Name: Grilled Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 mild or spicy Italian sausages; 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper thinly sliced; 1 yellow onion thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ cup marinara sauce or your favorite store bought sauce; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 4 buns or rolls of choice; Fresh basil for garnish if desired

If you love bold, sizzling flavors with an Italian twist, this Grilled Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwich Recipe is going to be your new go-to for weeknight dinners or weekend grilling. It’s quick, packed with juicy sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and melty mozzarella—total comfort food that’s ready in just 30 minutes!

The image shows four hot dogs placed close to each other on a white marbled surface. Each hot dog has a soft, split bun with a browned sausage inside. On top of the sausages, there is a layer of grilled red, yellow, and orange bell peppers mixed with caramelized onions, giving a colorful and slightly charred look. Lastly, a drizzle of white creamy sauce is spread over the vegetables and sausage, adding contrast to the vibrant colors. Some lemon wedges and grilled pepper pieces are scattered around the hot dogs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwich Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwich Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwich Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of how effortlessly this sandwich comes together. It’s the perfect balance of smoky grilled sausages with sweet, charred peppers and onions, all topped off with gooey cheese and zesty marinara. Every bite feels like a little celebration!

Quick and Easy: Ready to serve in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute BBQs.
Flavor Packed: Juicy Italian sausages paired with charred veggies create a deliciously savory combo.
Versatile: Use mild or spicy sausages depending on your heat preference, and swap buns as you like.
Simple Ingredients: Easy to find pantry staples that come together beautifully on the grill.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you shop for this recipe, try to get fresh, vibrant bell peppers and high-quality Italian sausages—you'll really taste the difference! Here’s a quick rundown of the key ingredients and why they're essential for this dish.

Flat lay of four fresh Italian sausages with natural casings, a small pile of thinly sliced red bell pepper strips, a small pile of thinly sliced yellow bell pepper strips, a small pile of thinly sliced yellow onion rings, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red marinara sauce, a small handful of shredded mozzarella cheese on a white plate, four soft golden buns arranged neatly, and a few sprigs of fresh green basil leaves, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Italian Sausages: Your main protein star, packed with herbs and spices—pick mild or spicy to suit your taste.
Red and Yellow Bell Peppers: They add sweetness and lively color, plus they char beautifully on the grill.
Yellow Onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth when grilled alongside the peppers.
Olive Oil: Helps coat the veggies for perfect grilling and adds that rich, fruity flavor.
Salt and Ground Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every other ingredient's natural taste.
Marinara Sauce: A tangy, savory topping that brings all the flavors together.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a creamy blanket over the sandwich for that irresistible gooey finish.
Buns or Rolls: Choose your favorite kind to hold all that goodness—soft and sturdy is ideal.
Fresh Basil: Optional but highly recommended for a fresh herbal brightness as a finishing touch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Grilled Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwich Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you like things milder, spicier, or packed with extra veggies, there’s plenty of room for personalization here.

Try spicy sausages: If you love a bit of heat, use spicy Italian sausages — they add a wonderful kick without overpowering the peppers and onions. I love this combo for an extra flavor punch!
Vegetarian twist: Swap the sausages for grilled portobello mushrooms or a plant-based Italian sausage to keep all the smoky, charred goodness but make it vegetarian-friendly.
Seasonal veggies: Feel free to add zucchini or eggplant slices alongside the peppers and onions for a more colorful, nutrient-packed sandwich in summer.
Cheese alternatives: Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a slightly different flavor and melt experience. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese that melts well.
Gluten-free adaptation: Use gluten-free buns or hearty lettuce leaves as wraps for those avoiding gluten.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwich Recipe

A grilled sausage placed inside a soft, light brown bun serves as the base layer. On top, there are sautéed red and yellow bell pepper strips mixed with slightly charred onion slices, adding a mix of orange, red, and white colors with a shiny texture. A thin drizzle of white sauce flows over the peppers and sausage, with small fresh green basil leaves scattered around. Beside the sandwich, there are several pieces of grilled potato wedges with a crispy, speckled brown surface. The whole dish is placed on white crumpled parchment paper inside a silver wire basket, set on a white marbled surface with a soft gray cloth partially visible underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Heating Up the Grill Just Right

Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This is the sweet spot that lets the sausages cook through evenly without burning on the outside, and also gives the peppers and onions a beautiful char. A well-heated grill makes all the difference in flavor and texture!

