Grilled Italian Sausage Sandwich Recipe

Italian sausages: These are flavorful pork sausages seasoned with a blend of Italian herbs and spices.

Hoagie rolls: Soft, split rolls perfect for holding the sausage and toppings.

Marinara sauce: A tomato-based sauce seasoned with garlic, onions, and Italian herbs.

Mozzarella cheese: A mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully over the sausage.

To enhance the flavor of your Italian sausages, consider scoring them lightly with a knife before grilling. This allows the marinara sauce to seep into the sausage, adding an extra layer of flavor. Additionally, to achieve a perfectly melted mozzarella cheese topping, place the assembled sandwiches back on the grill for a minute or two, just until the cheese starts to melt and bubble. This step not only melts the cheese but also gives the hoagie rolls a nice, toasty texture.

• italian sausage links - Substitute with chicken sausage links: Chicken sausage is a leaner option and can offer a similar flavor profile with the right seasoning.

• italian sausage links - Substitute with vegetarian sausage links: For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausages that mimic the texture and flavor of Italian sausage.

• split hoagie rolls - Substitute with whole wheat rolls: Whole wheat rolls provide more fiber and nutrients while maintaining a similar texture.

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

• warmed marinara sauce - Substitute with pesto sauce: Pesto offers a different but equally delicious flavor profile with its basil and garlic notes.

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

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

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

• Allow the italian sausage sandwiches to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Wrap each sandwich individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a resealable plastic freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of storage time.
• 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 refrigerated sandwiches, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and the sandwiches are warmed through.
• For frozen sandwiches, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen by baking at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the italian sausage is heated thoroughly.
• If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use a microwave. Unwrap the sandwich and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
• For an extra crispy texture, you can finish reheating the sandwiches in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a few minutes after microwaving. This will help crisp up the hoagie rolls and melt the mozzarella cheese perfectly.
• Always check the internal temperature of the italian sausage to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C) when reheating, especially if reheating from frozen.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap each grilled Italian sausage sandwich in aluminum foil to keep the hoagie roll from drying out.
  3. Place the wrapped sandwiches on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sausage is heated through and the mozzarella cheese is melted.
  5. Carefully unwrap and enjoy your warm, gooey sandwich.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the grilled Italian sausage sandwich on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the sandwich with a damp paper towel to prevent the hoagie roll from becoming too hard.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If the mozzarella cheese hasn't melted, microwave in 15-second intervals until it does.
  5. Let it sit for a minute before enjoying.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place the grilled Italian sausage sandwich in the skillet and cover with a lid to trap the heat.
  3. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure even heating.
  4. Once the sausage is hot and the mozzarella cheese is melted, remove from the skillet and serve.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap the grilled Italian sausage sandwich in aluminum foil.
  3. Place the wrapped sandwich in the air fryer basket.
  4. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Carefully remove from the air fryer, unwrap, and enjoy your crispy, warm sandwich.

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

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

• Small saucepan: Used to warm the marinara sauce gently without burning it.

• Ladle: Handy for spooning the warm marinara sauce onto the sausages in the hoagie rolls.

• Knife: Useful for splitting the hoagie rolls if they aren't pre-split.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for splitting the hoagie rolls.

• Cheese grater: If you are shredding mozzarella cheese from a block, this tool will make the job easier.

• Serving platter: Perfect for arranging the assembled sandwiches before serving.

• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when handling hot items like the grill or saucepan.

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

Use store-bought marinara: Opt for a quality store-bought marinara sauce to save time on preparation.

Pre-shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded mozzarella cheese to cut down on prep time.

Toast the rolls: Quickly toast the hoagie rolls on the grill while the sausages are cooking to save a step.

Assemble in advance: Prepare the sandwiches in advance and wrap them in foil. Heat them up on the grill when ready to serve.