Sizzle & Savor: Easy Grilled Italian Sausages with Peppers and Onions for Your Ultimate BBQ
There’s nothing quite like the arrival of warmer weather to inspire firing up the grill. As spring awakens and we transition into the glorious grilling season, this recipe for Grilled Italian Sausages with Peppers and Onions consistently tops our list of favorite outdoor meals. It’s a dish that perfectly bridges the gap from casual backyard barbecues to festive tailgate gatherings. Combining succulent sweet Italian sausages with vibrant bell peppers and onions, all seasoned with a savory Creole blend, it delivers an unforgettable barbecue experience that truly hits the spot.
Can you feel that crisp, warm air? Spring has officially sprung, bringing with it the irresistible urge to cook and dine outdoors. One of my absolute favorite rituals during this time is to fire up the gas grill and prepare this amazing Italian sausage recipe. It’s a dish that not only satisfies deep cravings for hearty, flavorful food but also brings a sense of joyful simplicity to mealtime. The combination of juicy sweet Italian sausages alongside perfectly cooked peppers and onions creates a symphony of flavors and textures that my family absolutely adores.
This recipe is also a lifesaver for those busy evenings, making for a surprisingly quick dinner. While your sausages are sizzling away on the grill, you can simultaneously prepare the vibrant peppers and onions. This can be done conveniently in a skillet right on your stovetop indoors, or for an authentic outdoor cooking experience, you can place the skillet directly on the grill grates. A specialized grill basket also works wonderfully for achieving that perfect char on your vegetables. Whichever method you choose, I genuinely hope you find as much enjoyment in this meal as we do. It’s truly versatile, serving as an ideal easy weeknight meal for hurried families, or as the star attraction at a relaxed weekend barbecue or tailgate event. It’s a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary.
If you’re constantly on the lookout for other quick and easy grilling ideas to broaden your culinary horizons, look no further! We highly recommend diving into one of these equally delightful recipes: for a sticky, savory-sweet treat, try our Sweet and Sticky Grilled Chicken. If you’re a fan of a hearty, tangy combination, our Grilled Polish Sausage and Sauerkraut is a must-try. And for those who love a bit of seafood with an Asian-inspired kick, you’ll be thrilled with our recipe for Sweet Heat Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Each offers a unique flavor profile perfect for any grilling occasion!
This post is proudly sponsored by Paisley Farm Foods. Rest assured, my deep appreciation for their exceptional products and all the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own!
Pairing Perfection: Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad
My culinary philosophy perfectly aligns with that of my wonderful friends at Paisley Farm Foods. We both believe in making it effortless for you to bring incredibly fantastic-tasting, wholesome home-cooked meals to your table, all without the unnecessary fuss or stress. Our shared goal is to provide you with delicious, convenient options that you can feel genuinely good about serving to your beloved family.
This Italian Sausage recipe, with its simple preparation, comes together remarkably quickly. And to complement it, a delicious and highly nutritious side of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad is the ultimate easy pairing! The beauty of this side dish lies in its sheer simplicity: just open a jar, pour the contents into a serving bowl, and it’s ready to enjoy. It’s truly my go-to side dish, offering a burst of fresh flavor that’s delicious year-round. But during the vibrant grilling season, its crisp, tangy notes are even more refreshing and delightful, perfectly balancing the richness of the grilled sausages and vegetables.
Essential Ingredients for Grilled Italian Sausages with Peppers and Onions
Crafting the perfect grilled Italian sausage and pepper sandwich starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal:
Sweet Italian Sausages – These are the star of the show, offering a wonderfully balanced savory and slightly sweet flavor profile. However, you have the flexibility to customize the heat to your preference! Opt for a mild Italian sausage if you prefer a gentler taste, or choose a hot Italian sausage if you’re looking to ignite your taste buds and add a delightful spicy kick to the dish. Always look for high-quality sausages from a reputable butcher for the best flavor and texture.
Bell Peppers – For a visually appealing and flavor-diverse dish, I love to use a vibrant mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers. You might even find them pre-sliced and packaged as ‘stop light’ peppers at your local grocery store! Any combination of bell peppers will work beautifully, so feel free to use what you have on hand or what looks freshest. This time, I even threw in some cheerful orange bell peppers to further enhance the color and sweetness. Make sure to slice them uniformly for even cooking.
