Chicago-Style Italian Sausage Subs: A Classic Recipe
This Chicago-Style Italian Sausage Subs recipe brings the authentic taste of Portillo's to your kitchen. Juicy Italian sausages are topped with a savory mix of sautéed peppers, onions, garlic, and Italian spices, then finished with melted mozzarella on toasted hoagie buns.
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.