared filling for up to a month, then thaw and assemble fresh sandwiches when ready to eat.
Chopped Italian Grinder Sandwich
Ingredients
For the sandwich
- 1 piece French baguette or Italian sub roll
- 4 ounces deli-sliced ham about 4 slices
- 4 ounces deli-sliced salami about 5–6 slices
- 4 ounces deli-sliced sandwich pepperoni about 5–6 slices
- 4 ounces deli-sliced peppered turkey about 3 slices
- 4 ounces provolone cheese about 4 thin slices
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce or any greens like green leaf, red leaf, or spring mix
- ½ large tomato sliced
- ¼ large red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup sliced green or black olives
- ¼ cup sliced banana peppers
- 1 Tablespoon freshly chopped basil optional
- ½ Tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1½ Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon spicy mustard or regular mustard
Instructions
Preparation
- On a large cutting board, layer the ingredients, starting with lettuce, followed by sliced tomatoes, red onion, olives (if using), and banana peppers.
- Add layers of the assorted meats and cheese on top.
- Using a large knife, chop all ingredients into bite-sized pieces.
- Gather the chopped ingredients into a pile on the cutting board, or place them into a large mixing bowl.
- Top with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, and Italian seasonings. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
- Mix everything well to create the grinder filling.
Serving
- Place generous scoops of the filling into a toasted sub roll or wrap.
- For a lighter option, serve it as a salad on a bed of greens.
- Add extra dressings or toppings based on your preference.
Storage
- If you have leftovers, store the filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Keep the sandwich rolls separate until you are ready to serve to avoid soggy bread.