Italian Sub Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

Crispy grilled sandwich with melty provolone, Italian cold cuts, 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine shredded lettuce, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until evenly coated and set aside.
02 - Lay out all bread slices and spread softened butter evenly over one side of each piece.
03 - Place two bread slices buttered side down on work surface. Top each with 2 slices provolone, 3 slices salami, and 3 slices pepperoni.
04 - If desired, scatter pepperoncini rings and red onion slices over the meat layer.
05 - Divide the prepared lettuce mixture evenly and spread over the meats and cheese on both sandwiches.
06 - Top each sandwich with remaining bread slices, placing buttered side facing outward.
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 sandwiches from heat, cut each in half diagonally, and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The crunch of warm bread meets that signature tangy lettuce topping, creating the perfect contrast between hot and cold elements
  • Takes five minutes to assemble but tastes like something from a specialty sandwich shop
02 -
  • Low and slow heat prevents burning the bread before the cheese has time to melt completely
  • Pressing gently while cooking helps the bread conform to all those layered ingredients, preventing the classic first bite spill
03 -
  • Shred your lettuce by hand instead of using a knife, the ragged edges hold the dressing better
  • Let the grilled sandwiches rest on a wire rack for 1 minute before slicing to keep the cheese from oozing out
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