Yellow Onion – A sweet yellow onion, thinly sliced, is my preference here, as it caramelizes beautifully and adds a lovely sweetness. However, don’t hesitate to use any kind of onion you have available – white or red onions would also be delicious, offering slightly different flavor notes. If you prefer larger, more substantial chunks of onion in your sandwich, cutting them into onion wedges works perfectly.
Olive Oil – This essential oil helps to perfectly sauté our vegetables, bringing out their natural sweetness and tenderness. I personally prefer using extra virgin olive oil for its richer flavor, but any good quality olive oil will do the trick and provide excellent results for cooking your peppers and onions.
Tony Chachere’s Seasoning – This iconic Creole seasoning is a game-changer, infusing the peppers and onions with an incredible depth of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavor. It’s a fantastic shortcut to a complex taste. If you don’t have Tony Chachere’s on hand, you can easily substitute it with another seasoning blend like an Italian herb mix for a more classic profile, or a Cajun blend for a similar spicy kick. Alternatively, you can create your own custom blend using a combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
Oregano – I typically use dried oregano for convenience and consistency in this recipe, as it’s a pantry staple. However, if you’re lucky enough to have fresh oregano on hand, it will undoubtedly elevate the dish with its vibrant, pungent flavor – simply use a bit more than the dried version. Fresh basil also makes for an excellent substitute, adding a sweet, peppery aroma that complements Italian flavors beautifully.
How to Perfectly Grill Italian Sausages with Peppers and Onions
Achieving perfectly cooked sausages and tender, flavorful vegetables is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering meal:
Begin by preparing your Italian Sausages. First, preheat your outdoor grill to a high heat setting, aiming for a temperature of approximately 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius). Once the grill is hot, carefully place the Italian sausages directly onto the preheated grill grates. Close the lid to allow for even cooking and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. The key to food safety and delicious results is to ensure the internal temperature of the sausage reaches a safe 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Use a meat thermometer to confirm. Avoid piercing the sausages with a fork during grilling, as this can cause flavorful juices to escape, leading to drier sausages.
While your sausages are approximately halfway cooked through, it’s the perfect time to begin preparing your colorful peppers and onions. This staggered timing ensures that everything finishes cooking around the same time, making for a hot and cohesive meal.
First, coat a large, sturdy cast-iron skillet generously with olive oil. Place this skillet over medium heat. You can do this either on your stovetop indoors or, for an integrated grilling experience, directly on a cooler section of your outdoor grill grates.
Next, add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the heated skillet. Sauté them, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and become tender. The cooking time here can be adjusted based on your personal preference: if you like your vegetables with a slight crunch, cook them for less time; for a softer, more caramelized texture, allow them a bit more time to cook down. The goal is to bring out their natural sweetness.
Then, generously sprinkle the sautéed peppers and onions with Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning and dried oregano. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the aromatic spices. This step infuses the entire dish with a fantastic depth of flavor.
Once both your sausages are perfectly grilled and your peppers and onions are tender and seasoned, it’s time for assembly! Carefully place the hot, grilled Sweet Italian Sausages into soft hoagie rolls or your preferred hot dog buns. Then, generously spoon the flavorful sautéed peppers and onions over the top of each sausage, allowing some to spill out for that classic, inviting look.
Serve these delectable sandwiches immediately while they are hot and at their peak flavor. For a truly complete and balanced meal, we highly recommend serving them alongside a refreshing Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad on the side, adding a crisp, tangy counterpoint to the rich main course. Enjoy every bite!
Should you have any delicious leftovers, this sausage and peppers recipe is fantastic for meal prepping! It will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or you can freeze it for longer storage, up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply defrost it in the fridge overnight, then gently reheat in the oven, over the stove in a skillet, or conveniently in the microwave until thoroughly warmed through. This makes for a quick and satisfying meal any day of the week!
Love it? Pin it!
If this mouthwatering peppers and onions recipe for Italian sausages has captured your heart and appetite, make sure you don’t lose it! Be sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you navigate away. This way, you’ll always have this fantastic grilling idea at your fingertips for your next family meal or backyard barbecue!
What to Serve with Italian Sausage Peppers and Onions?
While these incredibly flavorful Italian sausages with peppers and onions are delicious enough to stand on their own, they truly shine when paired with the right side dishes. The classic pairing is undoubtedly with Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad, which offers a refreshing, tangy crunch that perfectly complements the savory richness of the main course. But if you’re looking to get a little more creative with your bean salad, why not transform it into one of these exciting recipes? Try an authentic Italian Bean Salad, a zesty Mexican Bean Salad, a comforting Creamy Italian Four Bean Pasta Salad, or this hearty and unique Five Bean Ham & Rice Salad.
