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Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches

Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches

Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches are a flavorful and hearty meal featuring layers of savory Italian deli meats, melty provolone cheese, fresh vegetables, and a perfectly seasoned blend of Italian spices, all baked into a golden, crispy hoagie roll. Ideal for lunches, dinners, or gatherings, this customizable and comforting sandwich offers a delicious taste of classic Italian flavors with an irresistible crunch.

Ingredients

Bread

  • Italian hoagie rolls, 4 rolls

Meats

  • Assorted Italian deli meats: salami (8-10 slices), ham (8-10 slices), pepperoni (8-10 slices)

Cheese

  • Provolone cheese slices, 8-10 slices

Seasonings & Oils

  • Italian seasoning blend (oregano, basil, garlic powder), 1-2 teaspoons
  • Olive oil or melted butter, for brushing the bread
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh Vegetables

  • Lettuce leaves, 4-6 leaves (crisp)
  • Tomato, 1 medium, thinly sliced
  • Onion, 1 small, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the Italian hoagie rolls in half lengthwise. Arrange the assorted Italian deli meats, provolone cheese slices, and fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, and onions) so they are ready for assembly, making the process smooth and enjoyable.
  2. Assemble the Sandwich Layers: On the bottom half of each hoagie roll, layer the salami, ham, and pepperoni generously. Then, add the provolone cheese slices evenly over the meats. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning blend across the cheese for that classic Italian flavor profile.
  3. Add Fresh Vegetables: Place thin slices of tomato, onion rings, and crisp lettuce on top of the cheese layer to add freshness and a delightful crunch, balancing the richness of the meats and cheese.
  4. Close, Brush, and Prepare for Baking: Place the top half of the roll firmly over the sandwich fillings. Brush the entire outside of the sandwich generously with olive oil or melted butter to ensure a crispy, golden crust when baked.
  5. Bake Until Golden and Melty: Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Remove carefully and let rest for a minute before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Even layering of meats and cheese ensures balanced flavors in every bite.
  • Using day-old or slightly stale hoagie rolls helps prevent sogginess during baking.
  • Avoid overloading the sandwich to keep it easy to eat and well-structured.
  • Brush oil generously on the bread exterior for a crispy, golden finish.
  • Let the sandwich rest briefly after baking to allow the cheese to set and avoid mouth burns.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian sandwich, baked grinder, provolone sandwich, Italian deli meats, comfort food, baked sandwich