This Grinder Grilled Cheese Sandwich is like if your favorite Italian sub took a nap in a melty cheese blanket—and woke up golden, gooey, and ready to party. It’s packed with salami, roasted red peppers, banana peppers, and onions, all swirled into creamy havarti for the ultimate comfort food mashup.

a grinder grilled cheese on a pink plate, split open, with cheese oozing out.

Why You’ll Love It

Let’s be real—grilled cheese is already top-tier comfort food. But this Grinder Grilled Cheese? It’s a whole new vibe.

It takes all the salty, bold, briny, tangy flavors you love in an Italian sub and smooshes them between two crispy, golden slices of sourdough with a whole lotta creamy melted havarti cheese. It's a crunchy meets gooey, salty meets sweet, spicy meets mellow situation —in other words, it’s a perfect combo of deliciousness.

The grinder mix—think chopped salami, roasted red peppers, banana peppers, and a hit of Italian seasoning—adds texture and punch, while the creamy havarti brings that melt factor you dream about.

And because it’s all grilled up in a buttery cast iron skillet, the outside gets that irresistable perfect golden crust.

So whether you're feeding your lunch cravings or pulling a late-night snack move, this sandwich is gonna hit hard.

It’s low-effort, high-reward, and super customizable if you want to play around with meats, cheeses, or add-ins. But honestly? It’s pretty perfect just the way it is.

an close up view of a grinder grilled cheese sliced open with cheese oozing out of it.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here are the simple ingredients you'll need to make this tasty grinder grilled cheese. Feel free to swap with the ingredients below or use your imagination and build your dream sandwich!

Sourdough: Thick, hearty sourdough slices hold up well to all that cheese and filling. You could swap in Italian bread, texas toast or ciabatta if that’s what you’ve got.
Roth Creamy Havarti: This dreamy, meltable cheese is mild, buttery, and perfect for grilled cheesin'. Fontina, mozzarella, or provolone could also work in a pinch.
Salami: Adds a salty, meaty kick. You can sub in pepperoni, capicola, or even mortadella for a twist. If you don't eat meat, swap it for pickled jalapenos or some garlic dill slices.
Roasted Red Peppers: These bring a sweet smokiness. Jarred or homemade both work great. Diced pimento peppers also work.
Banana Peppers: Tangy and slightly spicy, these brighten everything up. Pepperoncini or pickled jalapeños could be swapped in if needed.
Green Onion: Adds a fresh bite that cuts through the richness. You could also add some roughly chopped arugula or even basil if you wanted to.
Red Onion: Just a touch for sharpness and crunch. Shallots would also be delish, too. Or try my pink pickled onions!
Italian Seasoning: A dash of dried herbs ties everything together and boosts that grinder vibe.

a grinder grilled cheese sitting on a cutting board before it's being grilled.

How to Make It

Here are the step by step instructions for making this delicious creamy grinder grilled cheese. You can also watch the video in the bottom of this recipe card if you're more of a visual learner.

MIX THE FILLING: In a small bowl, combine the diced salami, roasted red peppers, banana peppers, green onion, red onion, and Italian seasoning. Stir until everything’s well combined and set aside.

LAYER THE CHEESE & FILLING: Place two slices of sourdough on a cutting board and top each one with a quarter of the grated havarti. Spoon the grinder filling evenly over the top of the two, then finish with the remaining cheese split between the two.

BUILD THE SANDWICHES: Add the remaining slices of sourdough on top, then butter the outside of each sandwich with salted butter.

a grinder grilled cheese cooking in a cast iron skillet.

GRILL UNTIL GOLDEN: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. Add both sandwiches and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp.

MELT & COOL: Flip carefully and cook the other side until the cheese is completely melted. Let the sandwiches rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

a grinder grilled cheese sitting on a table with a candle behind it.

What goes with a Grinder Grilled Cheese?

Here are some of my favorite recipes to serve with this grinder grilled cheese:

And if you like the flavors in this cheesy sandwich, try my viral Grinder Feta Dip or this Easy Italian Grinder Salad Recipe

Recipe

Grinder Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This Grinder Grilled Cheese Sandwich takes all the zesty, savory goodness of a classic Italian grinder and melts it into creamy havarti between two golden slices of sourdough. It’s briny, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying—basically a deli sandwich on grilled cheese vacation.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Course lunch, sandwich

Cuisine American

Servings sandwiches

Equipment

Ingredients

4 slices Sourdough
1 8 oz block Roth Creamy Havarti grated and room temp
4 tablespoon Salami finely diced
2 tablespoon Roasted Red Peppers finely diced
2 tablespoon Banana Peppers finely diced
2 tablespoon Green Onion finely diced
2 teaspoon Red Onion finely diced
2 dashes Italian Seasoning
1 tablespoon Salted Butter

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine diced salami, roasted red pepper, banana pepper, green onion, red onion, and Italian seasoning. Stir until combined and set aside.
Place two pieces of bread on a cutting board and top each one with a quarter of the cheese followed by evenly distributing chopped grinder mix.
Add the rest of the cheese evenly across the top of the two, then add the top piece of bread to each one and butter the exterior of the sandwich.
Place in a large cast iron skillet and cook over medium low heat for 5 or so minutes on each side until golden brown.
Flip and repeat until both sides are toasted and the cheese has melted completely.
Remove from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Keyword grilled cheese, grinder, viral recipe

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