These hearty heroes are a tribute to the classic Italian-American sandwich, loaded with crumbled pork sausage, sautéed peppers and onions and plenty of melted mozzarella. The secret is the garlic-buttered baguette that gets toasted until golden and crisp, then piled high with the savory filling and baked until bubbly.
Serve these sandwiches alongside crispy garlic potato wedges for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy. It’s a fun, hands-on dinner that brings the flavors of a New York deli right to your kitchen.
Log in to save recipes and build weekly shopping lists.
Recipe details
Nutrition per serving
Dietary labels
Allergen check
Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Adjust oven racks to top and middle positions and preheat to 425°F. Wash and dry all produce. Cut potatoes into ½-inch-thick wedges. Halve, core and thinly slice green pepper into strips. Halve, peel and thinly slice half the onion (whole onion for 4 servings). Place 2 tablespoons butter in a small microwave-safe bowl; microwave until just softened, 10-15 seconds. Stir in ¼ teaspoon garlic powder and a pinch of salt. (Remaining garlic powder will be used later.)
- Toss potatoes on a baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil, remaining garlic powder, salt and pepper. Roast on top rack until browned and crispy, 20-25 minutes.
- While potatoes roast, heat a large drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add green pepper, sliced onion and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly charred, 5-7 minutes. Add splashes of water as needed to prevent burning. Transfer to a plate.
- Remove sausage from casings; discard casings. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking up meat into pieces, until browned and cooked through, 4-6 minutes. If there’s excess grease, carefully pour it out.
- Stir tomato paste, ½ cup water and half the Italian seasoning into the pan with sausage (for 4 servings, use 1 cup water and all Italian seasoning). Cook, stirring, until sauce is bubbling, 1-2 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- When potatoes have about 5 minutes left, halve baguettes lengthwise, stopping before cutting all the way through. Spread cut sides with garlic butter. Place cut sides up on a second baking sheet (line with foil for easier cleanup). Toast on middle rack until bread is golden, 3-4 minutes. Carefully spoon sausage mixture onto bottom halves; top with veggies and mozzarella. Return to middle rack until cheese melts, 2-3 minutes more.
- Close heroes, pressing down to secure. Divide between plates. Serve with potato wedges on the side.
Recipe Tips
For extra crispy wedges, flip them halfway through roasting.
If the veggies start to burn, add a splash of water to the pan.
Don’t be shy with the fillings-pile the heroes high for a messy, delicious sandwich.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute with any ground pork sausage or even Italian sausage (remove casings).
What can I use instead of demi-baguette?
You can use regular baguette, hoagie rolls or any crusty bread that can hold the fillings.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
The components can be prepped ahead, but assemble and bake just before serving for best texture.


























Recipe comments
0 DandyRecipes comments
Log in to comment on this recipe.
No DandyRecipes comments yet.