Get ready to transform your ordinary lunch into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These Spicy Italian Sausage Subs are not just a meal – they're a flavor-packed journey that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Italy. With perfectly caramelized sausage, golden-toasted rolls, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 sub rolls
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for toasting the sub rolls.
- Remove the casings from the Italian sausage by slicing lengthwise and peeling off the casing, then crumble the meat into small pieces.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the crumbled sausage. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking the meat into smaller chunks while it browns.
- Add sliced onions to the skillet and sauté with the sausage for an additional 4-5 minutes until onions become translucent and slightly caramelized.
- Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the sausage and onion mixture, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Split the sub rolls lengthwise and lightly brush with olive oil. Toast in the preheated oven for 3-4 minutes until edges are golden and crisp.
- Drain excess grease from the sausage mixture if needed, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
- Fill each toasted sub roll generously with the sausage and onion mixture.
- Top each sub with grated Parmesan cheese and return to the oven for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Remove from oven, let cool for 2 minutes, then serve hot with optional red pepper flakes or hot sauce on the side.
Tips
- Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor – look for fresh, well-seasoned links from a local butcher if possible.
- Don't rush the browning process: Let the sausage develop a nice golden-brown crust for maximum flavor depth.
- For extra crispiness, toast the sub rolls until they're just slightly golden and crunchy around the edges.
- Control the spice level by selecting mild or hot Italian sausage, or by adding red pepper flakes to taste.
- If you want to make preparation faster, you can crumble the sausage and slice onions in advance.
- For a lighter version, you can drain excess grease thoroughly and use whole wheat sub rolls.
- Experiment with additional toppings like roasted bell peppers or a drizzle of marinara sauce for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
