If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying weeknight dinner that’s quick to prepare, these Italian Sausage Sandwiches are the perfect choice. This easy Italian sausage sandwich recipe combines juicy sausage, melty mozzarella, and flavorful peppers for a delicious meal your family will request again and again. Whether you’re pressed for time on a busy weeknight or want a crowd-pleasing option for a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to hit the spot!
These sandwiches are so delicious if you top them with my Italian Vinegar Peppers, which are also super simple to make. You'll need to make them a few hours before. Or, if you prefer, you can top the sandwiches with sautéed peppers and maybe even onions.
Looking for more Italian recipes? Try my Shrimp Alfredo Tortellini or a delicious Baked Mostaccioli con Ricotta.
Ingredients
The ingredients for these Italian Sausage Sandwiches are simple, but they come together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Each one plays an important role in building the perfect sandwich. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:
- Italian sausage (mild or sweet): The star of the dish, these sausages bring bold, savory flavors that make the sandwich hearty and filling.
- Olive oil: Used to coat the sausages and sauté the peppers, olive oil enhances their flavor and helps achieve a golden, slightly crispy finish.
- Hoagie rolls: Soft and sturdy, these rolls are ideal for holding all the ingredients together without falling apart.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully under the sausage, adding a creamy and mild balance to the bold flavors.
- Red pepper (or Italian vinegar peppers): Sautéed red peppers or tangy vinegar peppers add a sweet and slightly acidic contrast that complements the richness of the sausage and cheese.
See recipe card for specific quantities/amounts.
Instructions
Place a rack in the middle of your oven and preheat it to 400℉. Arrange the sausage links on a baking sheet. For easier cleanup, you can line the sheet with parchment paper or tin foil.
Use a basting or pastry brush to coat the sausages with olive oil on all sides.
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake the sausages for 10 minutes. Flip sausages over using tongs, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
If you are sautéing the peppers, you can do that while the sausages bake. Heat a glug of olive oil in a pan and sauté your red peppers until they reach your desired level of doneness. You can add onions here if you want, as well.
The next step is to assemble the sandwiches. Start by slicing the hoagie rolls, then place 1-2 slices of mozzarella cheese in the bottom of each. Add one sausage link to each roll, followed by the sautéed or marinated peppers.
Substitutions
You can substitute any kind of sausage you want. If you don't want a hot Italian sausage sandwich, try mild or sweet Italian sausage. Prefer bratwurst? Go for it! Not a fan of pork? Try a turkey or chicken sausage; just make sure to cook poultry to 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety.
Provolone cheese is just as delicious on these sandwiches as mozzarella is! If you love cheese as much as I do, you could even use both!
You can also substitute hot dog bugs for the hoagie rolls, if you prefer.
Variations
Some people like marinara sauce (aka "gravy" to Italians!) on their Italian sub. Feel free to top your sausage sandwich with gravy instead of peppers.
Serving Suggestions
These Italian Sausage Sandwiches are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides to complete the meal.
For a classic pairing, serve them with a side of crispy French fries or potato wedges. A fresh green salad or a tangy coleslaw makes a great lighter option to balance the richness of the sausage and cheese.
For a heartier spread, consider adding roasted vegetables or a bowl of warm soup, such as tomato or minestrone.
If you’re hosting, set out toppings like sautéed onions, banana peppers, or a drizzle of marinara sauce so everyone can customize their sandwich to their liking. Don't forget to have some crusty bread or garlic knots on hand for soaking up any extra flavors!
Storage
Cooked sausages will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to store them in an airtight container, or you can wrap them in foil or plastic wrap. Try to store them in the coldest part of the refrigerator (usually toward the back).
Recipe
Italian Sausage Sandwiches with Peppers
Equipment
- parchment paper optional
- 1 tongs
Ingredients
- 4 links Italian sausage mild or hot
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 red pepper or substitute Italian vinegar peppers (see recipe link in blog post above)
Instructions
- Place a rack in the middle of the oven, then preheat the oven to 400 ℉.
- Arrange Italian sausage links on a baking sheet. For faster cleanup, place a sheet of parchment paper under the sausage.4 links Italian sausage
- Using a basting or pastry brush, brush olive oil on each sausage link. Flip them over, and brush olive oil on the other side, too.3 tablespoons olive oil
- Place the sheet of sausages in the preheated oven and cook for 10 minutes.
- If you are cooking peppers, now is the time to start sautéing them in olive oil, while the sausages bake. Cook the peppers to your desired level of doneness. They should be a golden brown when finished, but the color won't necessarily be uniform all the way around.1 red pepper, 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Remove the sausages, and using tongs, carefully flip each link over. Return to oven and cook for another 10 minutes. Check that they are browned to your liking. For safety, you can use a meat thermometer and confirm that the internal temperature has reached 160 ℉. Remove the sausages from the oven.
- To assemble the sandwiches, first slice the hoagie rolls. Place a cheese slice or two along the bottom of the roll; you may want to cut them in half on the diagonal first. Top the cheese with a single sausage link. Then place your sautéed or marinated vinegar peppers on top. Serve and enjoy!4 hoagie rolls, 8 slices mozzarella cheese
Nutrition
Food safety
Pork should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. If you substitute in a sausage made from poultry (chicken or turkey) make sure the internal temperature after cooking is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help you avoid food-borne illnesses, so it's very important!
Monica Caliari
My husband is Italian and he's made me make this twice already. Loves the taste and he can't get enough.