Grinder Sandwich Recipe (Tik Tok Sandwiches with Grinder Salad) (2024)

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5 from 3 votes

Learn to make the viral grinder sandwich recipe! These Tik Tok sandwiches are Italian grinder sandwiches, made with crusty bread and packed with deli meat, cheese, and a delicious grinder sandwich salad. Whether you call this grinder recipe a sub, submarine, hoagie, or hero, you’ll love this easy weeknight meal idea. This grinder sub is essentially a sandwich and salad in one, and it’s oh-so-good.

Grinder Sandwich Recipe (Tik Tok Sandwiches with Grinder Salad) (1)

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Table of Contents
  • 🥪 What is a Grinder Sandwich?
  • ➕ Grinder Sandwich Recipe
  • 🥖 Grinder Sandwich Ingredients
  • 🥗 Grinder Salad
  • 😋 How to Make a Grinder Sandwich
  • FAQs
  • 👨‍🍳 Hot Grinder Sandwich Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • 💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
  • 💬 Comments

🥪 What is a Grinder Sandwich?

What makes a sandwich a grinder? A grinder sandwich consists of a long roll that is sliced down the middle and filled with various meats, cheeses, vegetables, and condiments. You can enjoy this Italian American creation cold, or as a hot submarine sandwich.

Grinders sandwiches originated in the northeast part of the United States. Grinders are also called hero, sub, hoagie, or torpedo, depending on region.

Grinder Sandwich Recipe

This grinder salad sandwich is based on the viral TikTok grinder sandwich. I’ve simplified the recipe so you can get all the ingredients in a regular grocery store in the United States. There’s no need to hunt specialty stores for prosciutto or capicola, though you can add them to your Italian grinder sandwich if you wish.

Get a printable recipe card for this grinder sub sandwich at the bottom of the article, or keep reading for details.

🥖 Grinder Sandwich Ingredients

Here are the Italian grinder sandwich ingredients you need (makes 4 grinder salad sub sandwiches):

  • Grinder bread (use nice Italian bread sub rolls from the store bakery, focaccia, or loaves of bread of your choosing)
  • 12 slices provolone cheese (can substitute with cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese for grinders)
  • 2 ounces sliced turkey
  • 2 ounces sliced deli ham
  • 16 slices pepperoni
  • 2 ounces salami
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 2 thinly sliced tomatoes
  • Grinder salad (details in next section)
Grinder Sandwich Recipe (Tik Tok Sandwiches with Grinder Salad) (2)

If you use a thick bread, you can scoop it out so you have more room for the grinder filling. I didn’t feel the need to do this.

Some stores, such as Walmart, sell 2 oz packages of deli meats. This makes it easy to make sandwiches with a variety of meats, without having to buy lots of everything.

For kitchen equipment, you need a large cookie sheet, a good knife, and an oven for this one. That’s it!

🥗 Grinder Salad

The best grinder sandwich wouldn’t be truly complete without the delicious grinder salad. Here’s what you need to make grinder salad:

  • About ⅓ head iceberg lettuce (6.5 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons red onion (very thinly sliced)
  • 2 sliced pepperoncini peppers
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parm
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano (can substitute Italian seasoning)
  • Black pepper and red pepper flakes (optional)
Grinder Sandwich Recipe (Tik Tok Sandwiches with Grinder Salad) (3)

Slice the iceberg lettuce into shreds, and slice the red onion very thin. (Refer to the photos to get the right thickness- it's important!) Slice the pepperoncini and mince the garlic.

Gently toss all of the grinder salad ingredients together in a large bowl until combined. It’s so delish! You may want to double this recipe so you can have extra on the side.

😋 How to Make a Grinder Sandwich

Here are the step-by-step instructions for how to assemble the grinder sandwiches:

Grinder Sandwich Recipe (Tik Tok Sandwiches with Grinder Salad) (4)
  1. Slice 4 sub rolls in half lengthwise. Place them cut side up on a cookie sheet, and arrange 12 slices of Provolone cheese on top. Broil the bread on high for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
  1. Divide the deli turkey evenly over one side of the sandwiches, and the deli ham on the other side. Fold the deli slices so they’re “fluffed up” (not flat) to make a deli-style sandwich. Evenly divide the salami and pepperoni on the turkey side of the grinders. Broil again for 1-2 minutes.
  1. Sprinkle grated Parm on both sides of the grinders. Add thin slices of tomato to the ham side, and top generously with grinder salad.
  1. Put the top half and bottom halves of the sandwiches together, and serve with chips or fries. Enjoy the great taste!

Grinder sandwiches are best eaten right away. Though you can wrap leftovers in plastic wrap and refrigerate, they will get soggy if made too far ahead.

Grinder Sandwich Recipe (Tik Tok Sandwiches with Grinder Salad) (5)

FAQs

What is the difference between a grinder and a sub sandwich?

"Grinder" and "sub sandwich" are often interchangeable terms, but some argue that there is a difference between the two. A grinder is typically made with a long, cylindrical roll that is crustier than a sub sandwich roll. The fillings are often warm and may include hot meats, melted cheese, and vegetables. A sub sandwich, on the other hand, often has a softer roll and may be cold or hot.

