Easy Spring Lunch Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches Recipe

Introduction

These Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches are a flavorful and satisfying spring lunch option. Packed with layers of savory meats, cheeses, and vibrant toppings, they’re toasted to melty perfection in the oven. Quick to assemble and perfect for sharing, they bring a taste of Italy right to your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1/2 pound deli-sliced salami
• 1/2 pound deli-sliced ham
• 1/2 pound deli-sliced pepperoni
• 1/2 pound deli-sliced mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 pound deli-sliced provolone cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 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. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Slice the Italian sub rolls in half lengthwise, keeping them hinged at the bottom so the halves stay connected.
3. Step 3: Place the rolls cut side up on a baking sheet, leaving space so they aren’t crowded.
4. Step 4: Melt the unsalted butter in a small bowl using the microwave or stovetop.
5. Step 5: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
6. Step 6: Brush the seasoned butter evenly over the cut sides of both halves of each roll.
7. Step 7: Layer the deli-sliced salami evenly on the bottom half of the rolls.
8. Step 8: Add a layer of deli-sliced ham over the salami, covering the entire surface.
9. Step 9: Top the ham with a layer of deli-sliced pepperoni, ensuring full coverage.
10. Step 10: Spread a layer of sliced mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni.
11. Step 11: Add the provolone cheese on top of the mozzarella, covering evenly.
12. Step 12: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the provolone layer for extra flavor and texture.
13. Step 13: Scatter sliced roasted red peppers over the cheese layers.
14. Step 14: Add sliced black olives evenly on top of the red peppers.
15. Step 15: Layer the sliced banana peppers evenly across the sandwich.
16. Step 16: Place fresh basil leaves over the banana peppers for freshness and color.
17. Step 17: Bake the sandwiches in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese melts and the bread is slightly crispy.
18. Step 18: Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute before carefully slicing into individual servings with a serrated knife.
19. Step 19: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, broil the sandwiches for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
• You can swap out any deli meats or cheeses for your favorites, like turkey or Swiss cheese.
• Add fresh veggies like sliced tomatoes or cucumbers for a crunchy contrast after baking.
• If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

Storage

Store any leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese melts again. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispy bread texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches up to a few hours before baking. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving to maintain freshness.

What can I use if I don’t have Italian sub rolls?

Any sturdy sandwich bread or hoagie rolls will work well. Choose a bread that holds up to baking without becoming soggy.

Easy Spring Lunch Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 774 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x

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Description

These easy spring lunch Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches feature layers of classic Italian deli meats and cheeses, seasoned buttery rolls, and a medley of flavorful peppers and fresh basil, baked to melty perfection. Perfect for a satisfying and delicious homemade sub sandwich that’s crispy on the outside and luscious inside.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread & Butter Mixture

• 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

Deli Meats & Cheeses

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

Vegetable & Herb Toppings

• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking your sandwiches.
2. Prepare Rolls: Slice the Italian sub rolls lengthwise, keeping a hinge at the bottom so the rolls stay connected.
3. Arrange Rolls: Place the hinged rolls cut side up on a baking sheet without overcrowding to allow even baking.
4. Melt Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a small bowl, using the microwave or stovetop.
5. Mix Seasonings: Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the melted butter.
6. Combine Butter and Spices: Stir the mixture thoroughly until all seasonings are well dissolved and incorporated into the butter.
7. Brush Rolls: Generously brush the seasoned butter over both cut sides of the rolls for rich flavor.
8. Layer Salami: Evenly distribute the deli-sliced salami over the bottom half of each sandwich.
9. Add Ham: Place a layer of deli-sliced ham on top of the salami, covering all the bottom bread.
10. Add Pepperoni: Layer the deli-sliced pepperoni evenly over the ham.
11. Layer Mozzarella: Spread a layer of deli-sliced mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni.
12. Layer Provolone: Add a layer of deli-sliced provolone cheese over the mozzarella for extra creaminess.
13. Sprinkle Parmesan: Evenly sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the provolone layer for sharpness and texture.
14. Add Roasted Red Peppers: Scatter sliced roasted red peppers evenly over the cheese layers.
15. Add Black Olives: Distribute sliced black olives on top of the roasted red peppers.
16. Add Banana Peppers: Layer banana peppers slices evenly over the black olives to add a tangy bite.
17. Add Fresh Basil: Place fresh basil leaves on top to infuse a bright, herbal note.
18. Bake Sandwiches: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts and bread crisps slightly.
19. Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let the sandwiches cool for a minute to stabilize.
20. Slice and Serve: Carefully cut each sandwich into individual portions using a serrated knife, then serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

• Keep the rolls hinged to help hold the sandwich fillings together during baking.
• Use a serrated knife for cleanly cutting through the crusty bread after baking.
• Feel free to substitute or add other Italian cold cuts like capicola or mortadella for variety.
• If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
• For extra crispiness, broil the sandwiches for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
• Make ahead tip: Assemble the sandwiches, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Italian grinder sandwich, baked sub sandwich, Italian deli sandwich, melty cheese sandwich, easy lunch recipe