Panino Sausage And Mozzarella Recipe
Sandwich with homemade sausage patty, red onions, bell peppers, and mozzarella
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Sausage Patties
Vegetable Sauté
Sandwich Assembly
Method
Sausage Patties
Mix and season
In a medium bowl combine ground pork, salt, black pepper, crushed fennel seeds, minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix gently with your hands until just combined—avoid overworking to keep patties tender.
Form patties
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a round patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than your bread so it fits the roll when assembled.
Cook patties
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add patties (work in batches if needed). Cook 4–5 minutes per side until well browned and an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is reached. Reduce heat to medium-low if they brown too quickly. Transfer cooked patties to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Vegetable Sauté
Sweat onions and peppers
Wipe the skillet used for the patties and return to medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When hot, add the sliced red onion and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, 6–8 minutes until softened and edges begin to caramelize.
Season and finish
Stir in 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook another 1–2 minutes to reduce the vinegar slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep the vegetables warm with the patties.
Sandwich Assembly
Prepare bread
Preheat a panini press or skillet over medium heat. Brush cut sides of the ciabatta rolls with a little olive oil or spread softened butter.
Assemble sandwiches
On the bottom half of each roll place one cooked sausage patty. Top each patty with a generous portion of the sautéed onions and peppers (about 2–3 tablespoons), then 2 oz (about 2 slices) fresh mozzarella. Add 2 basil leaves if using, and a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Cap with the top half of the roll.
Grill or press
If using a panini press: place assembled sandwiches in the press and cook 3–4 minutes until bread is crisp and mozzarella is melted. If using a skillet: place sandwiches in the skillet and press lightly with a heavy pan or spatula; cook 2–3 minutes per side, covering with a lid for the last minute to help the cheese melt. Watch so bread doesn't burn.
Serve
Remove sandwiches, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately while hot. Offer extra roasted peppers or hot sauce on the side if desired.