Meatball and cheese grinder, a classic sandwich that originated in Italy, has been a favorite among sandwich lovers for years. This type of sandwich is perfect for those who want something hearty and filling.
A meatball and cheese grinder consists of meatballs cooked in tomato sauce, topped with cheese, and served on a freshly baked roll. In this article, we will dive into the history of the meatball and cheese grinder and how to make this classic sandwich at home.
History of Meatball and Cheese Grinder
As mentioned earlier, the meatball and cheese grinder originates from Italy. Italian immigrants brought the sandwich to the United States in the 1800s.
The sandwich gained popularity among blue-collar workers and has been a staple in American cuisine since then.
However, the sandwich has gone through some changes. The original sandwich was called the “meatball sub,” and it was made with meatballs and tomato sauce and usually served in a hot dog bun.
The modern version, the “meatball and cheese grinder,” came into existence in the 1950s. The sandwich was made with a longer roll, and cheese was added. This sandwich variation was called the “grinder” because of the noise it made when being chewed.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients needed to make a meatball and cheese grinder:.
- Meatballs
- Sub roll
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
Instructions
Here are the instructions to make a meatball and cheese grinder:.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Heat the tomato sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Season the meatballs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
- Transfer the meatballs to the saucepan with tomato sauce. Let them simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
- Cut the sub rolls in half lengthwise.
- Place the rolls on a baking sheet.
- Add the meatballs and sauce to the sub rolls.
- Sprinkle on the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot.
Variations
Here are some variations of the meatball and cheese grinder:.
- Use different types of meat such as turkey, pork, or beef for the meatballs.
- Add other toppings such as onions, green peppers, or mushrooms.
- Instead of a sub roll, use a baguette or ciabatta.
Conclusion
Meatball and cheese grinder is a classic sandwich that originated in Italy and has been a favorite among sandwich lovers for years. This type of sandwich is perfect for those who want something hearty and filling.
Making a meatball and cheese grinder at home is easy and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.