This easy Italian sausage sandwich is packed with delicious flavors! Juicy sausages are grilled to perfection and topped with savory peppers and onions, all in a soft roll.
Making these sandwiches is a breeze, perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend treat. I love piling on extra toppings—who can resist a little cheese on top? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can pick either mild or hot sausages, based on your spice preference. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider turkey or chicken sausage instead. They still offer great flavor without the extra fat.
Onions: I prefer using yellow onions for their sweetness, but red onions work great as well! If you’re not an onion fan, you can skip them or replace them with shallots for a milder taste.
Bell Peppers: Green bell peppers add a nice crunch and flavor, but feel free to swap in red, yellow, or orange peppers for a sweeter twist. If you want to skip the peppers altogether, that’s fine too!
Cheese: I love mozzarella for its melting quality, but provolone adds a nice sharp flavor! If you’re keeping it dairy-free, go for a vegan cheese option that’s designed for melting.
How Do I Make Sure My Sausage is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking the sausage just right is important for texture and flavor. Here’s how to ensure your sausage is juicy without being undercooked:
- Start with medium heat on your skillet. This helps the sausage brown nicely without burning.
- If you’re cooking whole links, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Let the sausage rest a few minutes before slicing, as this helps keep the juices inside.
With these tips, your Easy Italian Sausage Sandwich will be a hit every time! Enjoy!
Easy Italian Sausage Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 Italian sausage links (mild or hot)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- 4 hoagie rolls or Italian sandwich rolls
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone cheese)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Easy Italian Sausage Sandwich takes about 15 minutes of prep and cooking time, plus an additional 5-7 minutes for baking. In total, you can have a delicious sandwich ready in about 25-30 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Skillet:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan to get it nice and hot.
2. Cook the Sausage:
Decide whether you want to slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole. If slicing, remove them from their casings. Add the sausage to the skillet and cook for about 7-10 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, toss in the thinly sliced onion and bell pepper (if using). Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften. Season with salt and pepper for extra flavor!
4. Combine with Sauce:
Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the pumped-up veggies. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir everything together, and heat through for another 3-5 minutes.
5. Preheat the Oven:
While everything is cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, your sandwiches will bake evenly and get that lovely melty cheese topping!
6. Prepare the Rolls:
Slice the hoagie rolls in half. Place them on a baking sheet, ready to be filled up with the sausage mixture.
7. Assemble Your Sandwiches:
Spoon the sausage, onion, pepper, and sauce mixture generously onto the bottom half of each roll. Don’t be shy—load ‘em up!
8. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle a good amount of shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese over the top of the sausage mixture. Everyone loves a cheesy bite!
9. Bake:
Pop the sandwiches into the preheated oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re out, close up the sandwiches with the top halves of the rolls. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty, delicious Easy Italian Sausage Sandwich!
Feel free to add any extra toppings or condiments that you love! Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Italian Sausage Sandwich
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Sausage Instead?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage is a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly, as these varieties can sometimes cook faster than pork sausage.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Marinara Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute marinara sauce with any tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Adding some Italian herbs like oregano and basil will enhance the flavor. Even a jar of store-bought pasta sauce can work in a pinch.
How Do I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want, you can reheat the sandwiches in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to get the bread crispy again.
Can I Prepare This Sandwich Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sausage and vegetable mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to eat, reheat it and assemble the sandwiches with fresh rolls and cheese!
