Name: Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 mild or spicy Italian sausages; 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper thinly sliced; 1 yellow onion thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt for veggies; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper for veggies; ½ cup marinara sauce or your favorite store bought sauce; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 4 buns or rolls of choice; Fresh basil for garnish if desired

If you’re craving something hearty and packed with flavor, this Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe is the perfect go-to. Juicy sausages, smoky bell peppers, and melty cheese all tucked into a soft bun—it’s a classic that never disappoints!

The image shows four hot dogs placed close to each other on a white marbled surface. Each hot dog has a soft, split bun with a browned sausage inside. On top of the sausages, there is a layer of grilled red, yellow, and orange bell peppers mixed with caramelized onions, giving a colorful and slightly charred look. Lastly, a drizzle of white creamy sauce is spread over the vegetables and sausage, adding contrast to the vibrant colors. Some lemon wedges and grilled pepper pieces are scattered around the hot dogs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this grilled sausage and peppers combo—it’s like a summer cookout in every bite. Whether it’s game day or a casual dinner, this recipe brings people together with its comforting, Italian flavors and simple prep.

Simple Ingredients: Easily found at any grocery store, making this a quick weeknight winner.
Bold Flavors: Grilling adds a smoky depth that elevates the classic sausage and peppers.
Customizable Heat: Choose mild or spicy Italian sausages to suit your taste buds.
Perfect for Sharing: Feeds four comfortably, great for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering the right ingredients sets you up for success here. Fresh, colorful bell peppers bring sweetness and color, while the sausages provide that juicy, savory punch. Opt for quality marinara and fresh mozzarella to finish things off perfectly.

Flat lay of four fresh Italian sausages with natural casings, a small pile of thinly sliced red bell pepper strips, a small pile of thinly sliced yellow bell pepper strips, a small pile of thinly sliced yellow onion rings, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red marinara sauce, a small handful of shredded mozzarella cheese on a white plate, four soft golden buns arranged neatly, and a few sprigs of fresh green basil leaves, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Italian sausages: Choose mild or spicy depending on your mood; they’re the star protein delivering rich flavor and juiciness.
Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet, smoky undertone once grilled and vibrant color to your sandwich.
Yellow bell pepper: Offers a slightly milder sweetness that balances the spice of the sausage.
Yellow onion: Brings natural sweetness and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Olive oil: Helps the veggies char nicely without sticking and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
Salt and ground black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every ingredient without overpowering.
Marinara sauce: Adds a tangy, tomatoey layer tying all the flavors together.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey perfection on top of the peppers and sausage.
Buns or rolls: Soft, sturdy bread holds everything together while soaking up the delicious juices.
Fresh basil: A fragrant garnish that adds a fresh pop of herbal brightness (totally optional but highly recommended!).

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers recipe is a fantastic foundation that you can easily tweak to your liking. Whether you want to crank up the heat, switch up the veggies, or go dairy-free, the options are endless — and delicious!

Spicy Upgrade: I love swapping mild Italian sausages for spicy ones to add an extra kick. The smoky grill flavor with a hint of heat really elevates the whole sandwich.
Dairy-Free Delight: You can skip the mozzarella or use your favorite vegan cheese to make this recipe friendly for dairy-free eaters. It’s just as tasty and keeps the sandwich melty and satisfying.
Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to toss in zucchini or mushrooms when they’re in season. I once added thinly sliced eggplant along with the peppers — it was a game changer!
Sauce Swap: Marinara is classic, but you could also use a robust pizza sauce or even a spicy arrabbiata to give your sandwich a different flavor profile.
Fresh Herbs: Don’t underestimate the power of fresh basil. Adding it at the end not only adds a burst of color but also brings a fragrant, fresh element that cuts through the rich sausage and cheese.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe

A grilled sausage placed inside a soft, light brown bun serves as the base layer. On top, there are sautéed red and yellow bell pepper strips mixed with slightly charred onion slices, adding a mix of orange, red, and white colors with a shiny texture. A thin drizzle of white sauce flows over the peppers and sausage, with small fresh green basil leaves scattered around. Beside the sandwich, there are several pieces of grilled potato wedges with a crispy, speckled brown surface. The whole dish is placed on white crumpled parchment paper inside a silver wire basket, set on a white marbled surface with a soft gray cloth partially visible underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Warm Up the Grill to Medium Heat

Start by heating your grill to medium heat. This is key because it ensures that your sausages cook through evenly without burning the outside too quickly. Medium heat is perfect to get those beautiful char marks and juicy interiors.

