This Italian grinder is mouthwatering and incredibly easy to make. And it’s not your average sandwich - it’s on a whole loaf of round white mountain bread filled with Italian deli meat goodness!
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded iceberg lettuce, pepperoncini peppers, diced tomatoes and red onion.
In a separate bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper and mayo until well blended.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated. Chill in the fridge until ready to use.
Make the Garlic Butter
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, parsley and olive oil. Use a fork or a spoon to mix the ingredients together until well combined.
Toast the Bread
Preheat the broiler to the highest setting.
Slice the mountain bread loaf horizontally, creating a top and bottom half. Scoop out some of the bread from middle. The amount is totally up to you and how much thick you'd like the bread the final sandwich.
Brush the inside of both halves generously with the softened garlic butter mixture. Save a few tablespoons for brushing on the outer bun after assembly.
Place the buttered halves on a baking sheet. Keep a close eye on the bread, as broiling can be quick. Toast the bread for about 1-3 minutes or until it turns lightly golden and slightly crispy.
Assemble the Sandwich
Preheat oven to 350F.
Add even layers of the deli meats to both sides of the toasted bread. Top both layers with the provolone cheese and gruyere cheese.
Place the open sandwich back in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Remove from oven and carefully spoon the prepared grinder Salad evenly over the meat and cheese layers. Close sandwich.
Melt the remaining garlic butter. Once melted stir in the optional everything bagel seasoning. Brush this mixture over the outside of the bread loaf.
Press the Sandwich, Optional
Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap. If you choose to press the sandwich, place something heavy, like a cast-iron skillet or a couple of cans on top to apply gentle pressure. Let the weight remain for at least five minutes. Your sandwich won't be totally flat but it'll help making bites easier! You can always let it press longer for an even flatter sandwich.
Keep in mind that this step is optional, as the pressing may cause some juices to run out, making it a bit messy but even more flavorful.
Slice and Serve
Unwrap the sandwich and carefully slice it into generous wedges. Serve your Italian Grinder sandwich with your favorite sides, such as chips, pickles or a simple green salad. Enjoy!