Grilled Italian Sausage Sandwich Recipe

Italian sausage: A flavorful and seasoned sausage that is the star of this sandwich. It provides a rich, savory taste that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

Hoagie rolls: Soft and slightly chewy rolls that hold the sausage and toppings together. They are ideal for sandwiches due to their size and texture.

Marinara sauce: A tomato-based sauce that adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the sandwich. It complements the sausage and cheese beautifully.

Mozzarella cheese: Shredded cheese that melts wonderfully over the hot sausage and marinara sauce, adding a creamy and gooey texture to the sandwich.

To enhance the flavor of your italian sausage, consider scoring them lightly with a knife before grilling. This allows the marinara sauce to seep into the sausage, adding an extra layer of taste. Additionally, for a more gourmet touch, try brushing the hoagie rolls with a bit of garlic butter before toasting them on the grill. This will give your sandwich a delicious, aromatic boost.

• italian sausage - Substitute with chicken sausage: Chicken sausage is a leaner option and can still provide a similar flavor profile, especially if seasoned with Italian herbs.

• italian sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: For a vegetarian option, use vegetarian sausage made from soy or other plant-based proteins, which can mimic the texture and flavor of Italian sausage.

• hoagie rolls - Substitute with ciabatta bread: Ciabatta bread has a similar texture and can hold up well to the fillings, providing a slightly different but delicious flavor.

• hoagie rolls - Substitute with whole wheat rolls: Whole wheat rolls offer a healthier alternative with more fiber and nutrients while still being sturdy enough for the sandwich.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with pesto sauce: Pesto sauce provides a different but equally rich and flavorful option, especially if you enjoy the taste of basil and garlic.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with sundried tomato spread: Sundried tomato spread offers a concentrated tomato flavor with a hint of sweetness, adding a unique twist to the sandwich.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts well and has a slightly sharper flavor, which can complement the other ingredients nicely.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with vegan mozzarella: For a dairy-free option, use vegan mozzarella made from nuts or soy, which can still provide a creamy texture and mild flavor.

• Allow the grilled sausages to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.

• Wrap each hoagie roll with the sausage inside tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps maintain the sandwich's structure and prevents it from drying out.

• Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against freezer burn and keeps the sandwiches fresh.

• Label the container or bag with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the sandwiches have been stored.

• 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.

• When ready to eat, if refrigerated, reheat the sandwiches in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. If frozen, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• For a quicker reheating option, you can use a microwave. Remove the foil or plastic wrap, place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate, and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to ensure even heating.

• To maintain the crispiness of the hoagie rolls, you can finish reheating them in a toaster oven or under a broiler for a few minutes after microwaving.

• If you prefer to store the components separately, keep the grilled sausages in an airtight container and the hoagie rolls in a bread bag or container. Store the marinara sauce in a separate airtight container. This method allows you to assemble fresh sandwiches when ready to eat.

• For best results, avoid freezing the shredded mozzarella cheese on the sandwiches. Instead, add fresh cheese after reheating for optimal texture and flavor.

• Oven Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap each grilled Italian sausage sandwich in aluminum foil to keep the bread 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 cheese is melted.
  5. Unwrap and serve immediately.

• Microwave Method

  1. Place the grilled Italian sausage sandwich on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Stovetop Method

  1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the grilled Italian sausage sandwich in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down slightly with a spatula to ensure even heating.
  5. Remove from the skillet and serve immediately.

• 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. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is hot and the cheese is melted.
  5. Carefully remove from the air fryer and unwrap before serving.

• Grill: Used to cook the sausages and toast the hoagie rolls, providing a smoky flavor and nice char marks.

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

• Grill brush: Handy for cleaning the grill grates before and after cooking to maintain hygiene and prevent sticking.

• Meat thermometer: Useful for checking the internal temperature of the sausages to ensure they are fully cooked.

• Basting brush: Can be used to apply marinara sauce evenly on the sausages.

• Cheese grater: Needed if you are shredding mozzarella cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese.

• Serving platter: Ideal for arranging the grilled sausages and toasted hoagie rolls before assembling the sandwiches.

• Knife: Useful for slicing the hoagie rolls if they are not pre-sliced.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the hoagie rolls and any other prep work.

• Spoon: Handy for scooping and spreading the marinara sauce onto the sausages.

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

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

Pre-shredded cheese: Buy shredded mozzarella cheese to skip the shredding step.

Toast rolls in oven: Toast the hoagie rolls in the oven while grilling the sausages to multitask efficiently.

Assemble in advance: Prepare the sandwiches ahead of time, wrap them in foil, and heat them on the grill when ready to serve.