Are you ready to elevate your sandwich game? With this aioli it will be mission accomplished. I have long been a fan of the grinder sandwich. What is a grinder you ask? Well, that is a most excellent question. While it basically has the same components as a sub sandwich, grinders are typically a warm sandwich. Now that is not to say that you will necessarily have to heat the entire sandwich, but I do toast the bread and melt the cheese.
To veg or not to veg. This is the biggest question at my house while I am prepping for this meal. I can go either way. The sandwich I am sharing a photo of is an all meat and cheese grinder. There are so many options for vegetables on these. Some options are:
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Onion: pickled, raw, caramelized
- Giardiniera
- Pepperoncinis
So many options! There truly are no limits. What will elevate this sandwich beyond just adding your typical Italian dressing? Adding my roasted red pepper aioli. This sauce pairs so well with the meat of the grinder.

Roasted Red Pepper Aioli is a simple yet versatile sauce with a creamy texture, bold flavor, and vibrant color that make it an ideal addition to a wide range of dishes. This aioli brings together the smokiness of roasted red peppers, the creaminess of mayo, and the zing of garlic to create a harmonious symphony of taste. While it’s not hard to find pre-made versions in stores, I’m a much bigger fan of crafting this at home.
Making this at home will allow you the ability to tailor the sauce to your own liking. In addition, you will be making a dressing free from much of the additives that you find in store bought sauces. This is the biggest bonus.
Grinder How To:
I typically use hoagie buns for these. I like that they bread isn’t so tough that it tears the rough of your mouth. One option while toasting, for a bit of extra garlic, is to butter the bread with a garlic butter then toast. Once the bread is toasted, top with your cheese of choice and put back in the oven to melt. Top with your favorite toppings and the red pepper aioli and enjoy!
Roasted Red Pepper Aioli Notes:
When you look at my picture, you will note that my aioli is drizzling. This is one that I prefer to be more of a dressing than a spread. For this result, simply place all the ingredients into the blender and blend until smooth. This only takes about 15-30 seconds, depending on your blender.
This is perfect for your next tailgate or party! It will work well for a charcuterie board with your favorite cheeses, meats, etc. Enjoy!

Roasted Red Pepper Aioli
Ingredients
- 1 12oz Jar Roasted Red Pepper
- 1 Cup Mayonnaise
- 3 Cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Pepper
Instructions
- In a blender combine all ingredients except the mayonnaise.
- Combine with mayonnaise and stir until combined.
Alternative: This is what I do as I like to drizzle the sauce.
- Add all ingredients to the blender and puree. The sauce will be a little looser and pourable. While a bit messier, I like the drizzle.