Why is it called a "grinder sandwich"?

There's much debate as to exactly why this grinder sandwich is called a grinder, but two things are for sure: it originated on the East Coast, and it contains hot ingredients (whereas a sub contains cold ingredients!).

Can I make a keto version of this recipe?

Actually, yes! If you eliminate the bread from the recipe and fill a bowl with the salad, dressing, veggies, meat, and cheese, you have yourself a keto-friendly Italian grinder sandwich bowl!

Grinder Sandwich Sliders

Name: Grinder Sandwich Sliders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-466602H18M39S
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 24-pack Hawaiian Rolls; 12-14 slices pepperonis; 12-14 sliced tomatoes; 12-14 slices salami; 12-14 slices of ham; 12-14 slices of provolone; 1 14 oz bag shredded lettuce; 1/2 cup mayo; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 red onion sliced; 1/3 cup pepperoncinis; 1 tablespoon pepperoncini juice; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 2 1/2 tablespoons melted butter; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning

Ingredients

Scale

Sliders

1 24-pack Hawaiian Rolls
12–14 slices pepperonis
12–14 sliced tomatoes
12–14 slices salami
12–14 slices of ham
12–14 slices of provolone

Salad/Dressing

1 14 oz bag shredded lettuce
1/2 cup mayo
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 red onion sliced
1/3 cup pepperoncinis
1 tablespoon pepperoncini juice
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Garlic Butter

2 1/2 tablespoons melted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F.
In a medium bowl add the mayo, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lettuce, pepperoncini’s and juice, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and onion slices. Mix together until combined.
Cut the rolls in half and lay down the provolone cheese slices, ham slices followed by salami slices, and then pepperoni slices. Add the bread on top.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and garlic and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Brush the top of the bread rolls with the butter mixture
Cover with foil and bake for 12 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10-12 minutes or until the top is brown.
Remove the top layer of bread and add the salad mixture after the sandwiches have cooked.
Serve and enjoy!

Notes

How to Serve: Serve warm with your favorite sides and enjoy! If you’re planning to bring these as an appetizer, or have a larger crowd, double the recipe to make enough for everyone!

Storage: These are a bit tricky to store because half of the ingredients are cold and half is hot. If you do want to save them, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eating the leftovers cold.

Sides: The options are endless! Some of my favorite sides: No Egg Potato Salad, Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, or your favorite bag of potato chips! You really can’t go wrong.

Author: Ashley McCrary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Main Dish/Appetizer
Method: Oven
Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: grinder sandwich, sliders