The Ultimate Italian Grinders Recipe (Better Than Takeout!)

Sharing is caring!

Last updated on October 22nd, 2025 at 09:59 pm

If you’re craving a bold, hearty sandwich stacked high with classic Italian deli meats, you need to try this Italian Grinders recipe. Loaded with layers of mortadella, soppressata, prosciutto, salami, and two types of cheese, this toasted sub is the perfect mix of melty, tangy, crunchy, and savory. Whether you’ve had Italian grinders at your favorite deli or you’re trying to recreate viral TikTok grinder sandwiches at home, this version is guaranteed to be your new favorite recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Grinders Sandwich

• Packed with authentic Italian deli meats
• Crispy, cheesy, and toasted to perfection
• Freshly tossed grinder salad for the perfect crunch
• Makes four large sandwiches—great for family dinners or game day!

Ingredients

To make classic Italian grinders, you’ll need:

• 1 (12-15”) loaf of Italian bread
• 6-8 slices mortadella
• 6-8 slices soppressata
• 6-8 slices prosciutto
• 6-8 slices salami
• 6-8 slices mozzarella cheese
• 6-8 slices provolone cheese
• 5 T. mayonnaise
• 1 T. Dijon mustard
• 1 T. red wine vinegar
• 2 T. pickle relish
• 1 t. Italian seasoning
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 T. sliced banana peppers
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 small iceberg lettuce head, thinly sliced
• 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
• 3 T. parmesan cheese, freshly grated

How to Make Italian Grinders

Follow these simple steps to make the best Italian grinders at home:

1. Preheat the broiler to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice the Italian loaf in half lengthwise and place both halves on the baking sheet.
3. On the bottom half, evenly layer all of the deli meats. On the top half, layer the mozzarella and provolone cheese slices.
4. Broil for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is perfectly toasted.
5. Meanwhile, make the grinder salad by whisking together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, pickle relish, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Add banana peppers, red onion, and shredded iceberg lettuce. Toss to coat.
7. Remove the bread from the oven and pile the salad mixture over the meat.
8. Top with tomato slices and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
9. Slice into four hearty subs and enjoy immediately!

Tips for the Best Italian Grinders

• Use high-quality Italian bread with a crispy crust and soft center.
• Don’t skip the broil! The melted cheese and toasted bread are what make Italian grinders stand out.
• Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper, hot giardiniera, or spicy soppressata.

What to Serve With Italian Grinders

Pair your Italian grinders with:

• Potato chips or kettle-cooked chips
• Pasta salad or antipasto salad
• Pickles or marinated olives

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prepare the grinder salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. However, for the best texture, assemble Italian grinders fresh right before serving so the bread stays crispy.

Ready to Make These Italian Grinders Again and Again?

Once you make these toasted Italian grinders at home, you’ll never go back to store-bought subs again. They’re bold, savory, crunchy, cheesy, and absolutely unforgettable!

Toasted Italian Grinders

Whether you call this mouthwatering sandwich a Grinder, Hoagie, Sub, Hero, or Spuckie, this hearty sandwich is bursting with flavor and is sure to satisfy even the biggest of appetites.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 12-15” loaf of Italian bread
• 6-8 slices mortadella
• 6-8 slices soppressata
• 6-8 slices prosciutto
• 6-8 slices salami
• 6-8 slices mozzarella cheese
• 6-8 slices provolone cheese
• 5 T. Mayonnaise
• 1 T. Dijon mustard
• 1 T. Red wine vinegar
• 2 T. Pickle relish
• 1 t. Italian seasoning
• Sea salt and place pepper to taste
• 3 T. sliced banana peppers
• 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced
• 1/2 small iceberg lettuce head thinly sliced
• 1 large tomato thinly sliced
• 3 T. parmesan cheese freshly grated

Method

 

1. Preheat the broiler to 400° F. For easy cleanup, line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice the Italian loaf in half lengthwise and place on the baking sheet.
3. On the bottom half of the bread, evenly layer and distribute all the deli meats.
4. On the top half of the bread, evenly layer and distribute the cheese slices.
5. Place the baking sheet in the oven and broil for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the bread has become nice and crispy.
6. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, make the salad mixture by whisking the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, pickle relish, and Italian seasoning together. Season to taste with a small pinch of salt and black pepper.
7. Add banana peppers, red onion, and iceberg lettuce. Toss to combine.
8. Remove the bread from the oven.
9. Pile on the salad mixture, then top with tomato slices and grated parmesan cheese.
10. Slice into 4 hearty sandwiches and enjoy!