Grilled Sausage Grinders (Printable)

Smoky grilled sausages in toasted rolls topped with charred tomato sauce for a hearty, satisfying sandwich.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 4 Italian sausages, mild or hot

→ Bread

02 - 4 grinder or hoagie rolls

→ Vegetables

03 - 4 ripe plum tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 small red onion, sliced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 bell pepper, sliced
07 - 1 handful fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
08 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

→ Cheese

09 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese

→ Pantry

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

# How-To Steps:

01 - Set a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and allow it to reach full temperature before cooking.
02 - Brush the halved tomatoes, onion slices, and bell pepper with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, coating evenly on all sides.
03 - Place the sausages and oiled vegetables on the grill. Cook the sausages for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until evenly charred and cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F. Grill the vegetables for 4 to 6 minutes until softened and lightly charred, then remove from the grill.
04 - Let the grilled vegetables cool slightly, then coarsely chop them into bite-sized pieces.
05 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped grilled vegetables and season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the flavors meld together. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil and parsley.
06 - Split each grinder roll lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Toast the cut sides on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly crisp and golden.
07 - Place one grilled sausage into each toasted roll. Spoon the grilled tomato sauce generously over each sausage. Top with shredded cheese if desired, then return the assembled grinders to the grill over indirect heat, cover, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is melted.
08 - Serve immediately while hot, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The grilled tomato sauce tastes like summer condensed into a spoon, smoky and bright in equal measure.
  • Everything cooks on one grill, which means barely any dishes and maximum flavor.
02 -
  • If the grill is too cool the sausages will steam instead of char, and you lose the entire point of cooking them outside.
  • Do not skip toasting the rolls because a soft roll will collapse under the sauce and become a soggy mess in your hands.
03 -
  • Tent the assembled grinders loosely with foil if you need to hold them warm for a few minutes before serving.
  • Double the grilled tomato sauce and refrigerate the extra because it is incredible on eggs the next morning.

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