Beyond bean salads, a wide array of side dishes or salads would go nicely with these sausages and peppers. Consider serving them with a creamy potato salad, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, some grilled corn on the cob, or even a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh pasta salad. The versatility of this dish means you can easily tailor your sides to suit any occasion or dietary preference.
FAQs About This Delightful Meal
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What do Italians eat sausage and peppers with? Sausage and peppers are widely considered a beloved Italian street food. Traditionally, they are most often served nestled in a sturdy Italian roll or sandwich bread, allowing you to enjoy this flavorful combination as a handheld meal.
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What to serve sausage peppers and onions over? While hoagie rolls are the classic choice, sausage peppers and onions are incredibly versatile! They can be enjoyed over a variety of bases such as soft hot dog buns, fluffy rice for a lighter meal, or tossed with your favorite pasta for a complete and hearty dish. For an extra touch of decadence, brioche buns would wonderfully complement the savory flavors with their rich, slightly sweet notes.
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Do they eat sausage and peppers in Italy? Yes, absolutely! Italians do enjoy sausage and peppers, especially as a popular street food. It’s a common sight at festivals, markets, and gatherings, where vendors serve up this comforting and flavorful dish in a casual, accessible way.
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Can I cook Italian Sausage and Peppers indoors? Absolutely! If outdoor grilling isn’t an option, you can easily cook both the sausages and the peppers and onions in a large cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed frying pan on your stovetop. Simply follow the same cooking method for the sausages (browning them and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F), then sauté the vegetables until tender.
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What kind of buns or bread are best? Traditional hoagie rolls are ideal for their size and ability to hold all the fillings. However, ciabatta rolls offer a nice crusty exterior, brioche buns add a touch of sweetness and richness, and even crusty French bread can work well, especially if you slice it and serve the mixture open-faced.
Flavorful Substitutions and Creative Variations:
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have available. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Any kind of sausage can be used to make this dish your own. While sweet Italian sausages are classic, feel free to substitute with spicy Italian sausages for an extra kick, or opt for chicken sausages or turkey sausages for a lighter, leaner alternative.
- Instead of using a full trio of bell peppers, feel free to simplify! You can use just red bell pepper for maximum sweetness, just green bell pepper for a more pungent flavor, or just yellow bell pepper. Any single color or combination will still yield delicious results.
- For an extra layer of flavor and moisture, consider drizzling some warm marinara sauce over the top of your assembled sandwiches before serving. (Just be sure to grab a napkin for this delightfully messy addition!)
- If you’re cooking for a crowd, camping, or simply looking for an effortless cleanup, prepare these peppers and onions in a disposable aluminum pan. It’s incredibly convenient and makes washing up a breeze!
- Alternatively, transform this recipe into a satisfying skillet meal. Simply slice the cooked sausages into rounds and toss them directly with the sautéed peppers and onions. For an even heartier dish, consider adding some cubed potatoes to the skillet, cooking them until tender alongside the vegetables.
Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Results
Elevate your grilled Italian sausages and peppers with these practical tips and tricks:
- Instead of placing the onions and peppers directly into an oil-coated pan, for more even distribution and seasoning, you can first place them in a large bowl. Drizzle them with a bit of olive oil and toss them thoroughly to coat before transferring them to the hot pan. This ensures every piece gets a touch of oil and seasoning.
- Foil packs offer another fantastic method for cooking peppers and onions, especially if you prefer to cook them with indirect heat on the grill or want to maximize cleanup ease. Simply fold sturdy aluminum foil into a pouch, add your seasoned vegetables, and seal tightly before placing it on the grill.
- If you don’t have an outdoor grill, or if the weather isn’t cooperating, don’t fret! You can still enjoy this delicious meal. Cook the Italian sausages, peppers, and onions perfectly in a cast iron pan or any large frying pan right on your stove. The flavors will be just as robust and satisfying.
- Avoid overcrowding your skillet when sautéing the vegetables. If you put too many peppers and onions in the pan at once, they will steam instead of sauté, resulting in a less caramelized and flavorful outcome. Cook them in batches if necessary.