Step 2: Seasoning the Veggies with Love

While the grill warms up, thinly slice your red and yellow bell peppers along with the yellow onion. Toss these vibrant veggies gently in a bowl with a tablespoon of olive oil, half a teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning lets their natural sweetness shine through once grilled.

Step 3: Perfectly Grilling the Italian Sausages

Place the sausages directly on the grill grates and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You'll want to see those signature grill marks and hear that satisfying sizzle. The key is patience — cook them until thoroughly done but juicy inside. Once cooked, remove them and tent loosely with foil to keep warm without drying out.

Step 4: Achieving Charred, Tender Peppers and Onions

While the sausages cook, place your seasoned peppers and onions in a grill basket and set over medium heat. Give them a good toss every few minutes to ensure even cooking. In about 7 to 10 minutes, they’ll soften up and develop those beautiful charred spots that add smoky depth to the sandwich.

Step 5: Assembling and Melting to Perfection

Time to build your sandwich! Place each grilled sausage inside a bun or roll of your choice. Pile on those charred peppers and onions, then spoon on two tablespoons of marinara sauce. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese — the final touch for creamy, melty goodness. Pop the assembled sandwiches back on the grill over indirect medium-high heat or under a broiler for 1 to 2 minutes just until the cheese melts beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Warm

If you have fresh basil on hand, tear a few leaves and add them on top for a fresh, aromatic finish. Serve these warm, satisfying sandwiches right away — they’re perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend grilling party.

Top Tip

These tips come from my many adventures grilling Italian sausages and peppers—they’ll help you nail this recipe every time with ease and delicious results.

Choose Your Sausage Wisely: I’ve found that whether you opt for mild or spicy Italian sausages really sets the tone for your sandwich, so pick the heat that suits your crowd best.
Use a Grill Basket for Veggies: Tossing peppers and onions directly on the grill can be messy. A grill basket keeps everything contained and lets you flip veggies easily without losing any onto the coals.
Tent Sausages to Keep Warm: After grilling, loosely tent your sausages with foil instead of wrapping tightly. This keeps them warm and juicy without drying out—trust me, it makes a difference!
Don’t Skip the Cheese Melting Step: A quick minute or two under indirect grill heat or the broiler to melt that mozzarella cheese really takes the sandwich from great to unforgettable.

How to Serve Grilled Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwich Recipe

A silver baking tray holds four neat rows of food items arranged from top to bottom. The first row has purple onion halves and slices, layered from left to right with smooth, shiny textures and white inner rings contrasted by deep purple outer layers. The second row features whole and halved red and yellow bell peppers, displaying glossy, smooth skins with vibrant red and yellow colors. The third row has more yellow and orange bell peppers, some whole and some hollowed out, showing their shiny, textured insides. The last row consists of five golden-brown hot dog buns lined up horizontally, one of which is open revealing its soft, fluffy white inside. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are a classic choice that add a bright, herbal note to balance the hearty sausage and melted cheese. If you want to mix it up, chopped fresh parsley or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze can be fantastic finishing touches.

Side Dishes

Serve your Grilled Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwich Recipe with simple, refreshing sides like a crisp green salad or coleslaw to add crunch and contrast. Roasted potatoes or buttery corn on the cob are also wonderful warm-weather companions that round out this fulfilling meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your sandwiches, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for quick and tasty meals later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to save some for longer, wrap sausages and grilled veggies tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in freezer bags. They freeze well for up to 2 months. For best flavor, freeze components separately and assemble fresh when ready to eat.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your sausage and veggies on the grill over medium heat or in a skillet until heated through. Assemble sandwiches fresh and give the mozzarella a quick melt under a broiler or on the grill to regain that ooey-gooey goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this sandwich without a grill?

Absolutely! You can cook the sausages and vegetables on a stovetop grill pan or a regular skillet over medium heat. The flavors will still be delicious, just without the smoky char from outdoor grilling.

What type of buns work best for this sandwich?

Soft yet sturdy buns like hoagie rolls, Italian rolls, or even Kaiser rolls hold up well to the juicy sausages and saucy toppings without falling apart.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can slice and season the peppers and onions a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. Grilling the sausages and veggies right before serving ensures everything stays fresh and flavorful.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Definitely. Use gluten-free buns or rolls, and double-check your marinara sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwich Recipe is one of those perfect meals that bring everyone together—flavorful, fun to make, and satisfying to eat. Whether it’s a sunny weekend cookout or a busy weeknight, this recipe delivers hearty comfort with a touch of Italian flair. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!