This saucy, flavor-packed Italian Sausage Sandwich is loaded with peppers, onions, and mushrooms and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a game day party or a casual meal any night of the week.
The ground Italian sausage and vegetables for these sandwiches cook quickly on the stove in one skillet, just like my easy Philly Cheesesteak recipe and Pizza Joes. Fast, easy, and over-the-top delicious!.
A short ingredient list and easy method create these Italian Sausage Sandwiches. A solid choice for Super Bowl or a fun, easy to make meal any old time.
“Oh, yeah. You’re on to something, Mom”. My son’s comment after biting into this Italian Sausage Sandwich.
He was so right! This hearty sandwich is so tasty, and my mind was racing with fun ways to change the base recipe. More on that later!.
Sausage sandwiches are a quick and easy meal that can be customized with endless topping combinations. From classic ingredients like peppers and onions to fun additions like pesto and pickled veggies the options are endless! In this article we’ll explore 13 of the tastiest toppings to elevate your sausage sandwich.
1. Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions are a savory, sweet topping that add tremendous depth of flavor. To make them, slice an onion into thin rings Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium low heat. Add the onions and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown. The natural sugars in the onion caramelize to create a rich, jammy topping A few slices of caramelized onions on a sausage sandwich add a gourmet touch.
2. Roasted Red Peppers
Roasted red peppers have a sweet, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with spicy sausage. To roast peppers, drizzle whole bell peppers with oil and roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until skins are blackened. Allow to steam in a bowl and then peel off skins. Roasted red peppers lend a sweet contrast and pretty pop of color.
3. Sautéed Mushrooms
Meaty, earthy mushrooms are a fantastic topping for sausage sandwiches. Sauté sliced mushrooms in olive oil and butter over medium high heat until browned Season with salt, pepper and garlic Mushrooms offer great texture and savory flavor.
4. Sliced Jalapeños
For spice lovers, sliced jalapeños add a fiery kick. Wash and dry jalapeños, then slice into rounds. Remove seeds and membranes first for less heat. The bright green peppers look beautiful and deliver a bracing heat.
5. Mozzarella Cheese
Fresh mozzarella is a classic Italian sausage topping. The mild, creamy cheese melts beautifully and adds lush texture. Fresh mozzarella comes in balls or logs – slice it to top your sandwich. Oooey gooey melted mozzarella takes the sandwich up a notch.
6. Crispy Bacon
What sandwich isn’t better with bacon? The smoky, salty meat is a perfect balance to the richness of sausage. Bake bacon slices at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy. Crunchy, crispy bacon adds irresistible flavor and texture.
7. Grilled Eggplant
Grilled eggplant has a smoky char and meaty texture that pairs deliciously with sausage. Slice eggplant into rounds, brush with oil and grill 3-4 minutes per side. The mild vegetable soaks up the smoky flavors. Slide a few grilled slices onto your sandwich.
8. Spinach Pesto
Bright green pesto adds fresh herbal flavor to sausage sandwiches. To make a quick spinach pesto, pulse spinach, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan and pine nuts in a food processor. Spread the vibrant green sauce onto bread before layering on sausage and toppings.
9. Mayo
A smear of mayo adds moisture and richness to any sandwich. Making your own only takes minutes with an immersion blender. Combine oil, egg yolks, vinegar and seasonings and blend. Homemade mayo tastes incredible on sausage sandwiches.
10. Caramelized Apples
For a sweet contrast, caramelized apples are a fun topping. Melt butter in a skillet, add sliced apples and brown sugar. Cook until apples soften and caramelize. The tender apples offer a touch of sweetness.
11. Pickled Peppers
Pickled peppers lend a tart, spicy crunch. To pickle peppers, cut into strips and cover with vinegar, salt, sugar and spices. Refrigerate overnight before using. Quick pickled peppers make any sandwich more vibrant.
12. Barbecue Sauce
Sweet, sticky barbecue sauce is a classic complement to sausage. To make your own, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar and spices. The zesty sauce pairs perfectly with juicy sausage.
13. Mustard
A smear of mustard brings out the flavored of grilled meats. Making your own is as easy as mixing mustard powder, vinegar, water and seasonings. Let sit 30 minutes before using. Spicy or sweet, mustard gives the sandwich a punchy edge.
Combining Toppings for Maximum Flavor
Now that we’ve covered 13 delicious toppings, let’s explore ways to combine them for seriously tasty sausage sandwiches:
- Caramelized onions, roasted peppers and melty mozzarella
- Sautéed mushrooms, spinach pesto and mayo
- Crispy bacon, barbecue sauce and pickled peppers
- Jalapeños, mustard and crunchy apples
- Grilled eggplant, marinara sauce and fresh basil
The options are endless! Use your favorite toppings or get creative and try new combinations. Homemade condiments like pesto, mayo and barbecue sauce take the sandwiches to the next level.
