Description
This Focaccia Grinder Sandwich is a deliciously layered, Italian-inspired sandwich featuring focaccia bread, savory uncured salami and capocollo, melted Provolone cheese, and a fresh, zesty salad topping. Toasted to perfection, this sandwich combines juicy, crispy, salty, and dense textures for a satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Spread
- 1 loaf of focaccia (Trader Joe’s focaccia with roasted tomato and Parmesan recommended)
- 1/4 cup pesto (refrigerated)
Meat and Cheese
- 2 ounces uncured calabrese salame (8 slices)
- 2 ounces uncured capocollo (8 slices)
- 4 large slices Provolone cheese
Salad Toppings
- 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded (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
Optional
- 1/4 cup mayo
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature for toasting the sandwich evenly.
- Slice Focaccia: Keeping the focaccia loaf flat on a surface, use a serrated knife to carefully slice the bread horizontally in half. Avoid tipping the bread so the toppings won’t spill. Set the top half aside.
- Layer Sandwich: Spread the pesto evenly over the bottom half of the focaccia. Next, layer the uncured calabrese salame, uncured capocollo, and then arrange the Provolone cheese slices on top.
- Toast Sandwich: Place the assembled bottom half on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt nicely. Keep the top half of the bread aside during this time to avoid sticking.
- Toss and Layer Greens: In a bowl, combine the shredded romaine lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, sliced pepperoncini, Italian dressing, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Toss the mixture well. Spread the tossed salad mixture evenly over the toasted sandwich layer. Optionally, add a dollop of mayo for extra creaminess.
- Finish: Place the top half of the focaccia over the sandwich layers, gently pressing down. Cut the sandwich into wedges and serve immediately. Enjoy the perfect balance of juicy, crispy, salty, and dense flavors!
Notes
- You can substitute the Trader Joe’s focaccia with any high-quality focaccia bread if unavailable.
- Adjust the amount of Italian dressing in the salad to your taste preference for acidity and moisture.
- Adding mayo is optional but mellows the acidity while adding richness.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of pepperoncini or add a drizzle of hot sauce to the salad.
- Serve the sandwich immediately for best texture; reheating may alter the freshness of the greens.
