Easy Baked Italian Sausage and Peppers

Oven-baked Italian sausage and peppers with caramelized bell peppers, onions, garlic, and optional jalapeños. This easy Italian sausage recipe features juicy sausage roasted with olive oil and herbs, perfect for weeknight dinners, sandwiches, or hearty family meals. One-pan baked sausage and peppers served with Italian bread or over pasta for classic Italian flavors at home.

Ingredients

• 2 bell peppers (any color), medium to large, cored and thinly sliced
• 1–2 jalapeños, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 large yellow or sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 2–3 garlic cloves, very thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ lb Italian sausage (hot or sweet), cut into 4-inch pieces
• Italian flat-leaf parsley, leaves only, for garnish (optional)
• Rolls or Italian bread, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Spread the bell peppers, onion, garlic, and fennel seeds (if using) on a large rimmed baking sheet. Season generously with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and toss until evenly coated.
3. Roast the vegetables for 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and stir well. Return to the oven and roast for another 20 minutes, until the vegetables are very soft and lightly caramelized at the edges.
4. Arrange the sausage pieces on top of the vegetables. Roast for 8–10 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F for pork sausage or 165°F for chicken sausage).
5. Move the pan to the top rack, switch the oven to broil on high, and broil briefly until the sausage is nicely browned. Watch closely to avoid burning.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot, on its own or tucked into rolls for sandwiches.

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Tips

• Slice the vegetables evenly so they cook at the same rate.
• For extra caramelization, avoid overcrowding the pan—use two sheet pans if needed.
• Let the sausage rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use chicken or turkey Italian sausage for a lighter version.
• Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.
• Skip the jalapeños and use red pepper flakes instead for adjustable heat.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast everything ahead and reheat in the oven or skillet before serving.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time and focus mainly on browning during the broil step.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes.
• Spoon over cooked pasta with a drizzle of olive oil.
• Use as a filling for hoagie rolls or crusty Italian bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple, one-pan preparation with minimal cleanup.
• Bold Italian flavors from caramelized vegetables and sausage.
• Easy to customize and perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.