If you’re craving something hearty, colorful, and bursting with classic Italian flavors, this Italian Sausage and Peppers Sandwich Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines perfectly browned Italian sausages with sweet, tender bell peppers and onions, all nestled into a crunchy roll with melty provolone cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest, bringing together rich textures and bright, savory notes that will have you coming back for more. Easy to prepare yet impressively delicious, it’s a wonderful way to bring some authentic, cozy Italian vibes right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and essential, each bringing its own magic to the sandwich. From the savory punch of Italian sausages to the sweetness of bell peppers and the creamy melt of provolone, every component works together to create an irresistible bite.
- 3 large bell peppers: Choose a mix of colors for vibrant taste and eye-catching presentation.
- 6 Italian sausages: Pork sausages with fennel add authentic Italian flavor and wonderful seasoning.
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized alongside peppers.
- 4 crunchy bread rolls: The perfect vessel—crispy outside, soft inside—to hold the filling.
- 4 slices of provolone: Melts beautifully for that gooey cheese pull in every sandwich.
- Mixed dried herbs (marjoram, thyme, oregano): A pinch enhances the medley of flavors with aromatic notes.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): Essential for sautéing and adding richness to the peppers and onions.
- Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the elements to life perfectly.
How to Make Italian Sausage and Peppers Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Begin by trimming off the tops of your bell peppers, halving them, and carefully removing all seeds. Rinse the pepper halves and then slice them into strips that will cook evenly with the onions—this creates the colorful, tender filling that’s essential to the sandwich’s character.
Step 2: Brown the Sausages
Heat a generous splash of EVOO in a large deep pan over medium heat. Add the Italian sausages and brown them well on each side. This locked-in browning is crucial for flavor. After browning, use a fork to poke a few holes in each sausage to help render the fat and ensure they cook through completely. Then, set them aside for now.
Step 3: Cook the Onions
In the same pan, add about 4 tablespoons more EVOO and toss in the sliced onions. Add a couple of tablespoons of water to encourage them to soften gently, cooking for about three minutes and stirring occasionally until they become tender and translucent.
Step 4: Cook the Peppers
Add the sliced bell peppers to the pan with the onions, pouring in more olive oil as needed to coat everything nicely. Mix well, cover the pan with a lid, and let the vegetables cook for about 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of your dried herbs blend, then add a splash of water to keep everything moist and flavorful. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Tenderize the Peppers and Onions
Add a little more EVOO to brighten the flavors, cover again, and cook for another 15 minutes. Take the lid off, give the mixture a good stir to prevent sticking, then cover once more and cook for 5 additional minutes until every pepper strip is perfectly tender.
Step 6: Bake Sausages with Peppers
Return the sausages to the pan, nestling them into the pepper and onion mixture. Cover the pan and transfer it to an oven preheated to 180°C/356°F. Bake for about 20 minutes to let all the flavors meld and ensure the sausages are cooked through, juicy, and tender.
Step 7: Prepare the Bread Rolls
Slice your crunchy bread rolls in half and drizzle EVOO on both sides to add flavor and encourage a nice crispness. Place a slice of provolone cheese on one half of each roll. Pop them into the oven at 180°C/356°F just long enough—around 2 minutes—for the cheese to melt and the bread to turn golden and crunchy, ensuring each sandwich has that comforting melt of cheese.
Step 8: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spoon the luscious sausage and pepper mixture generously inside each roll. Drizzle a little of the EVOO from the pan over the filling—it’s packed with flavors and keeps every bite rich and moist. Don’t be shy with the oil; it’s part of what makes this Italian Sausage and Peppers Sandwich Recipe so memorable and delicious.
How to Serve Italian Sausage and Peppers Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or basil can brighten the hearty flavors and add a pop of freshness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes will give a pleasant spicy kick if you like a little heat in your sandwich. Freshly cracked black pepper on top just before serving also enhances the taste and aroma.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with something light and crisp to balance the richness, such as a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, classic Italian pasta salad or crisp roasted potatoes complement the warm, savory Italian Sausage and Peppers Sandwich Recipe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
You can slice the sandwiches into halves or thirds for a fun appetizer platter at gatherings, letting everyone dive into the robust flavors bite by bite. Alternatively, serve the sausage and pepper mixture over polenta or alongside creamy mashed potatoes as a deconstructed version to showcase the components. Wrapping them in foil or parchment is also great for picnics or portable meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from your Italian Sausage and Peppers Sandwich Recipe keep nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Store the sausage-pepper mixture separately from the bread if possible to avoid sogginess. This way, you can reheat the filling and toast fresh rolls when ready to enjoy again.
