Ever had one of those meals that instantly transports you to a specific place and time? For my husband, it’s the Chicago-style Italian sausage sandwich. The first time I made this recipe, he took one bite and said, “This tastes just like the subs from Portillo’s back home.” High praise, right? If you’re craving a taste of the Windy City or just want to whip up a hearty, flavor-packed sandwich, this Chicago-style Italian sausage sandwich recipe is your golden ticket.
Let’s dive in and create a sandwich that’s loaded with juicy sausage, sautéed peppers and onions, melted mozzarella, and a tangy tomato sauce—all nestled in a warm, toasty hoagie bun. Trust me, this one’s a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Chicago-Style Italian Sausage Sandwich
- Bold, authentic flavors: Think savory Italian sausage, sweet roasted peppers, and a hint of garlic and herbs.
- Easy to make: No fancy techniques here—just simple steps for a restaurant-quality sandwich.
Perfect for any occasion: Game day, weeknight dinner, or even a weekend lunch with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Chicago-style Italian sausage sandwich recipe come to life:
- 4 Italian sausages (hot or mild, depending on your spice preference)
- 6 oz roasted red bell peppers, sliced
- ½ onion, thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 hoagie buns
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Sausages
Start by par-boiling the sausages until they’re cooked through. This ensures they’re juicy and tender. Once they’re done, give them a quick sear on the grill or in a pan for that irresistible smoky flavor. Set them aside and keep them warm.
2. Sauté the Veggies
Heat olive oil in a pan and toss in the onions. Cook them until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. Add the roasted red peppers, garlic, basil, and oregano, and let everything mingle for a couple of minutes. Then, stir in the diced tomatoes and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. This step is where the magic happens—the flavors meld together into a rich, savory sauce.
3. Toast the Buns
While the sauce simmers, lightly toast the hoagie buns under the broiler. You want them warm and slightly crispy, but not overly crunchy.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches
Slice the sausages in half lengthwise (or leave them whole if you prefer) and place them in the toasted buns. Spoon the tomato and pepper mixture over the sausages, then top with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Pop the sandwiches back under the broiler for a minute or two, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Grab a napkin (this sandwich is gloriously messy) and dig in. The combination of savory sausage, sweet peppers, and gooey cheese is pure comfort food heaven.
Chicago-Style Italian Sausage Subs: A Classic Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Italian sausages hot or mild, depending on your spice preference
- 6 oz roasted red bell peppers sliced
- ½ onion thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 hoagie buns
Instructions
- Cook the Sausages: Start by par-boiling the sausages until they’re cooked through. This ensures they’re juicy and tender. Once they’re done, give them a quick sear on the grill or in a pan for that irresistible smoky flavor. Set them aside and keep them warm.
- Sauté the Veggies: Heat olive oil in a pan and toss in the onions. Cook them until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. Add the roasted red peppers, garlic, basil, and oregano, and let everything mingle for a couple of minutes. Then, stir in the diced tomatoes and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. This step is where the magic happens—the flavors meld together into a rich, savory sauce.
- Toast the Buns: While the sauce simmers, lightly toast the hoagie buns under the broiler. You want them warm and slightly crispy, but not overly crunchy.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice the sausages in half lengthwise (or leave them whole if you prefer) and place them in the toasted buns. Spoon the tomato and pepper mixture over the sausages, then top with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Pop the sandwiches back under the broiler for a minute or two, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy! Grab a napkin (this sandwich is gloriously messy) and dig in. The combination of savory sausage, sweet peppers, and gooey cheese is pure comfort food heaven.
Notes
- Use hot or mild Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
- For a smoky flavor, grill the sausages instead of par-boiling.
- Customize with additional toppings like giardiniera or banana peppers.
Tips for the Perfect Sandwich
- Spice it up: Use hot Italian sausages if you like a little kick.
- Add a twist: Throw in some giardiniera (a classic Chicago condiment) for extra tang and crunch.
Make it ahead: The tomato and pepper mixture can be made a day in advance and reheated when you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.
Tips & Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausages.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or hot giardiniera for extra heat.
- Make It Healthier: Use whole-grain hoagie buns and low-fat mozzarella.
- Meal Prep: Prepare the sausage and veggie mix ahead of time for quick assembly.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a side of crispy fries or a fresh garden salad.
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a great way to bring the flavors of Chicago to your table!
Why This Recipe Works
This Chicago-style Italian sausage sandwich recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about the experience. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, whether you’re reminiscing about Chicago’s iconic food scene or creating new memories around the dinner table.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried a Chicago-style Italian sausage sandwich, you’re in for a treat. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to make a sandwich that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, pair it with a side of crispy fries or a cold beer for the full Chicago experience.
Looking for More Italian Recipes?
Here are some must-try recipes that bring authentic Italian flavors to your kitchen:
- Instant Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
- Italian Mule Cocktail with Amaretto
- Italian Leaf Cookies Recipe
- Olive Garden Italian Margarita
- Italian Sausage Roll Recipe
Try these recipes and bring the taste of Italy to your table!
Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out! Leave a comment or tag @foodiecreator on Instagram, and #foodiecreator on social media to show off your creation.
