Italian Sub Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Crispy grilled sandwich with Italian cold cuts, melted provolone, and tangy lettuce topping

# What You 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

# 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 your work surface. Layer each with 2 provolone slices, 3 salami slices, and 3 pepperoni slices.
04 - Scatter pepperoncini rings and red onion slices over the meat and cheese if desired.
05 - Divide the lettuce mixture evenly between both sandwiches, spreading it over the meat and cheese layers.
06 - Top each sandwich with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing up.
07 - Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread turns golden brown and cheese melts completely.
08 - Remove from heat, slice each sandwich in half diagonally, and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The lettuce topping creates this insane crunch and brightness that cuts through all that rich melted cheese
  • It transforms regular cold cuts into something that feels like a proper Italian sub shop experience at home
02 -
  • The lettuce mixture needs to be well-drained before you pile it on or your bread will get soggy before it even hits the pan
  • Medium-low heat is your friend here, high heat will burn the bread before the cheese has a chance to melt properly
03 -
  • A cast iron skillet creates the most even heat and beautiful golden crust
  • Warm your cold cuts slightly in the microwave for 15 seconds before assembling so they melt faster
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