Grilled Sausage Grinders With Tomato (Print)

Grilled sausages in crusty rolls topped with smoky charred tomato sauce for a hearty summer sandwich.

# Ingredient list:

→ Meats

01 - 4 Italian sausages, mild or hot

→ Bread

02 - 4 hoagie rolls or grinder rolls

→ Vegetables

03 - 4 ripe tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 small red onion, cut into thick rings
05 - 1 red bell pepper, seeded and quartered
06 - 2 garlic cloves, peeled

→ Dairy

07 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
08 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

→ Spices and Condiments

09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
12 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
13 - Salt and black pepper to taste
14 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Set your outdoor or stovetop grill to medium-high heat and allow it to reach full temperature before cooking.
02 - Brush the tomato halves, onion rings, bell pepper quarters, and garlic cloves generously with olive oil using a basting brush.
03 - Place the Italian sausages on the hot grill. Turn occasionally and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until cooked through with a nicely charred exterior.
04 - While the sausages cook, grill the tomatoes cut side down along with the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until charred and softened.
05 - Transfer the grilled tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and garlic to a food processor or blender. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and season with salt and black pepper. Pulse until a chunky sauce forms.
06 - Split the hoagie rolls and place them face-down on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and lightly toasted.
07 - Arrange the grilled sausages on the toasted rolls. Spoon the grilled tomato sauce generously over each sausage and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan if desired.
08 - Place the assembled grinders back on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
09 - Remove from the grill, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The grilled tomato sauce alone is worth firing up the grill, and you will want to put it on everything from eggs to crusty bread.
  • Everything cooks on the grill at the same time, so cleanup is almost nonexistent.
  • It transforms ordinary sausage sandwiches into something guests will request by name at every cookout.
02 -
  • Do not move the tomatoes too soon after placing them on the grill or you will lose that beautiful caramelized crust that makes the sauce special.
  • Pulse the sauce in short bursts rather than blending smooth, because texture is what separates this from ordinary marinara.
03 -
  • Use a grill basket for smaller vegetable pieces so nothing slips through the grates into the fire.
  • Let the grilled vegetables cool for five minutes before blending so the steam does not blow the lid off your processor.

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