Grilled Italian Sausage Sandwich Recipe

Italian sausage links: These are flavorful sausages seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, perfect for grilling.

Hoagie rolls: Soft and sturdy rolls that hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart.

Marinara sauce: A rich tomato-based sauce that adds a tangy and savory element to the sandwich.

Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the hot sausage and sauce, adding a creamy texture.

Green bell pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch to the sandwich.

Onion: Provides a savory and slightly sweet flavor when sautéed, complementing the sausage perfectly.

To ensure your Italian sausages are cooked evenly and retain their juiciness, use a two-zone grilling method. Start by searing the sausages over direct heat for a few minutes on each side to achieve those beautiful grill marks. Then, move them to indirect heat to finish cooking. This technique prevents the sausages from burning on the outside while ensuring they are fully cooked on the inside.

• italian sausage links - Substitute with chicken sausage links: Chicken sausage is a leaner option and can be flavored with Italian herbs to mimic the taste of traditional Italian sausage.

• italian sausage links - Substitute with vegetarian sausage links: For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausages that have similar spices and textures.

• hoagie rolls - Substitute with whole wheat rolls: Whole wheat rolls offer more fiber and nutrients compared to traditional hoagie rolls.

• hoagie rolls - Substitute with gluten-free rolls: For those with gluten sensitivities, gluten-free rolls are a suitable alternative.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with pesto sauce: Pesto sauce provides a different but equally delicious flavor profile with basil, garlic, and pine nuts.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with salsa: Salsa can add a fresh and tangy twist to the sandwich, especially if you prefer a bit of heat.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone melts well and has a slightly sharper flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with vegan mozzarella: For a dairy-free option, use vegan mozzarella which melts similarly to traditional mozzarella.

• green bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers are sweeter and add a vibrant color to the sandwich.

• green bell pepper - Substitute with zucchini slices: Zucchini offers a different texture and mild flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to regular onions.

• onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks have a subtle onion flavor and add a unique texture to the sandwich.

• Allow the italian sausages to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the hoagie rolls soggy.
• Wrap each sausage sandwich individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the marinara sauce from leaking.
• Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This provides an extra layer of protection against freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date. This ensures you know how long the sandwiches have been stored.
• Store the sandwiches in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer where they can last up to 2 months.
• To reheat, unwrap the sandwich and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes if refrigerated, or 3-4 minutes if frozen, until heated through.
• Alternatively, reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes if refrigerated, or 20-25 minutes if frozen, until the mozzarella cheese is melted and the sandwich is hot.
• For best results, add a fresh layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and a spoonful of marinara sauce after reheating to enhance the flavors.
• If you prefer a crispier hoagie roll, reheat the sandwich in a toaster oven instead of a microwave.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each grilled Italian sausage sandwich in aluminum foil to keep the bread from drying out. Place the wrapped sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sausages are heated through and the cheese is melted.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly.

• If you prefer a crispy texture, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the sandwich directly on the rack or on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sausages are hot and the bread is slightly crispy.

• For stovetop reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sausages are warmed and the cheese is melted.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwich in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. This method will give you a nice, crispy bread texture.

• Grill: Used to cook the Italian sausages to perfection, giving them a nice char and smoky flavor.

• Pan: Utilized for sautéing the bell pepper and onion slices until they are tender and flavorful.

• Small saucepan: Ideal for warming the marinara sauce to the perfect temperature.

• Tongs: Handy for turning the sausages on the grill to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

• Spatula: Useful for stirring the bell peppers and onions while they sauté in the pan.

• Knife: Essential for slicing the green bell pepper and onion before sautéing.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the vegetables.

• Meat thermometer: Helps ensure the sausages are fully cooked by checking their internal temperature.

• Serving platter: Perfect for arranging the grilled sausages, sautéed vegetables, and hoagie rolls before assembling the sandwiches.

• Cheese grater: Used to shred the mozzarella cheese if it isn't pre-shredded.

• Spoon: Useful for spreading the marinara sauce onto the sausages in the hoagie rolls.

• Serving plates: For presenting the finished sandwiches to be enjoyed immediately.

Pre-cook sausages: Cook the Italian sausages ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Reheat on the grill when ready to assemble.

Use pre-sliced veggies: Buy pre-sliced bell peppers and onions to save time on chopping.

Store-bought marinara: Use store-bought marinara sauce to cut down on preparation time.

Assemble in advance: Prepare the hoagie rolls with all toppings except the cheese and store them in the fridge. Add cheese and grill when ready to serve.

Microwave option: If in a hurry, microwave the sausages instead of grilling.