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–+ servings
grinder sandwich
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5 from 3 votes

Viral Grinder Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Piles of different meats and cheeses are layered together then topped with crisp veggies that have been tossed in a creamy and tangy Italian "grinder" dressing. Today we are taking all elements of the Italian grinder sandwich and turning it into a gooey grilled cheese.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course, Meal Prep
Servings: 2 grilled cheese grinder sandwiches
Author: Mallory Austin

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

If you are planning to make these ahead, leave the salad off until just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 576kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 31g