You know sometimes, you’re just in the mood for something deliciously simple yet hearty.
Ina Garten’s sausage and peppers recipe is one of those meals that hits the spot every time.
A key tip for making this recipe shine is tossing the veggies and sausage in oil and seasoning before roasting to get that crispy, caramelized finish.
You can even broil for a few extra minutes to give the sausage a perfect golden-brown texture.
Now, let’s bring the rest together!
How to Make Sausage and Peppers
Ingredients
- 1 pack (12 oz) of Italian chicken or turkey sausage, precooked, cut into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced into strips
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil, parsley, or Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2:
Lay the sausage pieces in the center of the sheet pan, and scatter the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and onions around them.
Step 3:
Drizzle the sausage and veggies with olive oil and red wine vinegar, then sprinkle on the minced garlic, kosher salt, dried basil, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Step 4:
Toss everything together to ensure it’s evenly coated, then spread the mixture in a single layer on the sheet pan.
Step 5:
Roast for 25-35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
Step 6:
(Optional) Garnish with fresh basil, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choose the Right Sausage
For best results, use Italian sausage, either pork, chicken, or turkey, depending on your preference.
Switching the sausage type alters the taste profile slightly.
Perfect Pepper Slices
Slice bell peppers uniformly so they cook evenly and retain their vibrant color and freshness.
Don’t Skip the Wine
Even a small splash of dry white wine brings out a depth of flavor and balances the dish well.
If you don’t have wine, substitute with chicken broth for a rich taste.
Pay Attention to Timing
Cook sausages thoroughly until they are no longer pink inside to ensure they are safe to eat.
It’s crucial not to overcook the veggies, as keeping them a bit crunchy enhances texture.
Experiment with Add-Ins
Add a dash of red pepper flakes for heat or throw in some sliced mushrooms for extra earthiness.
Feel free to personalize as you build your own twist on this classic duo!
What to Serve with Ina Garten Sausage and Peppers
Crusty Bread
When serving Ina Garten Sausage and Peppers, a warm loaf of crusty bread is always a fabulous choice.
Imagine tearing a piece of bread and using it to soak up those delicious juices from the sausage and peppers!
It’s such a comforting addition that everyone loves.
Creamy Polenta
You can create a lovely balance with the spices and flavors of the dish by serving it alongside a creamy polenta.
The smooth texture of polenta is simply ideal for pairing with the savory sausages and peppers.
Try adding a bit of Parmesan cheese to your polenta for an added touch of flavor.
Simple Arugula Salad
I love pairing this hearty dish with a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette.
The peppery flavor of arugula cuts through the richness of the sausage just perfectly.
Feel free to sprinkle some shaved Parmesan for a little extra flair.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts bring an unexpected twist but complement the dish beautifully.
Roast them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re crispy and caramelized.
This side provides a wonderful contrast to the sausage and peppers and adds a healthy green element to your meal.
Variations and Substitutions
You can easily switch up the type of sausage used in this recipe depending on your preference.
Try Italian chicken sausage or turkey sausage if you want a lighter option!
If you’re looking for extra spice, you can substitute the sweet sausage with hot Italian sausage.
This will give the dish a nice kick!
Change Up the Vegetables
Feel free to experiment with different kinds of peppers.
Poblano peppers can add a smokier and richer flavor compared to the usual bell peppers.
Another variation is to add more onions or even throw in some fennel for a sweet taste.
Spice and Flavor Tweaks
For those who love more herbs, try adding rosemary or thyme.
Consider increasing the oregano for a fragrant twist.
A drizzle of balsamic vinegar can transform the dish with a sweet tanginess!
These tweaks make a big difference.
Cooking Method Adjustments
You can cook this dish in a skillet if you’re short on time.
While baking gives a roasted flavor, the stovetop method can be quicker and has its own delicious taste.
Your choice of method can depend on how crispy you like your veggies.
How to Store Leftover Sausage and Peppers
When you find yourself with extra sausage and peppers, storage is key to keeping them fresh and tasty!
Firstly, ensure that your leftovers have cooled to room temperature before storing them.
This prevents any unwanted moisture from forming in your storage container.
Proper Containers
Use airtight containers or resealable plastic bags to store your sausage and peppers.
This helps retain the flavors and keep them from absorbing other scents in your fridge.
The containers make it easy to portion out servings for later!
Refrigeration
Refrigerate your leftovers as soon as possible!
You can store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Make sure the temperature is set below 40°F (4°C).
Freezing
If you plan on keeping them longer, freezing is a great option!
Place the sausage and peppers in freezer-safe containers or bags.
Remember to label with the date so you can keep track of freshness.
Your meal will last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrowding the Pan
You’ll want to give sausages and veggies space in the pan to brown beautifully.
Crowding them together will lead to steaming rather than roasting.
Ensure each piece has breathing room!
Skipping Ingredient Preparation
Skipping steps like cutting peppers and onions into uniform sizes can affect cooking.
Evenly sized pieces cook at the same rate, ensuring nothing is over or undercooked.
Take that extra minute to cut everything consistently!
Ignoring Seasoning Balance
Seasoning choices significantly impact the dish’s flavor.
Overdoing or underdoing spices like oregano, basil, and garlic can overpower or bland the dish.
Taste and adjust your seasoning to find that perfect balance!
Ina Garten Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pack 12 oz of Italian chicken or turkey sausage, precooked, cut into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 red bell pepper sliced into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced into strips
- 1 small yellow onion sliced into strips
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Fresh basil parsley, or Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Lay the sausage pieces in the center of the sheet pan, and scatter the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and onions around them.
- Drizzle the sausage and veggies with olive oil and red wine vinegar, then sprinkle on the minced garlic, kosher salt, dried basil, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Toss everything together to ensure it’s evenly coated, then spread the mixture in a single layer on the sheet pan.
- Roast for 25-35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
- (Optional) Garnish with fresh basil, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.