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Hearty Grinder Grilled Cheese

Category: Dinner Solutions You'll Love

Two iconic sandwiches collide: grilled cheese stuffed with deli meats and topped with a zippy, crisp grinder salad for an irresistible bite.
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By Sophie Parker Sophie Parker
Updated on Wed, 05 Mar 2025 17:10:44 GMT
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Creamy Grinder Grilled Cheese | tastybysophie.com

The ultimate comfort food mashup has arrived - a grilled cheese that combines the best parts of an Italian sub with melty, gooey cheese. This sandwich delivers incredible flavors and textures in every bite.

Essential Ingredients

  • Bread: Sturdy sourdough provides the ideal foundation. Italian or country bread also work well.
  • Deli Meats: Layer turkey, salami and pepperoni for the perfect blend of flavors. Substitute your favorite Italian cold cuts.
  • Cheese: Combine sharp provolone with creamy havarti or mozzarella for optimal melt.
  • Parmesan: Fresh-grated parmesan enriches both the crust and topping.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: The key acid component for the topping's signature tang.
  • Fresh Vegetables: Crisp iceberg lettuce and zesty banana peppers create the perfect contrast.
Grinder Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe Save
Grinder Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe | tastybysophie.com

Assembly Method

Creating the Crust

Mix softened butter with freshly grated parmesan and garlic powder. Spread this mixture generously on the outer sides of the bread. This creates an irresistibly golden, crispy exterior.

Proper Cooking Technique

Cook over low heat, allowing 5 minutes per side. This ensures the cheese melts completely while achieving perfect browning on the exterior.

Signature Topping

Combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, and grated parmesan. Toss with shredded lettuce and chopped banana peppers just before serving.

Final Assembly

Once the sandwich is perfectly grilled, add the chilled vegetable mixture. This creates an exciting temperature and texture contrast.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy alongside kettle chips, tomato soup, or a light green salad. Perfect with cold beer or sparkling water.

Variations

Add hot honey or chili oil for heat. Try roasted peppers inside instead of fresh toppings. Create a vegetarian version with grilled mushrooms and fresh herbs.

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Best Grinder Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe | tastybysophie.com

Make-Ahead Instructions

Prepare sandwiches in advance, wrap in foil when cool, and reheat in an air fryer. Store topping components separately. Dressing keeps 3-4 days refrigerated.

Expert Tips

  • Gentle pressure while cooking ensures even melting
  • Brief resting time prevents wilted lettuce
  • Make extra topping for regular sandwiches

Recipe FAQs

→ What’s inside a grinder salad?
It’s a mix of sliced onions, crunchy lettuce, and peppers tossed in a flavorful Italian-style creamy dressing, usually paired with subs.
→ Can I use nontraditional bread?
Absolutely! Sturdy options like hoagie rolls or Italian-style loaves are all good choices for grilling.
→ Which cheeses melt the best?
You’ll get the best results with a mix. Try sharp cheddar, havarti, mozzarella, or even gruyere for an oozy interior.
→ Can I prepare these sandwiches in advance?
The components can be made ahead of time, but add the salad just before eating so it stays crunchy and fresh.
→ Why is cooking on low heat recommended?
Low heat helps the cheese melt beautifully without burning your bread, leaving the perfect blend of crispy bread and melty cheese.

Grilled Cheese Grinder

A cheesy, grilled delight blending Italian cold cuts with a crunchy, tangy grinder salad topping.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
25 min
By Sophie Parker: Sophie Parker

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 2 Servings (2 sandwiches)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Sandwich

01 4 slices of sourdough bread (or sub rolls work too)
02 8-10 cheese slices (think sharp cheddar, mozzarella, havarti, or gruyere)
03 1 pound of cold cuts from the deli counter (mix it up with turkey, ham, salami, and pepperoni)
04 5 tablespoons of butter, at room temperature
05 3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan
06 A pinch (¼ teaspoon) of garlic powder
07 1 small tomato, sliced thin (optional add-on)

→ Grinder Salad Topping

08 3 tablespoons of mayo
09 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar
10 ¼ cup of finely shredded parmesan
11 A sprinkle (¼ teaspoon) of garlic powder
12 ¾ teaspoon of Italian seasoning
13 ½ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper
14 ½ a head of iceberg lettuce, shredded finely
15 ¼ of a red onion, sliced into thin strips
16 ⅓ cup of chopped banana peppers

Steps

Step 01

Combine the softened butter with the parmesan and garlic powder. Smear this mix on the outsides of each bread slice.

Step 02

Lay down some cheese on one slice of the bread. Pile on the meats, then throw on another layer of cheese to finish it off. If you want extra cheese, stick another layer of it in the middle with the deli meat. Place the final bread slice on top, with the buttered side facing out.

Step 03

Heat a nonstick pan to low heat. Toast the sandwich until the outside is golden and crispy and the cheese is all melty—should take about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Flip it once during cooking.

Step 04

While your sandwich is grilling, whisk up mayo, vinegar, seasonings, and parmesan in a big mixing bowl.

Step 05

Mix the lettuce, red onion slices, and banana peppers with the dressing you just made.

Step 06

Take your grilled sandwich off the skillet, open it up, and stack on the grinder salad. Add the tomato slices if you're using them. Close it, cut the sandwich in half, and dig in.

Notes

  1. If making sandwiches ahead, keep the salad separate until right before you eat it.
  2. Inspired by a recipe that blew up on social media.
  3. Mixes grilled cheese with the flavors of an Italian grinder sandwich.

Required Tools

  • Nonstick frying pan
  • Big bowl for mixing
  • A pair of tongs

Allergy Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Has dairy (cheese, butter)
  • Includes wheat (bread)
  • Contains eggs (mayo)

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

These details are provided for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 576
  • Fats: 31 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Proteins: 32 g