Italian Sub Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Melty Italian-American sandwich featuring salami, pepperoni, and provolone with a tangy lettuce blend, grilled until golden.

# 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

# How to Make It:

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 and set aside.
02 - Lay out all four bread slices and spread one side of each slice evenly with softened butter.
03 - Place two 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 using optional additions, distribute pepperoncini rings and sliced red onion evenly over the meat and cheese layer.
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.
07 - Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place both sandwiches in the pan and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
08 - Remove sandwiches from heat, slice each in half diagonally, and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The lettuce topping adds a crunch that cuts through all that rich melted cheese in the best possible way
  • Ready in twenty minutes but tastes like something from a sandwich shop that has been perfecting grinders for decades
02 -
  • Do not skip softening the butter first or you will tear the bread trying to spread it
  • Pressing gently while cooking helps the cheese melt into every nook and cranny
03 -
  • Grate a little garlic directly into the lettuce mixture for an extra layer of flavor
  • Let the finished sandwich rest for one minute before slicing so the cheese sets slightly
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