Irresistible Baked Italian Sausage Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Nothing beats the rich, robust flavors of a classic hearty Italian sausage recipe that brings comfort and warmth to your dinner table.

Packed with bold spices and tender meat, this dish captures the essence of rustic Italian cooking.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of savory herbs and smoky undertones.

Sausages sizzle with an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering anticipation.

The combination of fennel, garlic, and red pepper creates a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate.

Fresh ingredients transform simple sausage into a memorable meal that celebrates traditional culinary techniques.

Gather around the table and savor every delectable moment of this soul-satisfying dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 292 kcal

Servings: 5

Get These Items For Baked Italian Sausage

• Bell Peppers: Vibrant and sweet, adds colorful crunch and freshness to the dish.
• Onions: Caramelizes beautifully, providing deep, rich flavor and aromatic base.
• Garlic: Intense, pungent flavor that infuses the entire dish with robust essence.
• Olive Oil: Helps vegetables roast evenly and adds smooth, silky texture.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile of the ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and warmth to complement the sausage.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends classic Mediterranean herbs for authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle, spicy kick that elevates the entire dish.

• Italian Sausage: Hearty, spiced meat that serves as the main protein with traditional Italian flavor profile.

• Parchment Paper or Foil: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking during roasting process.

Tools To Have Ready For Baked Italian Sausage

• Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting vegetables and sausage.
• Parchment paper or foil: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Cutting board: For chopping vegetables safely.
• Sharp knife: To slice peppers and onions evenly.
• Large mixing bowl: For tossing vegetables with seasonings.
• Measuring spoons: To accurately measure salt and spices.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures sausages reach safe internal temperature.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping sausages midway through cooking.

How You Can Cook Baked Italian Sausage

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Chop and Season Veggies

Slice colorful peppers and onions into mouth-watering chunks. Sprinkle with garlic, herbs, and a pinch of spice. Drizzle with olive oil and mix until everything looks glossy and delicious.

• Arrange and Roast

Spread those vibrant veggies across the baking sheet. Nestle the sausages right on top of the veggie bed. Pop the tray into the heated oven and let the magic happen.

• Cook to Perfection

Roast for about 25-30 minutes, giving those sausages a flip halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they hit 160F and look beautifully browned. For an extra crispy finish, blast them under the broiler for a quick 2-3 minutes. Pull out and let the mouthwatering aroma fill your kitchen.

Smart Tricks For Baked Italian Sausage

• Perfect Sausage Secrets: Crisp Exterior, Juicy Interior
• Sausage Temperature Trick: Let sausages rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and prevent tough texture.
• Veggie Flavor Boost: Chop vegetables into similar-sized pieces for uniform roasting and maximum caramelization during baking.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Verify sausage ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free, and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference, or substitute with smoked paprika for mild warmth without intense spiciness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare vegetables and sausages the night before, store in the refrigerator, and pop into the oven when ready to cook for a quick weeknight meal.

Ways To Dish Out Baked Italian Sausage

• Comforting Family Feast: Serve this hearty baked sausage dish with warm, crusty bread to soak up delicious pan juices and catch every flavor drop.
• Pasta Paradise: Toss the cooked sausage and roasted vegetables over al dente pasta like penne or rigatoni for a complete and satisfying Mediterranean-style meal.
• Rustic Rice Bowl: Spoon the sausage and vegetable mixture over fluffy white or brown rice, creating a filling dinner that delivers amazing textures and robust flavors.
• Fresh Side Salad: Complement the rich dish with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the meal's heartiness and add refreshing contrast.

How To Keep Baked Italian Sausage Tasty

• Quick Meal Prep: Chop vegetables and slice sausages in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days before cooking. This strategy saves precious time during busy weeknights.
• Refrigeration Trick: Store leftover baked sausages and vegetables in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Cool completely before refrigerating to maintain optimal texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Package cooled sausages and vegetables in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. These meals will stay fresh for up to 3 months, providing convenient future dinners with minimal preparation.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or thawed sausages in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring they reach 165F internal temperature. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent rubbery texture and maintain delicious crispy edges.

Hearty Italian Sausage Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Baked Italian Sausage with peppers and onions delivers classic Mediterranean comfort on a single sheet pan. Rustic ingredients meld together, creating a simple weeknight meal packed with robust flavors that satisfy hungry diners.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) Italian sausage links (mild, sweet, or spicy)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Ignite the oven to a sizzling 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for seamless cooking.
2. Vegetable Composition: Artfully dice bell peppers and onions into consistent morsels, then finely chop garlic to unleash its robust flavor profile.
3. Seasoning Symphony: Toss the chopped vegetables with olive oil, introducing a medley of Italian herbs, salt, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes to create a flavor-packed foundation.
4. Roasting Configuration: Spread the herb-infused vegetable mixture across the parchment-lined sheet in a uniform layer, strategically positioning Italian sausages atop the vegetable canvas.
5. Culinary Transformation: Roast the ensemble for 25-30 minutes, rotating sausages midway to ensure comprehensive cooking and achieving a golden-brown exterior with internal temperature reaching 160F (71C).
6. Finishing Touch: Optional broiling for 2-3 minutes creates a delectable caramelized surface, watching intently to prevent scorching while elevating the dish’s visual and gustatory appeal.

Notes

• Optimize Sausage Placement: Position sausages with slight spacing to guarantee even heat circulation and consistent golden-brown exterior without steaming.
• Manage Moisture Control: Pat sausages dry before roasting to enhance caramelization and prevent excess liquid preventing proper browning during cooking process.
• Select Smart Sausage Variants: Choose high-quality Italian sausages with balanced fat content for maximum flavor and juiciness, preferring fresh over pre-cooked options.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal sausage temperature reaches exact 160F, preventing undercooking while maintaining succulent texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 292
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 703 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg