If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with bold, comforting flavors yet comes together without fuss, this Sheet-Pan Sausage & Peppers Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine juicy Italian sausages roasting alongside sweet, colorful bell peppers and onions—all cooked on one pan for a vibrant, hearty dinner that’s as simple as it is satisfying. This dish not only fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas but also delivers that perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and savory goodness with minimal cleanup to worry about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Sheet-Pan Sausage & Peppers Recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding vibrant color, a punch of flavor, or a delicious texture. The simplicity of these components is what makes the final dish feel both fresh and homey.
- Italian sausage links (1 pound): Choose mild or spicy based on your heat preference, their robust flavor forms the heart of the dish.
- Bell peppers (3, red, yellow, and green): These add a sweet crunch and a pop of color that makes each bite delightful.
- Large red onion (1): Brings natural sweetness and a tender texture when roasted alongside the sausages.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps everything roast beautifully without sticking, while adding a subtle richness.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean aroma.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the savory notes and adds depth without overpowering.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and elevates all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds mild heat and a touch of sharpness.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional): A bright garnish that freshens up the finished dish.
How to Make Sheet-Pan Sausage & Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Lining a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil will keep things clean and make roasting the ingredients effortless.
Step 2: Arrange the Ingredients
On the prepared sheet pan, place your Italian sausage links along with the sliced bell peppers and red onion. Drizzle everything evenly with olive oil to ensure caramelization that brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies and enriches the sausages.
Step 3: Season and Toss
Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the sausages and vegetables. Gently toss just the vegetables to coat them thoroughly in the seasoning and oil, keeping the sausages nestled on top or between the vegetables for even cooking.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Bake the sausage and peppers in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip the sausages halfway through cooking to encourage an even crisp exterior and juicy interior. By the end, the sausages should be nicely browned and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), while the peppers and onions soften and caramelize to perfection.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
If you like, finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness before serving.
How to Serve Sheet-Pan Sausage & Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
A little sprinkle of fresh parsley brings brightness and a lovely herbal touch that balances the savoriness of the sausage and the sweetness of the roasted peppers beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crusty hoagie rolls to turn it into a hearty sandwich, fluffy steamed rice to soak up every flavorful bite, or roasted potatoes for extra comfort and texture variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can slice the sausages before roasting so every bite is already perfectly portioned, making it a great addition to salads, pasta, or even as a topping for pizza. Add extra veggies such as cherry tomatoes or zucchini to the sheet pan for an even more colorful, nutrient-packed meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making your next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
If you want to keep this meal longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven or on the stovetop to help keep the sausage juicy and the peppers tender, rather than using a microwave, which might make the veggies soggy.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked sausage for this Sheet-Pan Sausage & Peppers Recipe?
While pre-cooked sausage is possible, using raw Italian sausage links gives you the juiciest, most flavorful results since they roast and caramelize together with the peppers and onions.
What type of sausage works best for this recipe?
Traditional Italian sausage links, either mild or spicy, work best here. Their seasoning complements the peppers beautifully and roasting them whole keeps them nice and juicy.
Is it necessary to flip the sausages during baking?
Flipping halfway through encourages even browning and ensures the sausages cook evenly on all sides, delivering better texture and flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this Sheet-Pan Sausage & Peppers Recipe?
Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms can be great additions that roast well alongside the peppers and add extra layers of flavor and texture.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on the sausage you choose. Mild Italian sausage keeps it approachable for everyone, while spicy types add a nice kick. You can also adjust by adding crushed red pepper flakes if you want more heat.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet-Pan Sausage & Peppers Recipe is such a winner when you want a fuss-free, colorful, and flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day. It’s easy to customize, quick to prep, and even better as leftovers—so I definitely encourage you to give it a try and make it a staple in your dinner rotation!
Print
Sheet-Pan Sausage & Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Sheet-Pan Sausage & Peppers recipe delivers a delicious and easy Italian-American meal featuring savory Italian sausage links baked alongside vibrant bell peppers and red onions. Coated in olive oil and seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic powder, the sausage and vegetables roast together to caramelized perfection on a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish can be served on hoagie rolls, over rice, or with roasted potatoes, offering a flavorful and hearty main course.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound Italian sausage links (mild or spicy)
Vegetables
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced
- 1 large red onion, sliced
Seasonings and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup after baking.
- Prepare Ingredients on Sheet Pan: Arrange the Italian sausage links, sliced bell peppers, and red onion evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the vegetables gently to coat them evenly with the seasonings and oil, while keeping the sausages positioned on top or nestled between the veggies.
- Bake: Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. About halfway through the cooking time, flip the sausage links to ensure they brown evenly. Continue baking until the sausages are cooked through (an internal temperature of 160°F or 71°C) and the vegetables are tender with slight caramelization.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the sheet pan from the oven and optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve the sausage and peppers hot, either on hoagie rolls, over steamed rice, or alongside roasted potatoes.
Notes
- You can slice sausages before baking for faster cooking or keep them whole for juicier results.
- Add cherry tomatoes or zucchini to the sheet pan for extra color and enhanced flavors.
- This dish works well for meal prep as leftovers reheat beautifully.
