How to Make the Italian-American Classic: Sausage, Pepper, and Onion Sub

This sausage, pepper, and onion sub is a classic that is inspired by Italian street festival held in Boston, but others may associate it with New York or even Chicago. However, I think you can get one of these at Fenway Park, so it must hail from Boston, right?

In any case, it’s a classic Italian-American street food that can be found at many street festivals, except for those in New Orleans. I thought this was such a common sandwich staple that people all over the USA would be familiar with it, but that is not the case. Apparently, this is more commonly a Northeastern staple than it is in the south. So, if you have never had this before, welcome. And if you have had it before, here is a delicious version that will not disappoint!

Makes 4 sandwiches

Sausage, Pepper, and Onion Sub Ingredients:

4 sub rolls

4 Italian sausages of your choosing, sweet, spicy, chicken or even veggie

1 bell pepper, sliced

1 small onion, sliced

2 tomatoes diced, or 1 can of diced tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon red chili flakes

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red chili flakes

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 cup of shredded provolone cheese

4 slices of mozzarella cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large frying pan, brown the sausages until cooked through, turning occasionally so they brown evenly, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. In the same frying pan, add the olive oil and saute the peppers and onions, seasoning with salt and pepper until they are softened, about five minutes. Add the garlic and chili flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds before adding the tomato paste. Stir to combine and add the tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Add the sausages back in and reduce the heat to simmer.
3. Preheat your broiler to low. Meanwhile, cut the sub rolls lengthwise and add the sausage and top with tomato, pepper, and onion sauce. Top with provolone and slice of mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining sausage and rolls.
4. Place the subs on a sheet pan and broil to melt the cheese for about 2 minutes. Enjoy!

If you like this, be sure to try my calzone!