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Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 55 reviews

These Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches are a deliciously layered combination of Italian deli meats, cheeses, and flavorful vegetables, all brushed with a herby seasoned butter and baked until the cheese melts perfectly. Ideal for a hearty lunch or casual dinner, they deliver the classic zing of an Italian sub with a warm, crispy twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread & Butter

  • 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

  • 1/2 pound deli-sliced salami
  • 1/2 pound deli-sliced ham
  • 1/2 pound deli-sliced pepperoni

Cheeses

  • 1/2 pound deli-sliced mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 pound deli-sliced provolone cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables & 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the sandwiches.
  2. Prepare Rolls: Slice the Italian sub rolls in half lengthwise without cutting all the way through so the halves stay hinged at the bottom.
  3. Arrange Rolls: Place the rolls on a baking sheet, cut side up, ensuring they fit comfortably without overcrowding.
  4. Make Seasoned Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a small bowl using the microwave or stovetop, then add garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Combine Butter and Spices: Stir the mixture thoroughly until all seasonings are well incorporated and dissolved in the butter.
  6. Brush Rolls: Generously brush the seasoned butter over both cut sides of the rolls for a flavorful crust.
  7. Layer Salami: Evenly arrange the deli-sliced salami on the bottom halves of the rolls.
  8. Add Ham: Layer the deli-sliced ham on top of the salami covering the entire bottom of each sandwich.
  9. Top with Pepperoni: Place deli-sliced pepperoni over the ham layers, ensuring full coverage.
  10. Add Mozzarella Cheese: Spread a layer of deli-sliced mozzarella cheese evenly over the pepperoni.
  11. Layer Provolone Cheese: Arrange the provolone slices on top of the mozzarella for added creaminess.
  12. Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese: Evenly sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the provolone layer for extra flavor and texture.
  13. Add Roasted Red Peppers: Distribute the sliced roasted red peppers evenly across the top of the cheese layers.
  14. Top with Black Olives: Scatter sliced black olives over the red peppers.
  15. Layer Banana Peppers: Evenly layer the sliced banana peppers on top of the olives for a tangy kick.
  16. Add Fresh Basil: Place fresh basil leaves on top for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
  17. Bake Sandwiches: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheeses are melted and the bread turns slightly crispy.
  18. Cool Slightly: Remove the sandwiches from the oven and let them cool for about a minute to settle.
  19. Slice Portions: Carefully cut the sandwiches into individual portions using a serrated knife.
  20. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches warm for the best taste experience.

Notes

  • Ensure the Italian rolls are sturdy to hold the fillings and baking without becoming soggy.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control the sandwich’s spiciness according to your preference.
  • You can substitute or add other Italian deli meats like capicola or mortadella for variety.
  • For a crispy crust, consider broiling the sandwiches for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor than pre-grated brands.
  • Leftovers can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated; reheat in an oven or toaster oven to restore crispness.

Keywords: Italian sandwich, baked sub, grinder sandwich, Italian meats, melted cheese sandwich, baked Italian sub

Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/baked-italian-grinder-sandwiches-recipe/