Hi, I’m Chef Emma — a classically trained chef with a heart full of Italian-American tradition and a love for simple, bold flavors. I learned the magic of food in my Nonna’s Brooklyn kitchen, where the smell of baked Italian sausage and sweet bell peppers meant one thing: dinner was going to be amazing.
My cooking philosophy? Simple ingredients, cooked with love. That’s why I adore recipes like this — they’re honest, comforting, and perfect for busy home cooks. When I’m not in the kitchen, you’ll find me gardening, sipping espresso, and writing new recipes inspired by my family’s heritage.
Follow along, and let’s bring the joy of real Italian-American food to your home. 🍅🥖
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A Simple, Flavor-Packed Summer Dinner with Italian-American Soul
Growing up in an Italian-American household, summers were filled with the sizzle of sausage, the sweet aroma of bell peppers, and my Nonna’s laughter echoing from the kitchen. One of her weeknight favourites — and now mine — was this no-fuss, sheet-pan baked Italian sausage with peppers and onions. It’s a dish that brings the family together, bursts with summer flavours, and comes together with minimal cleanup. What more could you ask for?
This is the kind of meal that checks all the boxes: it’s hearty, vibrant, satisfying, and ready in under an hour. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just need a quick weeknight dinner, this one-pan wonder makes life easy.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Italian Sausage Recipe
- ✅ One-pan cleanup
- ✅ Ready in 45 minutes
- ✅ Naturally gluten-free
- ✅ Packed with classic Italian-American flavor
- ✅ Perfect for meal prep or casual dinners
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this vibrant summer dish:
- 4 Italian sausages (sweet or spicy — your choice!)
- 3 bell peppers, assorted colours, sliced
- 1 large red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
In a large bowl, toss the sliced peppers and onions with olive oil, oregano, basil, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble on the Sheet Pan
Spread the seasoned vegetables evenly across the sheet pan. Nestle the baked Italian sausage on top of the veggies. They’ll roast beautifully and soak up all those sweet peppery juices.
Step 4: Roast Until Golden
Place the sheet pan in the oven and roast for 35–40 minutes, flipping the sausages halfway through. The sausages should be golden and cooked through (internal temp of 160°F), and the peppers tender with caramelised edges.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, and serve warm. Buon appetite!
Serving Suggestions
This dish is so versatile! Here are a few summary ways to enjoy your baked Italian sausage:
- Pile it on toasted ciabatta rolls for a classic chicken parm sandwich–style hoagie.
- Spoon over garlic butter rice or polenta for a hearty bowl meal.
- Pair with a crisp arugula salad and balsamic vinaigrette for a lighter option.
- Serve with roasted potatoes or even mashed for a comfort-food twist.
- Pair it with one-pan white cheddar mozzarella pasta to keep the sheet-pan simplicity rolling.
Pro Tips for Success Baked Italian Sausage 🔥
For Beginners:
- Don’t crowd the pan: Spread everything out so it roasts, not steams.
- Use pre-cut veggies to save time if you’re short on prep time.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer — 160°F is perfect for sausage.
For Advanced Cooks:
- Marinate your veggies with olive oil and herbs 1 hour ahead for deeper flavour.
- Use fresh herbs like oregano or thyme during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
- Make your sausage from ground meat with fennel, paprika, and red pepper flakes for total control over flavour.
Summer Ingredient Spotlight
Bell peppers are in peak season during summer, making them super sweet and vibrant — ideal for this recipe. Combine them with juicy sausage, and you’ve got the ultimate Italian-American summer dinner.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven or skillet until heated through.
- Meal prep: Cook ahead and portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches.
FAQS About Baked Italian Sausage
Can I use chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork?
Absolutely! Just keep an eye on the cook time as leaner meats can dry out more quickly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast the dish, let it cool, and reheat it later — it’s great for meal prep.
What other veggies can I add?
Zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even potatoes make fantastic additions.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave for a quick fix.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure your Baked Italian Sausage is labelled gluten-free.
Conclusion – A Taste of Summer, Any Night of the Week
This baked Italian sausage with peppers and onions brings summer straight to your plate — full of colour, comfort, and old-school flavour. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home chef, this sheet-pan dinner is your secret to effortless, delicious meals.
Cook it once, and I promise it’ll become part of your regular rotation. From my kitchen to yours — buon appetito!
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Sheet-Pan Baked Italian Sausage with Peppers & Onions
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This sheet-pan baked Italian sausage recipe with sweet bell peppers and red onions is a bold, flavor-packed Italian-American classic — perfect for a summer dinner with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
4 Italian sausages (sweet or spicy)
3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
1 large red onion, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment or foil.
2. In a bowl, toss sliced bell peppers and onion with olive oil, oregano, basil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the vegetables evenly on the sheet pan. Nestle the sausages on top.
4. Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping sausages halfway through, until they are golden and reach 160°F internally.
5. Optional: Broil for the last 2 minutes for extra caramelization.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Notes
You can substitute chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
Add cherry tomatoes or thin-sliced fennel for more variety.
Serve on toasted hoagie rolls, over rice, or with roasted potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking (Sheet Pan)
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: baked Italian sausage, sausage with peppers, sheet pan sausage