Bringing the spirit of New Orleans right to your kitchen, Mardi Gras Beef Sausage Sandwiches pack every bite with vibrant color, bold flavor, and enough heat to make your next meal feel like a party. These sandwiches combine juicy, spiced beef sausages with a medley of charred bell peppers, tangy Creole mayo, and pillowy hoagie rolls, creating a handheld celebration that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re gearing up for Fat Tuesday or simply want to shake up your weeknight dinner routine, these crowd-pleasing sandwiches promise a delicious adventure down the bayou.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I love most about Mardi Gras Beef Sausage Sandwiches is how every single ingredient matters. Each brings its own unique flair, from the zesty sausages to the colorful peppers, coming together in a sandwich that’s unmistakably Creole in spirit.
- Beef sausages (4 Andouille or spicy smoked): These provide that signature smoky, savory Creole punch—try to use Andouille for the most authentic flavor!
- Hoagie or sandwich rolls (4): Soft yet sturdy enough to soak up all those glorious juices without falling apart.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): The perfect fat for getting your peppers and onions a little charred and deeply flavorful.
- Green bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds fresh, grassy sweetness and bright green color.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Lends a touch of sweetness, beautiful red hue, and depth to your veggie mix.
- Red onion (1 small, sliced): For a bit of sharpness and a lovely, mild bite as it caramelizes in the skillet.
- Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon): Key to that unmistakable “NOLA” kick—don’t be shy, use your favorite blend!
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Creamy base for the sandwich sauce, bringing everything together.
- Creole mustard (1 tablespoon, or Dijon): Offers zippy tang and subtle spice—Creole is classic, but Dijon works in a pinch.
- Hot sauce (1 teaspoon): A little heat wakes up the palate; use anything from Tabasco to Crystal.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning all the layers just right.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): A fresh pop of color and flavor, giving the sandwiches a festive finishing touch.
How to Make Mardi Gras Beef Sausage Sandwiches
Step 1: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the sliced green and red bell peppers along with the red onion. Let them sizzle for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and take on a bit of char—that’s what makes the vegetables sweet and smoky. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper before you transfer the peppers and onions to a plate and set them aside for later.
Step 2: Brown the Sausages
Using the same skillet (don’t wash it, those leftover bits are flavor gold!), add the beef sausages. Cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning every now and then to get all sides golden and slightly crisp. If you want extra flavor, feel free to slice the sausages before cooking—this gives you more surface area for browning, and all those caramelized edges are irresistibly tasty.
Step 3: Mix Up the Spicy Mayo
While the sausages are finishing up, stir together mayonnaise, Creole mustard, and hot sauce in a small bowl. Give it a quick taste and adjust with a dash more hot sauce if you’re chasing a little more heat. This sauce ties everything together and adds that creamy, tangy zip that’s pure Mardi Gras magic.
Step 4: Toast the Rolls
Toasting the sandwich rolls is optional but highly recommended—just pop them in a preheated oven or on a skillet, cut sides down, until they’re lightly golden. The warm, crispy bread creates the perfect vehicle for all the juicy fillings without getting soggy too quickly.
Step 5: Build Your Mardi Gras Beef Sausage Sandwiches
Spread a generous swipe of your spicy mayo on the inside of each toasted roll. Place a sausage (whole or sliced, your call!) into each bun, then pile on the sautéed peppers and onions. Finish with a shower of chopped parsley for freshness and color, and serve the sandwiches warm, ready to be devoured.
How to Serve Mardi Gras Beef Sausage Sandwiches
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a touch of color and a hint of herbal freshness, but don’t stop there! Try extra sliced scallions, a quick pickle, or even thinly sliced jalapeños for more crunch and zing—it’s your parade, after all.
Side Dishes
Keep the celebration going with plenty of fun sides. Classic choices like Cajun fries, crunchy potato chips, or sweet corn on the cob fit right in. If you’re feeling inspired, whip up some tangy coleslaw or creamy potato salad for richness that complements the heat and savoriness of the Mardi Gras Beef Sausage Sandwiches.
Creative Ways to Present
These sandwiches are natural show-stoppers, but you can amp up the presentation by wrapping them in festive parchment, serving them stacked on a colorful platter, or even slicing them into halves for a party tray. Pair them with beads and jazz on the stereo, and you’ll have a real NOLA-style feast ready to wow anyone who takes a bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Mardi Gras Beef Sausage Sandwiches, store the sausage, peppers, and onions in airtight containers in the fridge and keep the mayo sauce and rolls separate. This way, everything stays fresh and doesn’t get soggy. When you’re ready for round two, simply reheat and assemble.
Freezing
The sausages and sautéed veggies freeze quite well. Cool them completely, stash them in freezer-safe bags or containers, and they’ll keep for up to two months. For best results, freeze the components individually, not as assembled sandwiches.
Reheating
Gently reheat your sausages and veggie mix in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, or pop them in the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Warm the rolls separately for that freshly toasted bite. A quick stir through the mayo sauce and you’re ready to build vibrant, just-like-new Mardi Gras Beef Sausage Sandwiches again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While beef Andouille sausages are the classic base for this recipe, feel free to substitute with chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausages to suit your taste or dietary needs. The real key is using something smoky and robust to complement the Cajun flavors.
Do I have to use both bell pepper colors in the filling?
Not at all! The duo of green and red bell peppers is there for extra color and sweetness, but feel free to use just one color or swap in yellow or orange if that’s what you have. Any combination will bring both flavor and visual appeal to your Mardi Gras Beef Sausage Sandwiches.
Is there a substitute for Creole mustard?
If you can’t get your hands on Creole mustard, go for Dijon. It brings some of the same heat and vinegar tang, keeping the spicy mayo full of flavor. For a hint of sweetness, a bit of stone-ground mustard is also a great addition.
Can I cook the sausages on the grill instead of a skillet?
Definitely! Tossing the sausages on the grill gives them even more char and smoky flavor, which works beautifully in this recipe. You can even grill the peppers and onions in a grill basket for a backyard spin on Mardi Gras Beef Sausage Sandwiches.
How do I make these less spicy for kids?
Just use a milder hot sauce (or skip it), keep the Cajun seasoning to a minimum, and feel free to swap in a less spicy sausage variety. The sandwiches will still be packed with flavor, just gentler on delicate palates.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing Mardi Gras Beef Sausage Sandwiches—whether it’s for a festive gathering or a simple family meal, it always feels special. The flavors are bold, the colors are joyful, and every bite is downright irresistible. I hope you’ll dive in, let your tastebuds travel to New Orleans, and fall in love with this fun and satisfying sandwich just like I did!
PrintMardi Gras Beef Sausage Sandwiches Recipe
These Mardi Gras Beef Sausage Sandwiches are a spicy and flavorful twist on a classic sandwich, featuring Andouille or spicy smoked sausage topped with sautéed bell peppers and onions, all served on a hoagie roll with a zesty Creole mustard mayo.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Sausages:
- 4 beef sausages (Andouille or spicy smoked sausage)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 hoagie or sandwich rolls
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Creole mustard (or Dijon)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Peppers and Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced bell peppers and red onion, sauté for 6–8 minutes until softened and slightly charred. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, then set aside.
- Cook Sausages: In the same skillet, cook sausages until browned and heated through, about 8–10 minutes. Turn occasionally.
- Prepare Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise, Creole mustard, and hot sauce in a bowl.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Toast rolls, spread spicy mayo on each side. Place a sausage in each roll, top with peppers and onions, and sprinkle with parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, slice the sausage before cooking to maximize browning.
- You can substitute chicken or plant-based sausage to suit dietary needs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg