A sausage sandwich is a sandwich that contains a type of sausage and a variety of toppings or condiments. Commonly served on a roll or baguette, a sausage sandwich is often influenced by the local population as to the style and type of sausage that is used in the sandwich. Italian, Polish and bratwurst are just a sample of the different types of sausage that can be found in a regional favorite. Occasionally, a breakfast sausage will be served in a biscuit or on toasted bread with an egg to create a breakfast sandwich that can be eaten easily on the go.
Found worldwide, the sausage sandwich is a common item on menus from bistros to sidewalk hot dog carts. Offering a bit more substance than the common hot dog, the sausage sandwich is often served with sauerkraut, roasted peppers and onions and the old standby favorites, ketchup and mustard. Other toppings such as chili sauce and salsa often accompany the hand-held food, and breakfast sandwiches often include eggs and cheese. The sausages are frequently served boiled or steamed, but are typically served grilled or roasted.
In some areas of the world, the sausage sandwich is referred to as as a hot dog. Renowned for curing simple ailments such as hangovers, the sandwich is served with a red or brown sauce and the meat is served on a hard roll or a slice of folded bread. In Great Britain, the sausage sandwich is often served with bacon, eggs or fried onion and tomato. While commonly thought of as a breakfast sandwich, most eateries will serve the sandwich all day long. In the United States, the sausage sandwich is commonly served hot off of the barbecue grill and is a favorite at ball games, the beach and other sporting events.
While typically made of a link type sausage, some types of sausage sandwiches are made of sliced sausage strips and pieces. The Italian sausage is often made of this sliced sausage. Covered with sauteed onions and peppers and served with a sweet hot pepper and a cup of juice, this sandwich is very popular in United States cities such as Chicago, Illinois and New York, New York, where large Italian populations exists. Polish sausage is also popular in many cities, and frequently contests and cook-offs are staged to challenge each style of sandwich as the area's best and favorite. While popular in cooler northern climates, the sausage sandwich also is popular in the tropics as well and is frequently served with a fruit salsa topping.