Italian Sausage Sandwiches Recipe – This saucy, flavor-packed sandwich is perfect for a game-day party or a casual meal any night of the week. Italian sausage, marinara sauce, pesto, garlic, onion powder, red pepper flakes, toasted hot dog buns, and melty mozzarella cheese. One bite and you will be blown away!
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You won’t believe the incredible flavors of these Italian Sausage Sandwiches! They are the epitome of comfort food with a gourmet twist. Perfectly cooked Italian sausage, simmered in a flavorful marinara sauce infused with the aromatic goodness of pesto served in toasted buns with lots of melted mozzarella cheese. Oh my stars, it’s pure heaven! These easy sandwiches have been on repeat at our house. You must give them a try ASAP! One bite and they are sure to become one of your go-to meals.
How to Make Italian Sausage Sandwiches
These sandwiches are super easy to make with only a few simple ingredients. Remove sausage from the links and place in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until the sausage has crumbled and it no longer pink. Drain excess grease. Add marinara sauce, pesto, garlic, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Slice hotdog buns, if necessary. Pull some of the bread out of the sides of the buns. Place buns on a baking sheet. Brush the inside with melted butter and place under the oven broiler to lightly toast the buns. Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese in the bottom of each bun. Scoop sausage mixture into buns. Top with fresh mozzarella pearls, sliced pepperoncini peppers, and more shredded mozzarella cheese. Place buns on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven until the cheese has melted and the buns are toasty. Garnish with fresh basil or oregano.
Helpful Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
- I use Johnsonville Italian Sausage links. You can use any flavor that you enjoy – regular, sweet, or hot.
- Substitute turkey sausage for lower calories.
- Can substitute hoagie rolls for hotdog buns.
- My favorite store-bought spaghetti sauces are Trader Joe’s Roasted Garlic Marinara (green label), Carbone, Rao’s, and La Famiglia DelGrosso.
- I use fresh mozzarella pearls and regular mozzarella cheese. You can use any cheese that you like.
- pepper jack
- provolone
- parmesan cheese
- asiago cheese
- Variations/Additions:
- onions
- green bell peppers
- red bell pepper
- diced tomatoes
- mushrooms
- pepperoni
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What to Serve with Sausage Sandwiches
When it comes to serving up those mouthwatering Italian Sausage Sandwiches, I’ve got some fabulous ideas that’ll make it a meal to remember! First off, you can’t go wrong with a side of crispy, seasoned parmesan potatoes. They’re the ultimate comfort food and pair amazingly with the savory sausage. For a burst of freshness, a classic Italian chopped salad with fresh veggies drizzled with a tangy Italian dressing is the way to go. And you can’t go wrong with our Italian Pasta Salad with parmesan cheese. SO delicious! Whatever you choose, these sandwiches are sure to be a hit! Your family and friends will be coming back for seconds.
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Italian Sausage Sandwiches
Ingredients:
- 19- oz Italian sausage links
- 1½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 Tbsp pesto
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- salt & pepper to taste
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
- 1½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 -oz fresh mozzarella pearls
- ⅓ cup sliced jarred pepperoncini peppers
- 8 hot dog buns
Instructions:
- Remove sausage from the links and place in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until the sausage has crumbled and is no longer pink. Drain excess grease. Add marinara sauce, pesto, garlic, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
- Pull some of the bread out of the sides of the buns. Brush the inside with melted butter and place under the oven broiler to lightly toast the buns.
- Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese in the bottom of each toasted bun. Scoop sausage mixture into buns. Top with fresh mozzarella pearls, sliced pepperoncini peppers, and more shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place buns on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the buns are toasty. Cover with aluminum foil if the buns get too toasty.
Notes:
- I use Johnsonville Italian Sausage links. You can use any flavor that you enjoy – regular, sweet, or hot.
- Substitute turkey sausage for lower calories.
- Can substitute hoagie rolls for hotdog buns.
- My favorite store-bought spaghetti sauces are Trader Joe’s Roasted Garlic Marinara (green label), Carbone, Rao’s, and La Famiglia DelGrosso.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Steph
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Pin This Recipe
I just made this. It is excellent. My whole family loved it. We are excited to eat it again. I would just suggest using steak buns instead of hot dog rolls.
Oh, I am sooooo gonna make this one! Looks perfect. I always ask you this, but can I make this ahead? Thanks
You can make the meat mixture ahead of time and just assemble the sandwiches when you are ready. The bread might get soggy if you stuff them and let them sit for too long.
Thank you!