Freezing
The sausage and pepper mixture freezes well for up to two months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. When you want a quick meal, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Bread doesn’t freeze as well, so it’s best to consume it fresh or toast any stored rolls before assembling.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the sausage and peppers slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat to prevent drying out and to preserve the flavors. Toast the bread rolls separately in the oven for a crisp texture. Assemble just before serving to recreate that fresh-from-the-oven experience your Italian Sausage and Peppers Sandwich Recipe deserves.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausages?
Absolutely! While traditional Italian sausages give this recipe its classic flavor, you can try spicy sausage for extra heat or chicken sausages for a lighter twist. Just pick sausages you love because they’re the star of the show here.
What kind of bread works best?
Crunchy, crusty rolls are ideal because they hold the juicy fillings without turning soggy quickly. Ciabatta, hoagie rolls, or any sturdy Italian bread with a good crumb texture works wonderfully for this sandwich.
Is this recipe very spicy?
By default, this Italian Sausage and Peppers Sandwich Recipe has mild to medium spice depending on the sausage you choose, but you can easily adjust it. Add red pepper flakes to the peppers while cooking for a spicier version or use hot Italian sausages if you like more heat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Swap the sausages with plant-based Italian sausages or roasted mushrooms to keep the umami flavors intact. The peppers and onions will still carry the dish beautifully, and the melted provolone helps retain that rich, savory texture.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and roughly 60 minutes to cook, including baking. The slow-cooked peppers and sausages soak up all those delightful flavors, making the wait totally worth it!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about a homemade Italian Sausage and Peppers Sandwich Recipe that you can’t get from a store-bought version. It’s an incredible blend of rich, savory sausages, sweet-tender peppers, and melty cheese all wrapped in crusty bread. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a delicious dinner option, this recipe will quickly become a favorite to revisit again and again. Go ahead and dive in—you deserve this mouthwatering treat!
Print
Italian Sausage and Peppers Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A classic Italian dish featuring flavorful pork sausages cooked with sweet bell peppers and onions, served in crunchy bread rolls with melted provolone cheese. This hearty and comforting recipe combines sautéing and baking to develop rich, savory flavors and tender textures.
Ingredients
Vegetables:
- 3 large bell peppers
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
Sausages:
- 6 Italian sausages (pork with fennel if possible)
Bread & Cheese:
- 4 crunchy bread rolls
- 4 sliced provolone cheese slices (1 slice per bread)
Seasonings & Oils:
- Mixed dried herbs (marjoram, thyme, and oregano), a pinch each
- Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), generous amount for cooking and drizzling
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Other:
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare the peppers: Cut off the tops of the bell peppers, slice them in half, and remove the seeds. Rinse thoroughly and cut each half into strips.
- Brown the sausages: Heat a large deep pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil. Brown the sausages on both sides. Poke small holes in the sausages with a fork to help release fat and ensure thorough cooking. Once browned, set aside.
- Sauté the onions: In the same pan, add 4 tablespoons more of EVOO and cook the thinly sliced onions. Add 2 tablespoons of water and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to soften.
- Cook the peppers: Add the sliced peppers to the pan with the onions and enough EVOO to coat them. Stir well, cover with a lid, and cook for 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried herbs. Add a splash of water and mix again to combine flavors.
- Continue cooking peppers and onions: Add a little more EVOO, cover, and cook for another 15 minutes on medium heat. Stir the mixture once uncovered, then re-cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Bake sausages with peppers: Return the browned sausages to the pan with the pepper and onion mixture. Cover with a lid and transfer the pan to a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F). Bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare the bread rolls: Slice the crunchy bread rolls in half and drizzle extra virgin olive oil on both cut sides. Place a slice of provolone cheese on one side of each roll. Bake the rolls in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is lightly golden and crisp.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spoon generous portions of the sausage and pepper mixture into each bread roll. Drizzle with some of the flavorful EVOO from the pan for extra richness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Using pork Italian sausages with fennel adds authentic flavor, but any variety of pork sausages can be used.
- Adjust the types of bell peppers according to preference; a mix of colors adds visual appeal.
- The water added during cooking helps soften the onions and peppers without burning.
- For a spicier version, consider adding chili flakes or choose spicy sausages.
- Ensure to poke small holes in the sausages during browning to prevent bursting and uneven cooking.
- Keep a close eye on the bread rolls during the final baking step to avoid over-toasting.