- For an extra layer of texture and flavor, lightly toast your hoagie rolls or buns on the grill or in a dry skillet for a minute or two before assembling your sandwiches. This adds a delightful crispness and helps prevent the bread from getting soggy.
- If you enjoy a hint of smoky flavor, consider adding a tiny pinch of smoked paprika to your vegetables along with the other seasonings. It complements the grilled sausages beautifully.
Unbeatable Reasons to Love Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad
Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad is truly a standout side dish for countless reasons. It’s a health-conscious choice, being low-calorie, naturally dairy-free, and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs. Furthermore, it boasts a fantastic amount of plant-based protein, notably from chickpeas (garbanzo beans), which are recognized as one of the top plant-based protein sources. This vibrant salad features a delicious blend of green, kidney, garbanzo, pinto, and wax beans, all beautifully accented with freshly diced onions and crisp red peppers. While they possess a delightful sweet pickled taste straight from the jar, their versatility doesn’t stop there! They are also absolutely fantastic as a savory additive to a hearty chili or integrated into a comforting ground beef & noodle skillet meal, showcasing their ability to enhance a myriad of dishes.
EXPLORE ALL MY DELICIOUS PAISLEY FARM RECIPES HERE
Ready to experience the convenience and flavor of Paisley Farm products for yourself? Find where you can pick up their delicious Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad, or any of their other fabulous offerings, by visiting their user-friendly website. While you’re there, make sure to follow Paisley Farm on their various social media channels for a constant stream of great recipes, seasonal inspiration, and cooking tips all year long. Connect with them on FaceBook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to stay updated on all their latest offerings and culinary ideas!
More Mouthwatering Ways to Cook Sausage
If you’ve fallen in love with the versatility and flavor of sausage, you’re in luck! Here are even more fantastic sausage recipes to explore and add to your culinary repertoire. From hearty soups to satisfying casseroles, there’s a sausage dish for every occasion:
- BBQ Smoked Sausage with Kraut (pictured above) – A smoky, tangy delight perfect for a hearty meal.
- Tortellini Soup with Sausage & Spinach – A comforting and flavorful soup, ideal for cooler evenings.
- Bucatini with Italian Sausage – A classic Italian pasta dish featuring robust sausage flavors.
- Sausage Cheese Dip – The ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, creamy and irresistible.
- Smoked Polish Sausage with Sauerkraut – Another great grilled option, bursting with savory and sour notes.
- Mom’s Pork Sausage Meatloaf – A comforting family favorite, made extra flavorful with pork sausage.
- Spicy Tater Tot Casserole with Sausage and Mushrooms – A fun, hearty, and slightly spicy casserole perfect for a weeknight dinner.
This classic combination of grilled Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet onions truly never disappoints. What I particularly love about this recipe is its incredible flexibility – I can effortlessly substitute ingredients based on what I have on hand in my pantry or what looks freshest and most appealing at the grocery store. It’s a versatile dish that always comes through with delicious results. I’d love to hear from you! Please let me know your favorite way to prepare and enjoy Italian sausage and peppers in the comments below.
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Print Recipe
Sweet Italian Sausages with Peppers & Onions
Equipment
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Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad, 24 oz (Pack of 6)
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
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Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
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Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle, 16.75 Inch x 9.5 Inch, Black
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Char-Broil 4-Burner Cart Style Liquid Propane Gas Grill
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Traeger Pellet Grills Pro Series 780 Pellet Bronze Grill, Smoker
Ingredients
- 6 Sweet Italian Sausages
- 1 of each: red yellow, and green bell peppers, sliced
- 1 large sweet yellow onion sliced
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
Instructions
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Preheat the grill to high heat or about 450 degrees F. Place the sausages directly on preheated grill grates, close the lid, and cook for about 5 or 6 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature of the sausage reaches 165 degrees F. When the sausages are about halfway cooked, cook your peppers and onions.
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Coat a large cast-iron skillet with oil and heat over medium heat either on your stovetop or your grill.
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Add the bell peppers and onions and saute until they become tender. You can give this process more or less time depending on your preference. Saute peppers and onions until they become tender. (you can give this process more or less time depending on your preference)
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Sprinkle with Tony Chachere’s and oregano, and toss to evenly season.
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Place grilled Sweet Italian Grilled Sausages in hoagie rolls or hot dog buns and top with peppers and onions.
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Serve hot.
Notes
You can also prepare the Italian Sausages in a skillet on your stovetop instead of the grill.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on March 23, 2015. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on April 26, 2023.