If you are craving a hearty, colorful, and utterly satisfying dish, this Sausage and Peppers Bake Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten your mealtime. It combines juicy Italian chicken or turkey sausages with vibrant bell peppers and onions, all roasted to perfection with fragrant herbs and spices. This one-pan wonder is a breeze to prepare and offers a comforting blend of savory flavors and delightful textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Sausage and Peppers Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet essential ingredients come together effortlessly to create a vibrant dish full of flavor, texture, and color. Each item contributes its own role in making this Sausage and Peppers Bake Recipe something special and memorable.

Precooked Italian chicken or turkey sausage (12 ounces): A lean, flavorful protein base that makes this dish light but hearty.
Red bell pepper (1 medium): Adds sweetness and a beautiful red hue that brightens the plate.
Yellow bell pepper (1 medium): Provides a mellow flavor and cheerful contrast in color to the red pepper.
Yellow onion (1 small): Offers a savory depth and slight sweetness when roasted.
Extra virgin olive oil (3 tablespoons): Enhances richness and helps roast the vegetables until tender and caramelized.
Red wine vinegar (2 teaspoons): Adds a pleasant tanginess balancing the sausages’ savoriness.
Garlic cloves (2, minced): Packs an aromatic punch that infuses the whole dish with warmth.
Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the natural flavors.
Dried basil (1/2 teaspoon): Adds an earthy, herbaceous note that pairs perfectly with sausage.
Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a slightly peppery and aromatic flavor typical of Italian cooking.
Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a gentle heat to lift the flavors.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon plus extra to taste): Offers a subtle spicy kick that you can adjust to your liking.
Optional garnishes: Fresh basil, chopped parsley, or Parmesan cheese to add freshness and richness on top.

How to Make Sausage and Peppers Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the oven and baking sheet

First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This small prep step makes the cooking process smoother and cleanup quicker, so you can enjoy your meal with minimal fuss.

Step 2: Arrange the ingredients on the pan

Next, slice the precooked sausage into 1/2-inch rounds and slice the bell peppers and onion into 1/4-inch strips. Arrange all these cut ingredients in the center of your prepared baking sheet, creating a colorful mound of sausage and vegetables ready to be roasted.

Step 3: Season and toss

Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar evenly over the sausage and peppers. Sprinkle the minced garlic, kosher salt, dried basil, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes on top. Gently toss everything together to coat uniformly with the olive oil and spices. Then spread it out in a single layer on the pan, ensuring that each piece has space to roast beautifully rather than steam.

Step 4: Bake until tender and flavorful

Place the pan in the preheated oven and roast for 25 to 35 minutes. Halfway through, give everything a toss to promote even cooking and caramelization. When done, the peppers should be tender but still hold their shape, and the sausages warmed through with a lightly crisped edge.

How to Serve Sausage and Peppers Bake Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes takes this dish to the next level. Sprinkle thinly sliced fresh basil or chopped parsley over the top for a burst of herbal brightness. A dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty finish that perfectly complements the roasted sausage and peppers.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up all the flavorful juices. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad or creamy polenta which will balance the savory richness of the sausage and peppers.

Creative Ways to Present

Try turning the Sausage and Peppers Bake Recipe into a filling for sandwiches or wraps, layering it with melty provolone or mozzarella cheese. You can also toss the bake with cooked pasta for a quick dinner, transforming leftovers into a whole new meal everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftover sausage and peppers in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this delicious dish again throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to save this Sausage and Peppers Bake Recipe for longer, freezing is a great option. Freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the bake gently in a 350-degree oven until heated through and the peppers regain some tenderness. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option, but reheating in the oven helps maintain the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use raw sausage instead of precooked?

Absolutely! If you use raw sausage, just adjust the cooking time accordingly, making sure the sausages are cooked through completely before serving. You might want to brown the raw sausage in a skillet first for even cooking.

What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?

You can substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a similar tangy brightness. Each option will add its own unique flavor touch to the dish.

Can this dish be made vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the sausage for hearty roasted vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant, or a plant-based sausage alternative. The peppers and onion still provide a wonderful base of flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes give a gentle kick, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less according to your preference. It can be as mild or as spicy as you like.

What wine pairs well with Sausage and Peppers Bake Recipe?

A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese pairs beautifully with the herb-seasoned sausage and roasted peppers, enhancing the flavors without overpowering the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage and Peppers Bake Recipe is a true home-cooked classic that brings together simple ingredients with big, comforting flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners, and so versatile to serve and enjoy. Do yourself a favor and try this recipe soon — I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to meals to share with friends and family!