Where can I get a grinder sandwich?

You can find grinder sandwiches in the New England region of the United States, particularly in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. However, many delis and Subway sandwich shops across the country offer their own versions of the grinder sandwich.

Why is a grinder sandwich called a grinder?

The origin of the slang term "grinder" is unclear. Some believe that it comes from the sandwich's ability to "grind" the teeth together while eating due to its size and density. Others believe that the term comes from the fact that the sandwich was originally sold to workers in factories and shipyards, where it was said to "grind" away hunger.

Where do they say grinder for sandwich?

We use the term "grinder" for a sandwich most commonly in New England. However, you may also hear the term in other parts of the US, particularly in areas with a large Italian-American population.

Are grinder sandwiches hot or cold?

Grinder sandwiches can be served either hot or cold, depending on the filling and the preference of the person making the sandwich.

What to serve with grinder sandwich?

What goes with an Italian grinder sandwich? Serve grinders subs with chips (crisps), air fryer frozen french fries, or these no cook refrigerator pickles.

Grinder Sandwich Recipe (Tik Tok Sandwiches with Grinder Salad) (6)

👨‍🍳 Hot Grinder Sandwich Recipes

Want more submarine sandwich recipes? Try these for minimal prep time but big flavors:

  • Turn Air Fryer Steak Umms into Philly cheesesteaks
  • Salmon Cheesesteak
  • Stuff Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers into hoagie rolls for a chopped grinder sandwich

You could also make a chicken grinder sandwich by substituting the deli meat in the recipe below with slices of leftover rotisserie chicken. With a bit of creativity, you can make grinder sandwich recipes to rival the best sub sandwiches of TikTok!

📖 Recipe Card

Watch How to Make It!

Grinder Sandwich Recipe (Tik Tok Sandwiches with Grinder Salad) (7)

Grinder Sandwich Recipe (Tik Tok Sandwiches with Grinder Salad)

Summer Yule

Learn to make the viral grinder sandwich recipe!

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 753 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Grinder Salad:

  • head iceberg lettuce (6½ ounces or 184g)
  • 2 tablespoons red onion
  • 2 pepperoncini peppers
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or red wine vinegar)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • red pepper flakes (or black pepper, optional)

For the Grinder Sandwich:

  • 4 pieces grinder bread (Italian bread sub rolls, foccacia, etc.)
  • 12 slices provolone cheese
  • 2 ounces sliced deli turkey (57g)
  • 2 ounces sliced deli ham (57g)
  • 2 ounces salami (57g)
  • 16 slices pepperoni
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 medium tomatoes (thinly sliced)

Don't be a stranger! 😊If you love this recipe, please come back and leave a rating. This helps readers and I'd love to hear from you. Thank you ❤️

Instructions

To make Grinder Salad:

  • Slice the iceberg lettuce into shreds, and slice the red onion very thin. (Refer to the photos to get the right thickness- it's important!) Slice the pepperoncini and mince the garlic.

  • Gently stir all of the grinder salad ingredients together in a large bowl until combined.

To make Grinder Sandwiches:

  • Slice 4 sub rolls in half lengthwise. Place them cut side up on a cookie sheet, and arrange 12 slices of Provolone cheese on top. Broil the bread on high for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.

  • Divide the deli turkey evenly over one side of the sandwiches, and the deli ham on the other side. Fold the deli slices so they’re “fluffed up” (not flat) to make a deli-style sandwich. Evenly divide the salami and pepperoni on the turkey side of the grinders. Broil again for 1-2 minutes.

  • Sprinkle grated Parm on both sides of the grinders. Add thin slices of tomato to the ham side, and top generously with grinder salad.

  • Put the top half and bottom halves of the sandwiches together, and enjoy!

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Notes

💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule

This is a level 3 recipe (weight maintenance and active lifestyles). Are grinder sandwiches healthy? While some grinder sandwiches can be relatively healthy, others may be high in calories, unhealthy fats, refined carbohydrates, and sodium. It ultimately depends on the ingredients you use in the grinder.

To make a grinder sandwich healthier, consider the following tips:

  1. Choose whole grain bread: Opt for whole grain or whole wheat bread instead of white bread. Whole grains provide more fiber and nutrients.
  2. Include lean proteins: Select lean meats such as turkey, chicken breast, or roast beef instead of processed meats like salami or bologna. These lean protein options can be healthier choices.
  3. Load up on veggies: Include a generous portion of fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers. Vegetables add fiber, vitamin C, and potassium to your sandwich.
  4. Limit high-fat ingredients: Be mindful of high-fat toppings such as mayonnaise, cheese, and dressings. Use them sparingly or opt for healthier alternatives like mustard, hummus, or avocado slices.
  5. Watch the portion size: Pay attention to the overall size of your grinder sandwich. Larger portions can contribute to excess calorie intake. Consider sharing or saving half of the sandwich for later.
  6. Homemade options: Making your own grinder sandwich allows you to have control over the ingredients and portion sizes. This way, you can make healthier choices and use fresh, quality ingredients.

