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Close-up of a grinder sandwich with meats, cheese, and creamy sauce on a rustic wooden table.

Grinder Sandwich Sauce Recipe

A creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy grinder sandwich sauce that brings deli-style flavor to any homemade sub or hoagie. Made with mayo, red wine vinegar, herbs, and pickled veggies, this sauce is easy to whip up and totally customizable.

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: About 1¼ cups (Enough for 46 sandwiches) 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ¼ cup chopped pepperoncini or giardiniera
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare the base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and red wine vinegar until smooth and creamy.
  • Add seasoning: Mix in the minced garlic, oregano, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Mix in extras: Fold in the chopped pepperoncini (or giardiniera) and grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Season to taste: Add salt and black pepper as needed.
  • Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This enhances the flavor and gives it a thicker texture.
  • Serve: Spread generously on the inside of a toasted grinder roll before adding meats, cheese, and veggies.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, use vegan mayo and swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
  • Want it spicier? Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
  • Make it ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Use it as a dipping sauce, salad dressing, or burger spread, too!
  • Author: Natalie
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons per sandwich
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 240mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: grinder sandwich sauce, creamy sandwich spread, hoagie dressing, homemade deli sauce, tangy sandwich topping