This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This easy Italian sausage sandwich is packed with juicy sausage, caramelized onions and peppers, fresh basil, and melted provolone on a toasted hoagie roll. A classic Italian-American favorite, it is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sandwich is everything you want—juicy, cheesy, crispy, and loaded with flavor. It’s truly the best way to enjoy Italian sausage in a sandwich!
I grew up with this comfort food—simple, hearty, and bursting with authentic Italian flavors. I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a great option for game day or any easy weeknight meal. More sandwich recipes: Caprese Sandwich, Italian Mortadella Sandwich, Porchetta Sandwich, and Grilled Chicken Sandwich.
Table of Contents
Recipe Ingredients
Simple ingredients, big flavors, and a meal that feels like home.
- Italian Sausages – Choose sweet, mild, or hot Italian sausage links, depending on your preference. Baking them ensures they stay juicy with a crisp exterior.
- Onion – Adds a rich, caramelized sweetness when cooked down.
- Bell Peppers – Use red, yellow, or green for a mix of sweetness and slight bitterness.
- Garlic – Brings depth and a classic Italian flavor to the pepper-onion mixture.
- Salt & Black Pepper
- Italian Seasoning – A blend of dried herbs that adds an authentic Italian touch.
- Tomato Paste – Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and enriches the sauce.
- Marsala Wine (or Broth/Water) – Adds depth and a subtle sweetness; deglazes the pan for extra flavor.
- Petite Diced Tomatoes – Adds texture and a slight acidity to balance the dish.
- Fresh Basil – Brightens the flavors with a fresh, aromatic finish.
- Ciabatta Rolls, Hoagie Rolls, or Baguette – Toasted for crunch and sturdy enough to hold the juicy filling.
- Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully for a creamy, gooey topping.
- Olive Oil or Butter – Used for sautéing and toasting the rolls for added richness.
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Italian Sausage Sandwiches
This cooking method keeps everything easy yet gourmet, so you get the same experience as your favorite Italian deli, without the takeout price. See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for more instructions.
Step #1: Add the onions and peppers to the pan.
Step #2: Cook until soft and add the Marsala wine.
Step #3: Stir in the diced tomatoes and continue to cook.
Step #4: Cook veggies until soft and tender.
Step #5: Bake the sausages on a baking sheet.
Step #6: Assemble the sandwiches, top with cheese, and broil to let the cheese melt.
Condiments and Optional Toppings
Condiment Options:
- Marinara Sauce – Adds a rich tomato flavor.
- Garlic Butter – Brushed on the rolls for extra flavor.
- Spicy Giardiniera – For a tangy, spicy kick.
- Mustard or Mayo – A creamy contrast to the savory filling.
Optional Toppings:
- Sautéed Mushrooms – Adds earthy richness.
- Banana Peppers – For a mild, tangy heat.
- Grated Parmesan – Extra cheesy goodness.
- Fresh Arugula – Adds a peppery bite.
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tips
- Roast for Maximum Flavor – Baking sausages at 400°F ensures even cooking with a golden-brown finish.
- Let the Sausages Rest – Resting for 5 minutes keeps them juicy and tender.
- Use Marsala Wine – Adds a rich, slightly sweet depth to the pepper-onion mixture.
- Toast the Rolls – A crispy roll holds up better to the juicy filling.
- Caramelize the Peppers & Onions – Slow cooking enhances sweetness and flavor.
- Melt the Cheese in the Oven – Creates a gooey, perfectly melted topping.
- Make It Ahead – Prep the sausage and pepper mixture in advance for quick assembly.
How to Store and Reheat
- Storage: Store the leftover sausages and pepper mixture separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed container.
- Reheating: Oven: 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes. Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Air Fryer: 350°F for 4-5 minutes.
FAQ’s
Hoagie rolls are ideal because they are sturdy yet soft. You can also use Italian sub rolls or ciabatta for a more rustic bite.
Drain the diced tomatoes well, toast the rolls before assembling, and avoid overloading with too much liquid from the peppers and onions.
What To Serve With This Recipe
Serve your Italian sausage sandwich with classic sides like polenta fries, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. For an Italian touch, try antipasto pasta salad or creamy polenta.
More Italian Sausage Recipes
💙 MADE THIS RECIPE AND LOVED IT? 💙 Please leave a ⭐️STAR rating and COMMENT below- I love connecting with you! Tag me with your creations on Instagram and find me on Pinterest.
Italian Sausage Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
For the Baked Sausages:
- 4 Italian sausages, mild, sweet, or spicy
For the Onion & Pepper Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers, red, yellow, or green, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup Marsala wine, or water/chicken broth
- 1 15-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 hoagie rolls, ciabatta rolls, or baguette, split
- 4 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
- Butter or olive oil, for toasting
Instructions
- Bake the Sausages: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place sausages on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and cooked through (160°F internal temp). Let rest for 5 minutes.
- While the Sausage Bake- Cook the Peppers & Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and peppers for about 8 minutes until soft and charred. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in Marsala wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes, then add diced tomatoes and cook for another 5-7 minutes. Stir in fresh basil and remove from heat.
- Assemble & Toast: Butter or oil the hoagie rolls and toast until golden. Place a sausage in each roll and top with the onion-pepper mixture. Add a slice of cheese on top.
- Melt the Cheese: Bake sandwiches at 400°F for 3-5 minutes or broil for 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve Hot. Enjoy with chips, a salad, or roasted potatoes.
Notes
- Roast for Maximum Flavor – Baking sausages at 400°F ensures even cooking with a golden-brown finish.
- Let the Sausages Rest – Resting for 5 minutes keeps them juicy and tender.
- Use Marsala Wine – Adds a rich, slightly sweet depth to the pepper-onion mixture.
- Toast the Rolls – A crispy roll holds up better to the juicy filling.
- Caramelize the Peppers & Onions – Slow cooking enhances sweetness and flavor.
- Melt the Cheese in the Oven – Creates a gooey, perfectly melted topping.
- Customize with Toppings – Try sautéed mushrooms, spicy giardiniera, or a smear of garlic butter.
- Make It Ahead – Prep the sausage and pepper mixture in advance for quick assembly.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
