Italian Sub Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Melty grilled sandwich with salami, pepperoni, provolone, and tangy lettuce topping. Golden perfection in 20 minutes.

# 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:

01 - In a mixing bowl, combine shredded iceberg lettuce, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Lay out all four bread slices and spread softened butter on one side of each slice.
03 - Place two buttered bread slices on a work surface with buttered side down. Top each slice with 2 slices of provolone cheese, 3 slices of salami, and 3 slices of pepperoni.
04 - If desired, distribute pepperoncini rings and sliced red onion evenly over the meat and cheese layers.
05 - Spread prepared lettuce mixture evenly across the meats and cheese on both sandwiches.
06 - Top each sandwich with remaining bread slices with buttered side facing up.
07 - Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place sandwiches in pan and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread achieves golden-brown color and cheese fully melts.
08 - Remove sandwiches from heat, slice diagonally in half, and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It delivers all the punchy, layered flavors of a deli sub but with that warm, melty pull you crave from grilled cheese.
  • You can have two golden, restaurant-style sandwiches on the table in twenty minutes flat.
02 -
  • Don't crank the heat past medium or the bread will char before the cheese melts, leaving you with a burnt shell and cold insides.
  • Dress the lettuce right before assembling so it doesn't wilt and turn soggy from sitting in the vinegar too long.
03 -
  • Press the sandwiches gently with the back of your spatula while they cook to help the cheese melt faster and bind everything together.
  • If your skillet isn't big enough for both sandwiches, cook them one at a time and keep the first one warm in a low oven while you finish the second.
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