The Perfect Cheeses To Pair With Spicy Italian Sausage

Spicy Italian sausage is a versatile dish that can be served in several ways, but what cheese goes well with it? Mozzarella is a popular choice, often melted over sausages and paired with vegetables like peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Provolone, Parmesan, and pepper jack are also mentioned as suitable cheeses for Italian sausage sandwiches. For a simpler option, a mozzarella cheese stick can be stuffed into a slit in the sausage before baking.

Mozzarella sticks and marinara sauce

Mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce are a classic combination that can be easily adapted to accompany spicy Italian sausage. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare this delicious pairing:

Preparing the Mozzarella Sticks:

Start by cutting the mozzarella block into sticks or using string cheese, which can be found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. You can also use fresh mozzarella cut into 1/2-inch thick and 4-inch-long pieces. Set up three shallow bowls for dredging: one with flour, one with beaten eggs (you can also add milk to the eggs), and the third with breadcrumbs. For an extra crispy texture, use panko breadcrumbs. Season the breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavour.

Dredge the mozzarella sticks in flour, then dip them in the egg mixture, and finally, roll them in the seasoned breadcrumbs. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the dredging process one more time. Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 to 40 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting and oozing out during frying.

Heat a deep, thick-bottomed pan with about 2 inches of oil to 350°F–375°F. Carefully add the mozzarella sticks in batches and fry for 1 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden and crispy. Remove them from the oil and drain on a wire rack. Your mozzarella sticks are now ready to be served with your preferred dipping sauce!

Preparing the Marinara Sauce:

For a classic marinara sauce, you'll need olive oil, garlic cloves, dried basil, dried oregano, and tomato sauce. You can also add some onion to the sauce for extra flavour. Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic cloves and sauté until they are lightly browned. Then, remove the garlic and discard it. Stir in the basil and oregano, infusing the oil with their aromatic flavours.

Afterwards, add the tomato sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt to taste. Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavours to blend beautifully. Your marinara sauce is now ready to be served!

Serving Suggestions:

Now that you have prepared your mozzarella sticks and marinara sauce, it's time to bring everything together. Serve the crispy, golden mozzarella sticks with the warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping. You can also provide some carrot and celery sticks as a refreshing complement to the rich, creamy cheese.

Additionally, if you're serving the mozzarella sticks with spicy Italian sausage, you can create a delicious platter by placing the sausages, mozzarella sticks, and marinara sauce together. This combination of flavours and textures will surely impress your taste buds!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:

The marinara sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. As for the mozzarella sticks, you can prepare them ahead of time and freeze them uncooked for future use. Simply arrange the breaded cheese sticks on a baking sheet, freeze them, and then transfer them to resealable bags for longer-term storage. When the craving strikes, you can cook them directly from frozen.

Hoagie rolls and toppings

Hoagie rolls are the classic choice for Italian sausage sandwiches. Split the rolls lengthwise, but be sure to keep the top and bottom attached. You can also purchase rolls that you can slice yourself. Before adding the toppings, it's a good idea to toast the hoagie rolls to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. Place the rolls on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven until they are lightly browned and toasted.

For the toppings, you'll need cheese, veggies, and seasoning. Here are some options for each:

Cheese

• Shredded Italian cheese blend: Look for a blend of provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
• Mozzarella cheese: You can use shredded mozzarella or mozzarella cheese sticks.
• Other cheeses: You can also experiment with other cheeses such as pepper jack, Colby, cheddar, or Swiss cheese.

Veggies

• Peppers: Red, green, or a combination of both. Slice them into strips or dice them.
• Onions: Red or yellow onions, sliced into thin rings or diced.
• Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms, sliced.
• Garlic: Minced or pressed.
• Olives: Pitted ripe black or green olives, sliced.

Seasoning

• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Now it's time to assemble your sandwiches! Here are some general steps to follow:

• Sprinkle the bottom half of each toasted hoagie roll with a little cheese.
• Divide the cooked Italian sausage mixture evenly among the rolls.
• Top the sausages with the veggies and remaining cheese.
• Close the rolls and cover the baking pan with foil.
• Bake at 350-375°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
• Serve and enjoy!

