Italian Sub Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Golden grilled sandwich stuffed with Italian meats, provolone, and zesty 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

# Directions:

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 layer if using.
05 - Distribute the prepared lettuce topping evenly across both sandwiches.
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 sandwiches from heat, cut diagonally in half, and serve immediately while hot.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • The cold creamy lettuce against hot salty meat creates this incredible temperature contrast that hits every pleasure center
  • It takes twenty minutes max but tastes like something from a proper deli counter
02 -
  • Do not skip the lettuce mixture, it is what transforms this from a regular grilled cheese into something spectacular
  • Medium low heat is better than high, you want the cheese to melt before the bread burns
03 -
  • Wrap the finished sandwich in foil for two minutes before cutting, it helps everything settle
  • A sharp serrated knife makes the cleanest cuts through all those layers
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