Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Slice the baguette lengthwise without cutting all the way through, or split hoagie rolls open.
3. Spread mayonnaise and Italian dressing evenly on both sides of the bread.
4. Layer ham, salami, pepperoni, and cheese evenly across the bottom half.
5. Add tomato and red onion slices, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
6. Close the sandwich, brush the top lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
7. Wrap loosely in foil and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is warm and crisp.
8. Carefully open the sandwich, add shredded lettuce, then slice and serve immediately.

Variations :

• Add banana peppers or hot giardiniera for a spicy kick.
• Swap provolone for sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
• Include thinly sliced turkey for extra protein.

Tips :

• Do not overfill the sandwich to prevent sogginess.
• Add lettuce after baking to keep it crisp.
• For extra crunch, unwrap the foil for the last 3 to 5 minutes of baking.