Italian Sausage Meatball Sandwiches

Italian Sausage Meatball Sandwiches

Makes 4 Servings

1 pound Hot Italian Sausage

⅓ cup breadcrumbs

1 egg

¼ cup parsley, finely chopped

½ cup olive oil

2 cups marinara sauce

1 cup of basil leaves, stems removed)

¼ cup pecans, walnuts, hemp seeds, or pine nuts

2 cloves garlic, finely grated or chopped

½ cup grated parmesan cheese

4 long sandwich rolls, ciabatta rolls, or small baguettes, split and toasted

4 slices of low-moisture mozzarella cheese

salt and black pepper, to taste 

Preheat the oven to 400 F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix the sausage with the breadcrumbs, egg,  parsley, and one clove of garlic, season with salt and pepper. Once combined, roll into 1.5-2 inch balls. Place them directly on the lined baking sheet with space between. Bake for 10-15 minutes until cooked through and browned on the outside. Remove from the oven and set aside. 

Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the basil leaves, garlic, and parmesan. Pulse to chop and then let run while pouring in the ¼ cup of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. 

Heat the tomato sauce in a small pot until warmed through. Turn the broiler on high and put the oven rack one rung from the top.

Assemble the sandwiches, spread a layer of pesto on the bread first, then 3-4 meatballs, and top with tomato sauce, a little more pesto and a layer of cheese. Leave the sandwiches open and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Broil for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on them and turning as needed until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Serve warm.