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Focaccia Grinder Sandwich Recipe

4.4 from 60 reviews

This Focaccia Grinder Sandwich is a hearty Italian-inspired sandwich featuring layers of uncured calabrese salame, capocollo, and provolone cheese on a soft focaccia loaf. Toasted to perfection and topped with a vibrant salad of shredded romaine, red onion, pepperoncini, and Italian dressing, it’s a delicious combination of juicy, crispy, and salty flavors perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Sandwich Ingredients

  • 1 loaf of focaccia (Trader Joe’s focaccia with roasted tomato and Parmesan recommended)
  • 1/4 cup refrigerated pesto
  • 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 (23 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
  • 1/4 cup mayo (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for toasting the sandwich.
  2. Slice Focaccia: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the focaccia loaf in half horizontally, keeping it flat to prevent toppings from falling off. Set the top half aside.
  3. Layer Sandwich: Spread the pesto evenly over the bottom half of the focaccia. Layer the uncured calabrese salame, uncured capocollo, and Provolone cheese evenly on top.
  4. Toast Sandwich: Place the bottom half with toppings in the oven and toast for 6-8 minutes until the cheese melts and the bread crisps slightly. Keep the top half aside while toasting to prevent it from sticking to the cheese.
  5. Toss and Layer Greens: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded romaine lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, sliced pepperoncini, Italian dressing, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss until well coated. Spread this salad mixture over the toasted sandwich base, and optionally add dollops of mayonnaise on top.
  6. Finish Sandwich: Carefully press the top half of the focaccia loaf over the layered sandwich. Slice the completed sandwich into wedges and serve immediately, savoring the juicy, crispy, and flavorful layers.

Notes

  • Use a serrated knife to slice the focaccia to prevent the bread from squashing.
  • Keep the focaccia flat while slicing to avoid toppings falling off.
  • Optionally add mayo for extra creaminess.
  • Adjust Italian dressing quantity to taste to keep the sandwich juicy but not soggy.
  • Choose good quality uncured meats for best flavor and health benefits.
  • Toast just until cheese melts and focaccia crisps lightly for optimal texture.

Keywords: focaccia sandwich, Italian sandwich, salame sandwich, capocollo, provolone, toasted sandwich, Italian dressing, pepperoncini, pesto sandwich