Description
A delicious and hearty Focaccia Grinder Sandwich featuring layers of pesto, uncured salame, capocollo, and provolone cheese toasted to perfection, topped with a zesty Italian salad and optional mayo for an irresistible combination of juicy, crispy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Spreads
- 1 loaf of focaccia (Trader Joe’s focaccia with roasted tomato and Parmesan recommended)
- 1/4 cup pesto (refrigerated, Trader Joe’s preferred)
- 1/4 cup mayo (optional)
Meats 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for toasting the sandwich.
- Slice Focaccia Horizontally: Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the focaccia loaf in half horizontally while keeping it flat to avoid any toppings falling off. Remove the top half and set it aside.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread pesto evenly on the bottom half of the focaccia. Then layer the salame, capocollo, and provolone cheese on top.
- Toast the Sandwich: Place the assembled bottom half in the oven and toast for 6-8 minutes until the cheese melts and bread is slightly crispy. Leave the top half off to prevent it from sticking to the cheese.
- Prepare Salad Topping: In a bowl, combine shredded romaine, thinly sliced red onion, pepperoncini, Italian dressing, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Sandwich: Once toasted, pile the salad mixture evenly over the melted cheese on the bottom focaccia. Optionally, add dollops of mayo for extra creaminess.
- Finish and Serve: Place the top half of the focaccia over the sandwich filling and cut into wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy the juicy, crispy, and flavorful focaccia grinder sandwich.
Notes
- Using a serrated knife and keeping the bread flat while slicing helps preserve the sandwich structure.
- Toasting the sandwich bottom separately prevents the top from sticking and ensures melted cheese.
- The optional mayo adds creaminess but can be omitted for a lighter sandwich.
- Adjust the amount of Italian dressing based on your preferred salad moisture.
- This sandwich is best served fresh to enjoy the crispy toasted bread and crisp salad toppings.
