Chopped Italian Sub Sandwich (Grinder-Style)

What this tastes like

Creamy Italian dressing, sharp provolone, salty cured meats, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomatoes — all chopped together so every bite hits. The bread stays soft inside, crusty outside.

Ingredients (2 large subs)

Bread

2 hoagie rolls or small baguettes
(soft interior, lightly crusty exterior — crucial)

Meats

4 oz ham, thinly sliced
4 oz salami, thinly sliced
2–3 oz pepperoni (optional but recommended)

Cheese

4 oz provolone, sliced or chopped
(you can mix in mozzarella if you want it milder)

Veggies

2 cups iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
½ cup tomatoes, diced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup banana peppers or pepperoncini, sliced
Optional: chopped roasted red peppers

Creamy Grinder Dressing (this is the magic)

Whisk together:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

👉 Dressing should be creamy, tangy, and peppery — not sweet.

Assembly (Important Order!)

1. Chop the Filling

On a cutting board or in a large bowl, pile:

All meats
Cheese
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Onion
Peppers

Chop everything together into small, bite-sized pieces. This is key — it creates that “salad inside a sandwich” vibe you see in the photo.

2. Dress It

Add dressing a little at a time
Toss until everything is coated but not drowning
You want creamy, not soupy.

Taste and adjust salt/pepper.

3. Prep the Bread

Slice rolls lengthwise (don’t cut all the way through)
Optional but great: lightly toast the inside
Optional pro move: spread a thin layer of mayo or olive oil inside the bread to prevent sogginess

4. Stuff the Sandwich

Pile the chopped mixture generously into the bread
Press gently so it holds together
Let it sit 2–3 minutes — flavors meld, bread absorbs just enough dressing

Optional Upgrades 🔥

Add shredded romaine + iceberg mix for extra crunch
Splash of banana pepper juice into the dressing
Swap mayo for half mayo / half Greek yogurt for tang
Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and cracked black pepper

How to Serve

Cut in half
Serve with kettle chips or pickles
Eat immediately — this sandwich does not believe in leftovers