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Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches Recipe

4.4 from 130 reviews

These Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches are loaded with layers of salami, ham, pepperoni, mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheese, accented by flavorful roasted red peppers, black olives, banana peppers, and fresh basil. Brushed with a seasoned butter blend and baked until the cheese melts and the bread crisps, these sandwiches make a perfect hearty meal with a delightful Italian flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Butter Mixture

  • 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

Meats and Cheeses

  • 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

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 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

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the sandwiches.
  2. Prepare the Rolls: Slice the Italian sub rolls lengthwise but keep them hinged at the bottom so they open like a book without separating.
  3. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sliced rolls cut side up on a baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced without overcrowding.
  4. Make Seasoned Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a bowl using a microwave or stovetop, then add garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to it.
  5. Combine Seasonings: Stir the butter and spices thoroughly until well combined and the seasonings dissolve in the butter.
  6. Brush Rolls: Generously brush the seasoned butter mixture over the cut sides of the sub rolls, covering both halves evenly to infuse flavor and aid browning.
  7. Layer Meats: Place a layer of salami evenly across the bottom half of each roll, followed by a layer of ham, then a layer of pepperoni ensuring full coverage.
  8. Add Cheeses: Layer deli-sliced mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni, then top with provolone cheese entirely covering the mozzarella slices.
  9. Sprinkle Parmesan: Evenly sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the provolone layer to add a sharp flavor and crisp texture when baked.
  10. Add Vegetables and Herbs: Scatter sliced roasted red peppers over the cheese layers, then add black olives, banana peppers, and finish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness and color.
  11. Bake the Sandwiches: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the bread becomes slightly crispy.
  12. Cool Slightly: Remove the sandwiches from the oven and allow them to cool for a minute before serving.
  13. Slice and Serve: Carefully cut the sandwiches into individual portions with a serrated knife. Serve warm and enjoy the melty, savory deliciousness.

Notes

  • Keep the sub rolls hinged for easier handling and to maintain sandwich integrity during baking.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on your desired spice level.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
  • Feel free to substitute or add your favorite Italian cold cuts or cheeses as preferred.
  • For a crispier bread, bake an extra 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.
  • These sandwiches are best served hot but can be wrapped and reheated gently for leftovers.

Keywords: Italian grinder sandwich, baked sandwich recipe, Italian sub, salami sandwich, provolone sandwich, melted cheese sandwich, easy Italian lunch, baked deli sandwich