Save There's something about standing in a crowded Italian deli, watching the butcher slice salami paper-thin, that makes you want to build something grand from all those beautiful layers. Years ago, I grabbed a handful of different cured meats almost by accident, threw them on a hoagie roll with whatever was in reach, and discovered that sometimes the best meals come from happy experimentation. This chopped Italian grinder became my go-to when I wanted something that tasted like a proper celebration but didn't require any real cooking skill.
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the pot I use for cozy one-pot meals and small-batch recipes, so I wanted to quickly share it here.
This is the Martha Stewart heart-shaped enameled cast iron Dutch oven (2-quart). It’s one of those pieces I reach for constantly when testing soups, stews, baked casseroles, and smaller comfort-food recipes.
- Heats evenly with no hot spots (huge for slow cooking)
- Non-reactive enamel interior — no seasoning required
- Perfect size for small households or side dishes
- Sturdy handles, easy to move from oven to table
It’s also a favorite with home cooks — 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,900 reviews — and Amazon often has a coupon available, depending on color and size.
👉 Check current price, colors, and coupon on Amazon
(Affiliate link — if you choose to buy, it helps support this recipe blog at no extra cost to you ❤️)
I made this for a summer picnic once, bundled these sandwiches in foil, and watched people's faces light up when they unwrapped them. The meat was cool and tender, the cheese stayed melted against the warm bread, and someone asked for the recipe before finishing their first bite.
Ingredients
- Salami, diced (100 g): The backbone of this sandwich, bringing that classic Italian deli flavor and a little bit of richness.
- Pepperoni, diced (100 g): Adds personality and a subtle spice that makes people wonder what makes this taste so good.
- Ham, diced (100 g, optional): I often skip this, but when I include it, the sandwich feels even more substantial.
- Provolone cheese, diced or shredded (120 g): The cheese that actually belongs here, with enough tang to stand up to the meats without being overwhelming.
- Iceberg lettuce, finely chopped (2 cups): Gives you that satisfying crunch and keeps things from feeling too heavy, even though this is definitely a hearty sandwich.
- Tomato, diced (1 medium): A little brightness and juiciness, though I've learned to drain it slightly so your bread doesn't get soggy.
- Red onion, finely diced (1/2 small): Just enough bite to remind you this is a grinder and not just a pile of meat on bread.
- Pepperoncini, sliced (1/4 cup, optional): If you like a touch of heat and vinegar, these are your secret weapon.
- Italian dressing (1/3 cup): The glue that holds everything together and seasons the whole operation.
- Hoagie rolls or sub rolls (4): The vehicle that makes this a sandwich and not just a salad you eat with your hands.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp, optional): For toasting, which transforms a soft roll into something with actual character.
Instructions
- Get your rolls ready:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F or heat a skillet over medium heat. You want things ready to go so the rolls stay warm when you fill them.
- Chop everything:
- Dice your salami, pepperoni, ham if using, and provolone into roughly bite-sized pieces. Chop the lettuce fine, dice the tomato and red onion, and slice the pepperoncini if you're using them.
- Build the mixture:
- Throw all the chopped meats, cheese, and vegetables into a large bowl and toss it around like you actually care, which you should because this is where the flavor happens.
- Dress it:
- Pour the Italian dressing over everything and toss until it's all evenly coated and glistening. This step feels small but it's what makes the whole thing come together.
- Toast your rolls:
- If you want them buttered, brush the insides lightly and toast them in the oven or skillet for 3 to 5 minutes until they're golden and crisp. This is non-negotiable if you want a sandwich that holds up to the filling.
- Fill and serve:
- Scoop the chopped mixture generously into each warm roll and serve immediately while everything's still got some warmth and texture to it.
Save My neighbor tasted one of these and came back the next day asking if I'd made a career change. That moment stuck with me, the realization that something this simple could make someone happy.
Choosing Your Meats
The meat selection is really where you get to make this your own. I used to stick strictly to salami and pepperoni, but adding ham changed the game for me, making it feel more substantial without losing that Italian deli character. If you want to get fancy, you could use capicola instead of pepperoni, or skip the ham and double down on salami. The deli counter is your playground here, and honestly, whatever calls to you is the right choice.
The Dressing is Everything
I learned this the hard way when I tried to make a version without much dressing and ended up with a dry, disappointing sandwich. The dressing isn't just a flavor thing, it's what brings all the different elements together and makes them taste like they belong on the same sandwich. You can use store-bought, which is totally fine and convenient, or make your own with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs if you're feeling ambitious.
Variations and Additions
Once you nail the basic version, this sandwich welcomes experimentation. Some people add roasted red peppers, others throw in olives or fresh basil if they're feeling it. You can make it hotter with banana peppers or red pepper flakes, or swap different cured meats entirely if you want something outside the traditional Italian vein. The beauty of a chopped grinder is that it's flexible enough to work with whatever's in your fridge.
- Roasted red peppers add sweetness and a silky texture that plays beautifully with the salty meats.
- Fresh basil or oregano can brighten up the whole thing if you want to add a fresh herb moment.
- A drizzle of hot sauce on the side lets people customize the heat level without overpowering the other flavors.
Save This sandwich has become my answer to the question of what to make when you want something satisfying but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. It's proof that sometimes the best meals are the ones you throw together with ingredients you actually love.
Recipe FAQ
- → What meats are included in the chopped Italian grinder?
The grinder combines diced salami, pepperoni, and optional ham for a rich, savory flavor.
- → Can I customize the vegetables in this sandwich?
Yes, iceberg lettuce, tomato, red onion, and optional pepperoncini provide fresh, crunchy layers that can be adjusted to taste.
- → How should the hoagie rolls be prepared?
Lightly butter the rolls and toast them in the oven or skillet until golden and crisp for enhanced texture.
- → Is Italian dressing essential for this dish?
Italian dressing adds a tangy, zesty note that complements the meats and veggies, but flavors can be adjusted or substituted.
- → Are there suggestions to add spice to the sandwich?
Adding sliced banana peppers or red pepper flakes can bring a spicier kick to the grinder.