Italian Sausage and Peppers Sandwich
A quick and delicious Italian-inspired sandwich made with juicy sausages, sautéed onions, and sweet bell peppers tucked inside toasted hoagie rolls. Perfectly balanced with protein and flavor, this easy skillet recipe is a comforting choice for lunch or dinner.
Equipment
- 1-Large skillet
- 1 cutting board
- 1 chef’s knife
- 1 pair of tongs
Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 5 Italian sweet sausage links
- 5 hoagie sandwich rolls
- 2 tablespoons butter for toasting rolls
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by setting up your workstation with all the vegetables washed and ready to use. Slice the green and red bell peppers into thin strips, removing the seeds and membranes. Peel and thinly slice the onion for even cooking. Mince the garlic finely to release its natural aroma. Having everything prepped beforehand ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Place a large skillet over medium heat and pour in the extra-virgin olive oil. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Stir occasionally as the onions soften and turn translucent, about 3–5 minutes. This step builds the foundation of flavor, as the onions release sweetness and the garlic infuses the oil with its aromatic richness.
- Cook the Peppers to Tenderness: Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet with the onions.Sprinkle in the salt and freshly ground black pepper to season the vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly in the oil and seasoning. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap steam and encourage the peppers to soften. Let them cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. When the peppers are fork-tender and slightly caramelized, transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside.
- Brown and Cook the Sausages: Without wiping the skillet clean, place the Italian sausage links directly into the same pan. The leftover oil and browned bits from the vegetables will enhance the flavor. Cover and cook the sausages over medium heat, turning occasionally with tongs to ensure even browning on all sides. Continue cooking for about 20 minutes, or until the sausages reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and appear deeply golden and juicy.
- Combine and Keep Warm: Once the sausages are fully cooked, return the sautéed peppers and onions to the skillet. Toss gently to combine everything, coating the vegetables in the sausage drippings for added richness. Lower the heat to the lowest setting and cover the pan to keep the mixture warm while you prepare the sandwich rolls.
- Toast the Hoagie Rolls: To create that irresistible crunch and buttery flavor, slice each hoagie roll lengthwise without cutting all the way through—keeping one side attached as a hinge. Spread a thin layer of butter on the cut sides. Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat, then place the rolls cut-side down. Toast for 1–2 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crisp. The warm, toasted surface will hold up perfectly against the juicy sausage and vegetables.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Take each toasted hoagie roll and place one cooked sausage link in the center. Spoon a generous portion of the warm pepper and onion mixture on top, letting the juices soak slightly into the bread. For extra flavor, drizzle with a touch of spicy brown mustard or your favorite condiment. Serve immediately while everything is hot and aromatic.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the sandwiches on a serving platter or wrap them individually for easy handheld meals. These Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet—juicy, flavorful, and hearty. Pair them with a crisp side salad, potato wedges, or roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use high-quality Italian sweet sausages for the best balance of flavor and tenderness.
- Slice the peppers and onions uniformly so they cook evenly and caramelize beautifully.
- Toasting the rolls just before assembling helps them stay crisp and prevents sogginess.
- If you prefer a little heat, swap one sausage for a spicy Italian sausage link or sprinkle crushed red pepper into the pepper mixture.
- For an extra layer of richness, melt provolone or mozzarella cheese on top of the sausages before serving.
- Always check the internal temperature of the sausage—160°F (71°C) ensures they’re fully cooked and juicy.
- This recipe is meal-prep friendly; you can cook the sausage and vegetables ahead of time and assemble the sandwiches later.
- Feel free to use whole-grain rolls or gluten-free bread if preferred.
- The dish can easily be doubled for feeding a crowd or for family gatherings.
- A squeeze of lemon juice over the peppers just before serving can brighten the flavors.
