Description
A delicious and hearty Focaccia Grinder Sandwich featuring layers of uncured salame, capocollo, provolone cheese, and a fresh, tangy salad mix with pepperoncini and Italian dressing. Toasted to perfection on soft focaccia bread for a crispy, juicy, and savory experience that makes an ideal meal for lunch or a casual dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Sandwich
- 1 loaf of focaccia (Trader Joe’s focaccia with roasted tomato and Parmesan recommended)
- 1/4 cup pesto (refrigerated, preferably Trader Joe’s)
- 2 ounces uncured calabrese salame (8 slices)
- 2 ounces uncured capocollo (8 slices)
- 4 large slices Provolone cheese
Salad Topping
- 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 mayonnaise
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for toasting the sandwich.
- Slice Focaccia: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the focaccia loaf horizontally while keeping it flat, so the toppings don’t spill. Lift the top half and set it aside.
- Layer Sandwich: Spread the pesto evenly on the bottom half of the focaccia. Next, layer the slices of calabrese salame, then the capocollo, followed by the provolone cheese slices.
- Toast Sandwich: Place the prepared bottom half of the sandwich into the preheated oven and toast for 6 to 8 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt. Keep the top half of the focaccia off to the side to prevent sticking.
- Toss and Layer Greens: In a separate bowl, combine shredded romaine lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, sliced pepperoncini, Italian dressing, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss well to coat all ingredients. Spread this salad mixture evenly on top of the toasted sandwich base. Optionally, add dollops of mayonnaise over the greens.
- Finish: Place the top half of the focaccia over the layered sandwich ingredients, then cut the sandwich into wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy the juicy, crispy, and flavorful focaccia grinder sandwich.
Notes
- Use a serrated knife to prevent crushing the focaccia when slicing.
- To prevent sogginess, toast the sandwich base before adding the salad toppings.
- You can adjust the amount of Italian dressing and oregano to taste based on your preference.
- Mayonnaise is optional but adds a creamy additional flavor layer.
- Leftover sandwich can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for a few hours but is best enjoyed fresh.
