Italian Sub Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Printable)

A melty sandwich combining Italian cold cuts, provolone, and tangy lettuce, grilled to golden perfection for a satisfying grinder experience.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread & Dairy

01 - 4 slices Italian bread or sturdy white sandwich bread
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
03 - 4 slices provolone cheese

→ Meats

04 - 6 slices salami
05 - 6 slices pepperoni

→ Lettuce Topping

06 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
07 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
08 - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Optional Additions

11 - 2 tablespoons mild pepperoncini rings, drained
12 - 2 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion

# Directions:

01 - In a mixing bowl, combine shredded iceberg lettuce, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Set aside.
02 - Lay out all four bread slices on a clean work surface. Spread one side of each slice evenly with softened unsalted butter.
03 - Place two buttered bread slices, buttered side down, on a work surface. Top each slice with 2 slices of provolone cheese, 3 slices of salami, and 3 slices of pepperoni.
04 - If desired, distribute mild pepperoncini rings and thinly sliced red onion evenly over the meat and cheese layers.
05 - Spread the prepared lettuce mixture evenly over the meats and cheese on each sandwich.
06 - Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing up, pressing gently to secure.
07 - Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place assembled sandwiches into the pan and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, applying gentle pressure with a spatula, until bread achieves golden-brown color and cheese fully melts.
08 - Remove sandwiches from heat. Slice each sandwich in half diagonally and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The way the salty cold cuts get slightly crisp and melty against the tangy cool lettuce creates this incredible temperature and texture contrast that keeps every bite interesting
  • It takes maybe twenty minutes from start to finish but tastes like something from a deli counter that's been perfecting their sandwich game for decades
02 -
  • Don't be tempted to skip the lettuce topping—it's the crunch that makes this feel like a proper sub rather than just another grilled cheese
  • Medium-low heat is your friend here; rushing with high heat will burn the bread before the cheese has a chance to melt completely
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one—it holds heat evenly and creates the most gorgeous crust
  • If you're making more than two sandwiches, keep the finished ones in a 200°F oven while you cook the rest
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