Italian Sausage Sandwiches
Juicy Italian sausages nestled in crusty buns, topped with melted mozzarella and a flavorful pepper and onion sauce. This hearty sandwich is perfect for casual gatherings, offering bold flavors of garlic, basil, and oregano. An easy, crowd-pleasing meal that combines savory sausage with fresh toppings.
Ingredients
- 20 Italian sausages ⓘ
- 4 large green peppers, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 can 12 oz tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 4 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons dried basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 20 sandwich buns ⓘ
- shredded mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, brown sausages a few at a time, discarding all but 2 tablespoons of drippings.
- Sauté green peppers and onions in the drippings until crisp-tender; drain.
- Return sausages to the pan along with tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, sugar, garlic, basil, oregano, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve the sausages on sandwich buns, topped with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using sweet Italian sausage or a mix of hot and sweet for a spicy kick. If you're short on time, pre-cooked sausages can be used. You can also substitute peppers with sliced mushrooms or zucchini for a different texture. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor if you have them on hand. This recipe is a great base for various Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These Italian sausage sandwiches are perfect for gatherings. Serve them with a side of crispy potato wedges or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces or enjoy alongside Mini Strombolis for a fun Italian-themed dinner. Don't forget to serve extra shredded mozzarella on the side for those who want to load up their sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sausages and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave in short intervals, ensuring not to overheat, which can dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Sausage Sandwiches contains roughly 651 calories, with 19g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (166% of the Daily Value), and calcium (126% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 932mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken sausage for a lighter option or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of sausage you choose.
What can I serve with these sandwiches?
These sandwiches pair wonderfully with coleslaw, garlic bread, or a simple pasta salad. You can also serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping if you like extra sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving on the buns. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining guests.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).