Italian Sub Grilled Cheese (Print view)

Crispy grilled sandwich with Italian meats, provolone, and tangy lettuce topping.

# 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

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Combine shredded lettuce, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Lay out all bread slices and spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice.
03 - Place two bread slices butter-side down on work surface. Top each with 2 provolone slices, 3 salami slices, and 3 pepperoni slices.
04 - Add pepperoncini rings and red onion slices if desired for extra flavor.
05 - Distribute lettuce mixture evenly over the meat and cheese layer on each sandwich.
06 - Top each sandwich with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing up.
07 - Heat large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place sandwiches in pan and cook 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
08 - Remove sandwiches from heat, slice each in half diagonally, and serve immediately.

# Expert Ideas:

01 -
  • The contrast between hot, melty sandwich and crisp, cool lettuce creates the most satisfying texture
  • It transforms ordinary cold cuts into something that feels like a treat from a deli counter
  • Ready faster than delivery, but tastes like you put way more effort into it
02 -
  • The lettuce mixture needs to be well drained before adding, or the bottom bread will get soggy fast
  • Medium low heat is your friend here, high heat burns the bread before the cheese is fully melted
  • Pressing too hard while cooking will force all the good stuff out the sides
03 -
  • Let the sandwiches rest for 2 minutes after cooking, otherwise the cheese burns your mouth immediately
  • Mix the lettuce topping while the pan heats up, it just gets better as it sits
  • If your bread is very fresh, toast it lightly in the oven before assembling
Go back