Description
This Focaccia Grinder Sandwich is a delicious and hearty Italian-style sandwich featuring layers of cured meats, provolone cheese, and a vibrant pesto spread on freshly toasted focaccia bread. Tossed greens with pepperoncini and Italian dressing add a refreshing tang, making it a perfect lunch or casual dinner option that is juicy, crispy, and packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Spread
- 1 loaf of focaccia (Trader Joe’s focaccia with roasted tomato and Parmesan recommended)
- 1/4 cup pesto (refrigerated, such as Trader Joe’s brand)
Meats and Cheese
- 2 ounces uncured calabrese salame (approximately 8 slices)
- 2 ounces uncured capocollo (approximately 8 slices)
- 4 large slices Provolone cheese
Salad and Toppings
- 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded (about 2-3 cups)
- 1/4 of a red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup Italian dressing
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for toasting the sandwich.
- Slice Focaccia: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the focaccia loaf horizontally into two halves while keeping it flat to avoid the toppings falling off. Set the top half aside.
- Layer Sandwich: Spread the pesto evenly over the bottom half of the focaccia. Arrange the slices of calabrese salame, capocollo, and then layer the provolone cheese on top.
- Toast Sandwich: Place the layered bottom half in the oven and toast for 6-8 minutes until the cheese melts and the bread crisps slightly. Keep the top half aside to prevent it from sticking to the hot cheese.
- Toss and Layer Greens: In a bowl, toss shredded romaine lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, sliced pepperoncini, Italian dressing, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread this tossed salad mixture over the toasted sandwich base. Optionally, add dollops of mayonnaise for extra creaminess.
- Finish: Place the top focaccia half over the sandwich and gently press down. Slice the sandwich into wedges for serving. Enjoy the harmonious blend of juicy, crispy, salty, and densely layered flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute the Trader Joe’s focaccia with any high-quality focaccia or flatbread of your choice.
- If you prefer a spicier sandwich, consider adding more pepperoncini or spicy Italian meats.
- Mayonnaise is optional but adds a lovely creaminess that balances the acidity of the pepperoncini and dressing.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salame and capocollo and add grilled vegetables or marinated mushrooms instead.
- Make sure to slice the focaccia horizontally while flat to keep all ingredients in place for easy handling and eating.