Step 2: Prep Your Peppers and Onions

While waiting for the grill to warm up, toss your thinly sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the yellow onion in a bowl. Drizzle with one tablespoon of olive oil and season with half a teaspoon each of salt and ground black pepper. Give it a good toss until every slice is coated — this helps the veggies soften nicely and char beautifully on the grill.

Step 3: Grill Those Sausages

Place the sausages directly on the hot grill grates. Cook each side for 7 minutes, aiming for a total of 14 minutes or until they’re cooked through and have a gorgeous golden-brown exterior. Once done, transfer the sausages to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Alternatively, you can move them to indirect heat on the grill so they stay hot while you grill the veggies.

Step 4: Grill the Vegetables to Perfection

Next, place the tossed peppers and onions into a grill basket. This keeps everything from falling through the grates and makes tossing easy. Grill over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Look for softened veggies with nicely charred edges — that smoky sweetness is what makes this sandwich sing.

Step 5: Build Your Sausage and Peppers Sandwiches

Place one grilled sausage inside each bun or roll. Load on a generous helping of the grilled peppers and onions, then spoon on 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese for that irresistible melty finish.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese Just Right

Pop the assembled sandwiches back on the grill using indirect medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. This lets the mozzarella melt without burning the buns. If you prefer, you can use your oven’s broiler for 1-2 minutes instead — just keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve Warm

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for a vibrant pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the sandwiches warm and get ready for a hearty, flavor-packed meal that’s sure to be a hit, whether for a family dinner or weekend cookout.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most out of your Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe, ensuring juicy sausages, perfectly charred veggies, and melty, flavorful sandwiches every time!

Perfect Grill Temperature: Always preheat your grill to medium heat. This gives the sausages a nice sear without burning the outside before the inside is cooked through.
Veggie Prep Matters: Tossing your bell peppers and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper ahead of time makes a huge difference in bringing out their natural sweetness and getting that beautiful char.
Keep Sausages Warm: After grilling, tent your sausages with foil or move them to indirect heat so they stay juicy and hot while you finish the veggies.
Cheese Melting Trick: Using indirect medium-high heat on the grill or a quick broil melts the mozzarella evenly without overcooking the buns.

How to Serve Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe

A silver baking tray holds four neat rows of food items arranged from top to bottom. The first row has purple onion halves and slices, layered from left to right with smooth, shiny textures and white inner rings contrasted by deep purple outer layers. The second row features whole and halved red and yellow bell peppers, displaying glossy, smooth skins with vibrant red and yellow colors. The third row has more yellow and orange bell peppers, some whole and some hollowed out, showing their shiny, textured insides. The last row consists of five golden-brown hot dog buns lined up horizontally, one of which is open revealing its soft, fluffy white inside. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves add a lovely fragrant herbaceous touch that brightens each bite. You can also sprinkle a little grated Parmesan or drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil for an elevated finish. For a bit of heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes works beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve your grilled sausage sandwiches with classic Italian sides like a crisp Caesar salad, garlicky roasted potatoes, or even a simple antipasto platter with olives and cured meats. For casual meals, crunchy kettle chips or a tangy coleslaw make tasty accompaniments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, store leftover grilled sausages, peppers, and onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3-4 days—perfect for quick weekday meals.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, place cooked sausages and grilled veggies separately in freezer-safe bags or containers. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. When reheating assembled sandwiches, pop them under the broiler for a minute to melt the cheese nicely without drying out the buns.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-cooked sausages for this recipe?

Yes! If you use pre-cooked sausages, you only need to grill them long enough to warm through and get some grill marks, about 3-4 minutes per side.

What if I don't have a grill basket for the veggies?

No worries! You can make a DIY grill basket by poking holes in a large piece of foil and placing the veggies on top. This helps them stay together and get charred without falling through the grates.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply skip the mozzarella or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The peppers and marinara sauce lend plenty of flavor on their own.

How spicy is this recipe?

It depends on your choice of sausage! You can use mild or spicy Italian sausages to control the heat level. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want extra kick.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser — simple, flavorful, and flexible. Whether for a weekend cookout or a weeknight dinner, it delivers that perfect blend of juicy sausage, sweet charred veggies, and melty cheese. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Happy grilling!