The Italian Sausage Sandwich from Portillo's features juicy, seasoned Italian sausage nestled in a soft hoagie roll, topped with sauteed green bell peppers, onions, and tangy marinara sauce, delivering a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired meal.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Saucepan
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Ladle or large spoon
- Baking sheet (optional, for warming rolls)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage links
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Using quality Italian sausage links will greatly enhance the flavor and juiciness of your sandwich. Choose ripe green bell peppers and a fresh yellow onion for the best sauteed topping texture and taste. Opt for a robust marinara sauce to bring authentic Italian seasoning to your meal. Soft hoagie rolls are essential for holding all the ingredients together without falling apart. Your Italian Sausage Sandwich from Portillo's copycat menu is designed to replicate the hearty and flavorful experience of the original.
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill Italian sausage links until fully cooked, turning occasionally.
- While sausages cook, slice green bell pepper and yellow onion.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add sliced bell pepper and onion; sauté until soft and slightly caramelized.
- In a saucepan, warm marinara sauce over low heat.
- Optional: Warm hoagie rolls on a baking sheet in the oven.
- Split hoagie rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
- Place grilled sausage in each roll.
- Top sausages with sautéed peppers and onions.
- Spoon warm marinara sauce over the top.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Italian Sausage Sandwich from Portillo's copycat menu offers a rich combination of seasoned sausage, sauteed vegetables, and tangy marinara on a soft hoagie roll. If Italian sausage links are unavailable, you can substitute with spicy breakfast sausage or ground pork seasoned with fennel seeds and paprika to mimic the flavor. For a vegetarian alternative, use plant-based sausage or grilled portobello mushrooms instead of meat. When sauteing peppers and onions, ensure even cooking by cutting them into similar sizes for consistent texture. You can warm the hoagie rolls on a baking sheet in the oven to achieve a lightly toasted finish, enhancing both flavor and structure for your sandwich.
Tips
Ensure sausages are cooked to an internal temperature of 160degF (71degC) for safety and optimal juiciness. Slice peppers and onions uniformly to ensure even sauteing and caramelization. When warming hoagie rolls, avoid overheating to prevent drying out the bread. You'll find that layering the hot sausage with warm marinara sauce keeps the sandwich moist and flavorful throughout each bite.
Nutritions
Your Italian Sausage Sandwich provides a balanced source of protein from the seasoned Italian sausage, which supports muscle maintenance and growth. The sauteed green bell peppers and onions add dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that contribute to immune health and digestion. Olive oil used in cooking offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while the marinara sauce supplies lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes. A hoagie roll delivers carbohydrates, giving you energy to fuel your day.
Storage
Store leftover Italian sausage sandwiches in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Keep the hoagie rolls separate from the sausage and toppings to prevent sogginess when reheating. Reheat the sausage and toppings in a skillet over medium heat for best flavor retention, then assemble your sandwich just before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap Italian sausage links with spicy chorizo or chicken sausage for a different flavor profile. Roasting the bell peppers and onions instead of sauteing adds a smoky depth to the topping. Using a toasted garlic baguette instead of a hoagie roll enhances the sandwich's texture and taste. For a lighter option, substitute marinara sauce with a tangy pesto or balsamic glaze.
Allergies
Your Italian Sausage Sandwich may pose allergy risks due to several common allergens present in its ingredients. Italian sausage often contains pork and may include spices or fillers that trigger meat or spice allergies, while hoagie rolls typically contain gluten from wheat, which can affect those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Additionally, the marinara sauce might contain garlic or other nightshade vegetables, and the olive oil could be an allergen for those with plant-based oil sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
Portillo's Italian Sausage Sandwich features a perfect balance of spicy, savory sausage and freshly baked, soft Italian bread, creating a satisfying and flavorful experience. The sandwich is often topped with grilled peppers and onions, enhancing the bold taste and providing a delicious contrast of textures. Fans appreciate its authentic blend of seasonings and generous portion size, making it a standout item on Portillo's menu. Making a copycat recipe allows you to enjoy that iconic flavor and aroma anytime, tailored to your personal taste preferences.