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