Grilled Sausage Grinders With Tomato (Print)

Charred sausages in crusty rolls topped with smoky grilled tomato sauce for a hearty summer meal.

# What You Need:

→ 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
08 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ 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
13 - Salt and black pepper to taste
14 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish

# How To Make It:

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, ensuring even coverage for optimal charring.
03 - Place the sausages on the hot grill and cook, turning occasionally with tongs, until cooked through and charred on all sides, 12 to 15 minutes.
04 - While the sausages cook, grill the tomatoes cut side down along with the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened and well charred, about 5 to 7 minutes per side.
05 - Transfer the grilled tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and garlic to a food processor or blender. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes, then season with salt and black pepper. Pulse until a chunky, rustic sauce forms.
06 - Split the hoagie rolls and place them face-down on the grill. Toast for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and lightly crisped.
07 - Arrange the grilled sausages in the toasted rolls. Spoon a generous amount of the grilled tomato sauce over each sausage, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
08 - Return the assembled grinders to the grill, close the lid, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheeses are fully melted and bubbly.
09 - Remove from the grill, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The grilled tomato sauce tastes like summer condensed into a single smoky spoonful.
  • Everything cooks on one grill, so your kitchen stays clean while dinner tastes ambitious.
  • Cheap hoagie rolls transform into something magical with a little char and melted cheese.
02 -
  • If you move the vegetables too early, they will stick and tear instead of releasing cleanly with beautiful char marks.
  • The sauce tastes even better if you make it ahead and let it sit for an hour because the flavors meld and deepen.
03 -
  • Let the sausages rest for two minutes off the grill before placing them in the rolls so the juices redistribute instead of soaking the bread.
  • If you want extra crispy rolls, brush the cut sides with a little olive oil before toasting them on the grill.

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