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!
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.
- 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!).
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
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
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:
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.
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.
Absolutely. Simply skip the mozzarella or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The peppers and marinara sauce lend plenty of flavor on their own.
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!
Print
Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A classic Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers recipe featuring juicy sausages with charred bell peppers and onions, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese served in soft buns. Perfect for a flavorful and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Sausages and Meat
- 4 mild or spicy Italian sausages
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 yellow onion thinly sliced
Other Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat to prepare for cooking the sausages and vegetables evenly.
- Prep the veggies: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and yellow onion with olive oil, salt, and ground black pepper until well coated. Set aside while the grill heats.
- Grill the sausage: Place the sausages directly on the grill grates and cook for 7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm or move them to indirect heat on the grill.
- Grill the veggies: Place the prepared vegetables in a grill basket and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, tossing frequently, until softened and nicely charred.
- Assemble the rolls: Place one sausage in each bun or roll. Top with grilled peppers and onions, spoon on 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Melt the cheese: Place the assembled sandwiches on the grill using indirect medium-high heat for 2 minutes or alternatively place under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and serve: Add fresh basil on top if desired and serve the sandwiches warm for the best taste.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausages depending on your heat preference.
- If you don’t have a grill basket, you can use foil with holes poked in it for grilling the veggies.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the mozzarella or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- You can substitute marinara sauce with your favorite tomato-based sauce or pizza sauce.
- Keep the sausages warm on indirect heat if grilling veggies takes longer to ensure everything is served hot.
- Adding fresh basil at the end adds a lovely fresh aroma and flavor to the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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