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You’ve probably seen the Viral Grinder Sandwich on your social feed. Layers of different meats and cheeses are layered together then topped with crisp veggies that have been tossed in a creamy and tangy Italian dressing. Today we are taking all elements of the Italian grinder sandwich and turning it into a gooey Grinder Sandwich Grilled Cheese.
This deliciously messy viral grinder sandwich has been popular for a few years and you’ll see different variations. The best part about these sandwiches is that you can customize them to your liking.
Not a ham person, just use turkey and vice versa. The one thing that can’t be compromised is the crisp “grinder” salad topping that’s coated in the tangy dressing – that quite literally makes this the most craveable, special sandwich.
If you LOVE grilled cheese sandwiches as much as I do, you’ve gotta check out my copycat recipe for the Starbucks Grilled Cheese Sandwich. They use a parmesan butter crust on the outside of the bread and that same step is used here in this grinder grilled cheese sandwich.
Why You’ll Love the Grinder Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- This is a deli style sandwich in your very own home!
- Enjoy it toasted in a gooey grilled cheese OR skip this step if you prefer cold sandwiches
- Choose your favorite bread, whether you want sourdough (that’s what I used) or a more traditional hoagie bun. They all toast really well!
- There are endless customizations you can use to make this sandwich your own.
- The creamy, tangy grinder salad topping is the highlight of this grinder grilled cheese sandwich.
Key Ingredients
Bread – I used sourdough but you can also use hoagie rolls, crusty white bread or anything you like the best.
Meats – deli sliced turkey, salami, and pepperoni. You can also use ham and turkey together with the salami and pepperoni. These are all easily customized to your preference.
Cheese Slices – I used a combination of havarti, gruyere and sharp provolone. You can also use mozzarella, pepper jack, etc. I would choose at least two different cheeses to add some contrast of both sharpness and some creaminess.
Mayo – just a few tablespoons will be the base of the creamy grinder dressing.
Red Wine Vinegar – this adds all the tanginess to the dressing and cuts some of that creaminess of the mayo.
Seasonings – some garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Plus freshly cracked pepper. I don’t use salt since parmesan cheese is grated directly into the dressing.
Butter – a few tablespoons of partially melted butter mixes together with parmesan cheese and garlic powder to be spread on the outside of the bread for toasting.
Parmesan – freshly grated parmesan right off the block is ideal!
Fresh Veggies – shredded iceberg lettuce, banana peppers, red onions and optionally tomatoes.
How to Make a Grinder Sandwich Grilled Cheese
- Mix together the partially melted butter with 4 tablespoons grated parmesan and garlic powder. Spread the outside of each piece of bread.
- Assemble the sandwich by added a single layer of cheese onto the bottom. Pile on the meats and finish off with a top layer of cheese. Optionally, you can add a third layer of cheese in the middle between the turkey and salami. Add the top slice of bread, buttered side facing up.
- Toast in a nonstick skillet over low heat to ensure the cheese melts before the bread toasts, flipping just once. It takes about 10 minutes total, about 5-6 minutes per side.
- While the sandwich is toasting, make your dressing in a large mixing bowl. Add the mayo, vinegar, seasonings and parmesan. Mix together and taste and adjust if needed.
- Toss the lettuce, red onions and banana peppers in the bowl, tossing it all together with tongs.
- Once the sandwich is toasted and golden brown on each side, place it onto a serving plate. Open up the sandwich, pile on the grinder salad (and tomato slices if using). Close the sandwich back up, slice and serve immediately.
If you are planning to make these ahead, leave the salad off until just before serving.
How to Make-Ahead Grinder Grilled Cheese
If you want to meal prep these for the week ahead, go through all the steps to toast the sandwiches. Once you toast them, allow them to cool at room temp, then wrap each tightly in foil and refrigerate.
When you are ready to eat them, place in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 5-6 minutes, flipping half way through (or until the cheese melts – time may vary based on the model of your air fryer).
Once the grilled cheese sandwich is reheated and the cheese is melted, toss the veggies in the creamy grinder dressing and add the salad topping into the grilled cheese sandwich.
I hope you enjoyed this copycat recipe for this Viral Grinder Grilled Cheese Sandwich! I look forward to your questions and feedback below.
Please be sure to tag me @BadBatchBaking using hashtag #badbatchbaking if you made this recipe and I will feature you on my story! Plus, I LOVE to see your baking accomplishments.
Viral Grinder Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
Sandwich
- 4 slices sourdough bread hoagie rolls or bread of your choice
- 8-10 slices cheese havarti, gruyere, sharp cheddar, mozzarella all work well
- 1 lb. deli sliced cold cuts a combination of turkey, ham, salami, pepperoni
- 5 tablespoons butter softened
- 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 small tomato, sliced (optional)
Grinder Salad Topping
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese divided and freshly grated
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder divided
- 3/4 tsp italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked pepper
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce finely shredded
- 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup banana peppers chopped
Instructions
- Mix together the partially melted butter with 4 tablespoons grated parmesan and garlic powder. Spread the outside of each piece of bread.
- Assemble the sandwich by added a single layer of cheese onto the bottom. Pile on the meats and finish off with a top layer of cheese. Optionally, you can add a third layer of cheese in the middle between the turkey and salami. Add the top slice of bread, buttered side facing up.
- Toast in a nonstick skillet over low heat to ensure the cheese melts before the bread toasts, flipping just once. It takes about 10 minutes total, about 5-6 minutes per side.
- While the sandwich is toasting, make your dressing in a large mixing bowl. Add the mayo, vinegar, seasonings and parmesan. Mix together and taste and adjust if needed.
- Toss the lettuce, red onions and banana peppers in the bowl, tossing it all together with tongs.
- Once the sandwich is toasted and golden brown on each side, place it onto a serving plate. Open up the sandwich, pile on the grinder salad (and tomato slices if using). Close the sandwich back up, slice and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Holy crap these are absolutely delicious. I will definitely be putting these on rotation!! I made as is and used salami, pepperoni, ham and turkey.