The Sausage and Peppers Sandwich is an iconic, no-fuss, flavor-packed meal that brings together juicy sausage links, sweet bell peppers, and caramelized onions inside a crusty hoagie roll. Whether cooked on the stovetop, grill, or griddle, this Italian-American classic is comforting, satisfying, and perfect for game day, family dinners, or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic comfort food with bold, savory flavor
- Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, or feeding a crowd
- Highly customizable with cheeses and sauces
- Can be made in a skillet, on a griddle, or grill
- Kid- and crowd-friendly meal option
- Great for tailgates, potlucks, or weeknight dinners
- Pairs well with chips, salad, or fries
- Works with any style of sausage—pork, chicken, or veggie
- Makes fantastic leftovers
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Italian sausage links (mild, sweet, or hot)
- Bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced
- Yellow onion, sliced
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Hoagie or sub rolls
- Optional: provolone or mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, mustard
directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium heat.
- Add sausage links and cook until browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté sliced onions and peppers with salt, pepper, garlic, and optional red pepper flakes until softened and caramelized, about 10–12 minutes.
- Slice the browned sausages into halves or thirds and return to the pan. Cook with the peppers and onions until the sausage is fully cooked through (internal temp of 160°F), about 5–7 more minutes.
- Toast hoagie rolls if desired.
- Pile the sausage, peppers, and onions onto the rolls. Add cheese or sauces if using, and serve hot.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Variations
- Add marinara sauce for an Italian sausage parm-style sandwich
- Use spicy sausage for an extra kick
- Swap provolone for mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack
- Try it on ciabatta or garlic bread for a flavor boost
- Make it open-faced and bake for a melty, toasted version
storage/reheating
Store leftover sausage and peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Assemble sandwiches fresh when serving leftovers. For freezer storage, cool completely, freeze in portions, and thaw before reheating.
FAQs
What kind of sausage is best for this sandwich?
Italian sausage—either sweet, mild, or spicy—is traditional, but you can also use chicken or turkey sausage.
Can I grill the sausage instead of cooking it in a pan?
Absolutely. Grill the sausage, then sauté the peppers and onions separately and assemble everything together.
What bread works best for sausage and peppers?
Sturdy hoagie, sub rolls, or Italian bread hold up well to the juicy fillings.
Can I add cheese to this sandwich?
Yes, provolone, mozzarella, or even melted cheddar all pair well.
Is this sandwich spicy?
Not by default, but you can add hot sausage, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to turn up the heat.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, cook the sausage, peppers, and onions in advance and reheat just before assembling.
Do I need to use multiple colors of peppers?
No, but a mix of red, yellow, and green adds color and sweetness.
What side dishes go well with sausage and peppers sandwiches?
Chips, fries, potato salad, coleslaw, or a crisp garden salad are all great choices.
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, just slice and brown it lightly with the peppers and onions to develop flavor.
Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
Yes, use plant-based sausage alternatives and cook the same way.
Conclusion
The Sausage and Peppers Sandwich is a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal that never goes out of style. Whether you’re grilling for game day, feeding a hungry family, or just craving a quick and comforting sandwich, this recipe delivers every time. With simple ingredients and bold flavor, it’s a classic you’ll keep coming back to.
Print
Sausage and Peppers Sandwich
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This sausage and peppers sandwich is loaded with juicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and caramelized onions, all tucked into a warm hoagie roll. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing meal that’s packed with bold, comforting flavors and easy to make on the stovetop or griddle.
Ingredients
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1 1/2 pounds Italian sausage links (mild or hot)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 green bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow onion, sliced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 cup marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes (optional)
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4 hoagie rolls or sub buns, toasted
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Provolone cheese slices (optional, for melting)
Instructions
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Cook the sausage: In a large skillet or griddle over medium heat, cook the sausage links until browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temp should be 160°F), about 12–15 minutes. Remove and let rest.
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Sauté peppers and onions: In the same skillet, add olive oil, then toss in sliced peppers and onions. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Cook until soft and caramelized, about 10–12 minutes.
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Slice the sausage (optional): For easier eating, slice the cooked sausage into ½-inch pieces and return to the skillet. Add marinara or crushed tomatoes if using, and stir to combine. Cook for 2–3 more minutes to blend flavors.
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Assemble sandwiches: Load hoagie rolls with sausage, peppers, and onions. Add a slice of provolone if desired, and toast or broil for 1–2 minutes until melty.
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Serve hot: Great with chips, fries, or a simple green salad.
Notes
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Try spicy sausage for extra heat, or use chicken sausage for a lighter version.
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You can skip the sauce for a drier, more traditional street-style sandwich.
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Make it a party platter by cutting into mini sliders for sharing.