Spicy Italian sausage sandwiches

Ingredients

• Spicy Italian sausages
• Olive oil
• Peppers (red, green, or a mix of both)
• Onion (red or yellow)
• Mushrooms
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce
• Brat buns or hoagie rolls
• Cheese (mozzarella, Italian blend, or provolone)
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Instructions

Start by slicing the peppers and onions into strips or thin slices. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the sliced vegetables. Sauté until they are crisp-tender.

Next, add the mushrooms and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté for a few more minutes until the mushrooms are slightly softened. Transfer the vegetables to a plate and set aside.

In the same skillet, cook the spicy Italian sausages. If you are using sausage links, place them in water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes. Then, uncover and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the meat is no longer pink. If you are using ground sausage, add it to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet, along with the spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce, and stir well to combine. Reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes.

To assemble the sandwiches, split open the brat buns or hoagie rolls without separating the top and bottom halves. Hollow out the center of the rolls slightly to make room for the filling. Place the rolls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven until they are lightly toasted.

Sprinkle the bottom half of each roll with some shredded cheese. Divide the sausage mixture evenly among the rolls and top with the sautéed vegetables. Add more cheese on top.

Close the rolls and cover the baking sheet with foil. Bake in the oven at 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

For an extra crispy texture, you can also grill the sausages and vegetables instead of cooking them in a skillet.

Serving Suggestions

These sandwiches can be served as a casual meal any night of the week or as a hearty option for game day parties. For a fair food-themed meal, serve them with crispy French fries or onion rings on the side.

To prevent the sandwiches from becoming soggy, it is best to store any leftovers separately. Keep the sausage and veggies/sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three to four days. Reheat by placing them in a skillet over medium heat and stirring occasionally until the sauce is bubbling.

Sausage and peppers

Ingredients

• 4-6 links of Italian sausage (a mix of sweet and hot, depending on your preference for spice)
• 1-2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• White wine, chicken broth, or beer (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Extras

• Hoagie rolls
• Provolone cheese
• Rice or pasta
• Dijon mustard
• Tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Red pepper flakes

Method

• Brown the sausages on all sides in a hot skillet, then remove from the pan and set aside.
• Melt butter or heat olive oil in the same skillet. Add the onions and garlic and cook for a few minutes, then add the peppers and dried herbs.
• If using, stir in wine, chicken broth, or beer, and continue to cook and stir until the vegetables are tender.
• Return the sausages to the skillet and simmer, covered, until they are cooked through.
• Serve as is, or with any of the following suggestions:

• On a hoagie roll with a slice of provolone cheese, and/or Dijon mustard
• Over rice or pasta
• With roasted vegetables or a side salad

Tips

• For extra spice, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
• For more authentic Italian flavour, add minced garlic to the vegetable mixture.
• To prevent the bread from becoming soggy when serving on a hoagie roll, toast the roll before loading it with the sausage and pepper filling.
• This dish can also be made in a slow cooker or baked in the oven.

Baked stuffed Italian sausage

Ingredients

• 6 Italian sausage links (sweet, hot, or mild)
• 6 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for cooking
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Method

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each sausage lengthwise, creating a pocket but being sure not to cut all the way through.
• Take a mozzarella cheese stick and stuff it into the slit of each sausage. Gently press the sausage back into shape with your hands if needed.
• Pour the marinara sauce into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
• Place the stuffed sausages into the baking dish, ensuring the cut side is facing up.
• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sausages are cooked through and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
• Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• For a low-carb option, serve the baked stuffed sausages with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad on the side.
• If you're looking for a heartier meal, this dish pairs well with pasta, noodles, or steamed spaghetti squash.
• To add more vegetables, try stuffing the sausages with sliced onions and bell peppers, or sautéing them in the marinara sauce.
• For a spicy kick, use hot Italian sausages and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Colby, or cheddar cheese sticks.
• You can also use pre-cooked sausages and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Enjoy the comforting and delicious flavors of this Baked Stuffed Italian Sausage dish!

Frequently asked questions