Remember, the key to a healthy diet is to focus on balance and moderation. It's fine to enjoy a grinder sandwich occasionally, but if you're looking for a consistently healthy option, consider other alternatives such as salads, wraps, or grain bowls that can provide a broader range of nutrients and less salt.

Nutrition information is for one serving, and will vary depending on the ingredients you use.

nutrition info disclaimer

All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.

The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don't sweat the numbers too much.

Nutrition

Calories: 753kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 36gFat: 41.8gSaturated Fat: 17gSodium: 2085mgFiber: 2.1gVitamin A: 41% DVVitamin C: 50.1% DVCalcium: 35.7% DVIron: 20% DV

Keywords grinder salad sandwich, grinder sandwich, grinder sandwich recipe, grinder sandwiches, grinders sandwich, grinders sandwiches, how to make a grinder, tik tok sandwiches, tiktok sandwich, tiktok sandwiches

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Grinder Sandwich Recipe (Tik Tok Sandwiches with Grinder Salad) (8)

Grinder Sandwich Recipe (Tik Tok Sandwiches with Grinder Salad) (9)

Summer Yule

Hello! I'm Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create high quality content for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂

summeryule.com/about/

Grinder Sandwich Recipe (Tik Tok Sandwiches with Grinder Salad) (2024)

FAQs

What is a grinder sandwich made of? ›

What Is a Grinder Sandwich? Generally speaking, it's a sandwich layered with different deli meats and cheeses, lettuce, some type of dressing like oil and vinegar or mayonnaise and some sort of pickled element like pepperoncini. The bread tends to be crusty on the outside and softer in the middle.

Where is the grinder sandwich popular? ›

Grinder sandwiches are most popular and New England. However, specific variations of the grinder sandwich are more popular in other regions of the United States. For example, the cheese steak grinder is famously known for its popularity in Philadelphia.

Why is it called a grinder sandwich? ›

One theory has the name coming from Italian-American slang for a dock worker, among whom the sandwich was popular. Others say that it was called a grinder because the bread's hard crust required much chewing.

What makes a grinder sandwich different? ›

In essence, a grinder sandwich is a New England style of hero, which is a large sandwich that can be either hot or cold. My recipe for the grinder is hot. Every grinder has a lot of meat, cheese, and a crispy, tangy, and creamy salad.

What is a grinder sandwich called? ›

"Grinder" shares some flimsy nautical roots with the sub--some claim that it was named for "grinders," Italian-American slang for dockworkers (who were often sanding and grinding rusty hulls to repaint them)--but the more widely attested origin is about the sandiwch itself.

What is sandwich answers? ›

A sandwich usually consists of two slices of bread with a layer of food such as cheese or meat between them.

What is a garbage grinder sandwich? ›

Place open Hoagie rolls on baking sheet. Layer Salami, Ham and Pepperoni on each open-faced bun (be sure to cover both sides of the roll with meats and cheeses). Top with shredded cheeses. Bake at 500° until cheese is bubbly. Top with tomato, pickles, green peppers and onion.

What is an American grinder sandwich? ›

The sandwich consists of a long roll that resembles Italian bread, but the interior is much chewier and the exterior is crustier. The roll is sliced halfway and filled with olive oil, sliced ham, turkey, salami, or prosciutto, provolone cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce.

Is a grinder a hot sandwich? ›

So, what exactly is a grinder? Glorioso says that it's, "Really, any kind of hot or cold sandwich [that is] served on a grinder roll." Other common regional names for this type of sandwich include hero, hoagie, torpedo, wedge, zep, deli sandwich and sub or submarine sandwich.

What is the difference between a hoagie and a grinder sandwich? ›

In Philadelphia, a grinder is a hoagie that is heated after assembly, whether the filling is made up of traditionally hot ingredients or not. Like the hoagie, the grinder may have its origins among Italian-American labourers, this time in the dockyards of New England.

Are grinders hot or cold? ›

Grinders. This sandwich variation is well-known among New Englanders, and can be served warm or cold. Instead of cold cuts and cheese, you might also find grinders filled with meatballs and sauce or sliced chicken breast.

What is grinder slang? ›

What Is a Grinder? A grinder is a slang term for a person who works in the investment industry and makes only small amounts of money at a time on small investments, over and over again. Grinders typically are hard working and highly respected investors who value every cent they make off their investments.

What's on a regular grinder? ›

A grinder consists of good sandwich bread, deli meats (like salami and ham), crunchy lettuce (typically iceberg) mixed with onions, pickled peppers and mayo, sliced cheese and sliced tomato. Let's break it down so you can make your own perfect grinder.

What is inside a meat grinder? ›

Main components of a meat grinder are a sturdy metal body and an auger (screw conveyor) with cutting blades. The auger, hidden in the body, was powered manually with a rotating handle. The auger pushes meat towards spinning blades mounted at the end of the auger's axis.

What is the material of meat grinder? ›

Choose from stainless steel housing, plastic housing or a combination of metal and plastic. Finishes include metallic, black or white. If your kitchen has limited counter or storage space, a compact meat grinder machine is a convenient option.

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