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Focaccia Grinder Sandwich Recipe

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4.1 from 55 reviews

This Focaccia Grinder Sandwich is a flavorful and satisfying dinner option featuring layers of Italian cured meats, provolone cheese, fresh greens, and a tangy Italian dressing on toasted focaccia bread. It’s juicy, crispy, salty, and dense — perfect for a hearty meal that’s easy to assemble and packed with delicious textures and flavors.

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Sandwich

  • 1 loaf of focaccia (Trader Joe’s focaccia with roasted tomato and Parmesan recommended)
  • 1/4 cup pesto (refrigerated, from Trader Joe’s preferred)
  • 2 ounces uncured calabrese salame (approximately 8 slices)
  • 2 ounces uncured capocollo (approximately 8 slices)
  • 4 large slices Provolone cheese

Salad Topping

  • 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded (about 2-3 cups)
  • 1/4 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 (for dolloping on top)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for toasting the sandwich.
  2. Slice Focaccia: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the focaccia horizontally in half while keeping it flat. Avoid tipping the bread to prevent toppings from falling off. Set the top half aside.
  3. Layer Sandwich: Spread pesto evenly over the bottom half of the focaccia. Layer the sliced calabrese salame, capocollo, and Provolone cheese on top.
  4. Toast Sandwich: Place the bottom half with the toppings into the oven and toast for 6-8 minutes until the cheese starts to melt. Keep the top half of the bread off to the side to prevent sticking.
  5. Toss and Layer Greens: In a bowl, combine shredded romaine lettuce, sliced red onion, pepperoncini, Italian dressing, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss well and arrange this salad mixture on top of the toasted sandwich portion.
  6. Finish: Optionally dollop mayonnaise on top of the greens. Place the top half of the focaccia over the sandwich layers and press gently. Cut the sandwich into wedges and serve immediately for a juicy, crispy, and flavorful experience.

Notes

  • The optional mayonnaise adds a creamy texture that complements the savory flavors.
  • Use uncured meats for a healthier option without added nitrates and nitrites.
  • Adjust the amount of Italian dressing to control the juiciness of the greens topping.
  • To keep the sandwich crispy, toast only the bottom half before adding salad and topping with the bread.
  • Trader Joe’s focaccia and pesto are recommended for authentic flavor, but any good-quality focaccia and pesto will work well.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/focaccia-grinder-sandwich-recipe/