Building the Perfect Sausage Sandwich
Armed with topping ideas, let’s discuss how to construct the ultimate sausage sandwich:
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Select flavorful sausages like spicy Italian or garlic and herb chicken sausage. Grill or pan fry until browned and cooked through.
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Choose a hearty bread like a hoagie roll, ciabatta or pretzel bun to stand up to the juicy sausage.
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Toast the bread for crunch and color. Butter or olive oil adds even more richness.
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Layer up your toppings, starting with a smear of condiments like mustard or mayo. Add sliced onions, peppers, pickles or other quick-pickling veggies first. Top with cheese so it melts. Finish with fresh items like spinach or basil.
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Don’t skimp on quality ingredients – premium sausage, artisan bread and fresh produce make all the difference.
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Customize to your tastes – add heat with jalapeños or sweetness with apples. Make it hearty with mushrooms or light with grilled eggplant.
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Serve with crispy fries or a tangy potato salad for a hearty meal. Add a cold beer or soda to complete your cookout-worthy dinner.
With so many topping options for sausage sandwiches, you could enjoy a different combo every day of the week! Start with a few classic ingredients, then begin mixing and matching all the delicious possibilities. Homemade condiments and grilled veggies let you control the flavors. Customize to your tastes as you explore the endless topping potential of the humble sausage sandwich.
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How to Make Italian Sausage Sandwiches
This is a quick overview of how to make this recipe. You’ll find detailed instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post.
The Veggies and Italian Sausage Filling
- Toast the peppers and onion in olive oil in a big pan until they are crisp-tender.
- Season the mushrooms with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Continue to sauté until the mushrooms are slightly softened. Transfer the veggies to a plate and set them aside.
- After that, put the Italian sausage in the empty skillet and use a spoon to break it up as you cook it. As much grease as you can from the skillet should be drained. Then, use paper towels to wipe off any surplus grease from the sausage and the skillet.
- Bring the pan back up to heat, add the marinara sauce, and mix everything together well. Turn down the heat under the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes while you make the rolls.
- Place the hoagie rolls on a large baking sheet with a lip around the edge. Cut them in half, but do not take them apart. In order to make the middle less bready, use your fingers to scrape some bread from the inside of the bottom half of the roll.
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler in your oven and place the rack in the upper third of the oven. Keep an eye on them and take them out of the oven when they start to get lightly browned and toasted.
- Put some cheese on the bottom of each toasted roll. Divide the Italian sausage mixture evenly between the rolls.
- Top the sandwiches with the veggies and remaining cheese.
If you toast the hoagie rolls before putting the saucy filling inside them, the bread won’t get soggy.
- Put the rolls together and cover the baking pan with a thin layer of foil. This will help the rolls stay closed. Put it in the oven at 375 degrees F for 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
This recipe can easily be doubled or even tripled for feeding a group.
- After assembling the sandwiches, wrap each sandwich in foil.
- Put the wrapped sandwiches on the baking sheet and bake them the way it says to.
- The foil will help the sandwiches stay warm until it’s time to serve them.
Proper Sausage Sandwich
FAQ
What is a sausage sandwich made of?
What is a good topping for a sausage sandwich?
Caramelized onions are a classic topping for sausage sandwiches. They are made by slowly cooking sliced onions in butter or oil over low heat until they become golden brown and sweet. The result is a rich, flavorful topping that adds depth to any sandwich. Start by slicing one large onion into thin rings.
How to make Italian sausage sandwich?
Use your oven to make the best Italian Sausage Sandwiches with peppers, onions and sauce! 4 bell peppers (Use red, yellow and orange. Can fit up to six in a dark roasting pan.) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray a dark roasting pan (preferred) or a sheet pan with cooking spray.
How do you make a good grilled sausage sandwich?
Grilled Zucchini: Quickly grill some zucchini in olive oil until just charred on either side and add it to your sandwich for extra flavor. Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet roasted red peppers add an acidic, slightly smoky taste which complements the richness of the sausage perfectly.
How do you eat a sausage sandwich?
Assemble the sandwiches with the sausages, bell pepper marinara sauce and fresh oregano. Slice the sandwiches in half and serve. This sandwich is best served immediately. But, if you have leftovers, just pop the sausage, vegetables, and sauce into the microwave and toast up a fresh bun.