Y'all, I'm so pumped to share this easy baked Italian sausage recipe with you! If you're looking for a fast, flavorful oven dinner that feels like you're biting into a giant meatball sandwich minus the bread, then you need this in your back pocket.
We're talking plump, juice-dripping sausages nestled up with sweet bell peppers, onions kissed with char and popped bubbles of blistered cherry tomato sauce all coming together in a massive sauce party.
I'm telling you, that oven is gonna turn those humble little sausages into absolute rockstars. They'll go from ordinary to extraordinary once they soak up all the garlic-scented olive oil and mingle with the peppers and tomatoes. The Italian seasoning works its magic to give that iconic zing too.
In about half an hour, this crazy easy recipe will have your kitchen smelling like you took a quick vacation to Italy and back. Now let's get to cooking, folks! I'll have you covered on all the ins and outs of crafting this sensation. Just get ready for some major flavor domination in every tasty bite!
What You Need For Baked Italian Sausage Recipe
Italian Sausages - These provide a hearty meat base and that quintessential Italian flavor. I recommend using raw pork sausages seasoned with traditional Italian herbs and spices.
Bell Peppers - The mix of red, yellow, and orange peppers adds a nice crunch and subtle sweetness to balance out the sausages. Their bright color also livens up the dish.
Onions - Sliced onions contribute texture and the way they caramelize adds a depth of flavor you can't replicate any other way.
Cherry Tomatoes - These cute little tomatoes roast up sweet, slightly charred, and burst in your mouth for little pops of brightness.
Olive Oil - Good quality extra virgin olive oil gives that authentic Italian flavor and allows everything to caramelize properly.
Italian Seasoning - This herb blend builds on the Italian sausage flavor, infusing the veggies with iconic notes of basil, oregano, rosemary, and parsley.
Garlic Powder - Just a touch of garlic powder enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
Salt & Pepper - These basic seasonings sharpen and improve the overall flavor profile.
What Kind Of Italian Sausage Works Best?
- traditional pork sausage tends to be more authentic and flavorful compared to chicken or turkey varieties. Several sources mention Duroc pork specifically for its good fat-to-lean ratio.
- Spicy Italian sausage adds a nice kick of heat and depth of flavor from the addition of chili flakes. This makes it a versatile choice.
- Sweet Italian sausage has a milder seasoning blend but still packs lots of flavor. It may appeal to those who don't like much heat.
How To Make Oven Baked Italian Sausage
- Preheat your oven to 400°F to get it nice and hot for baking. Be sure to use a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
- Place the sausage sausage links, sweet pepper slices, onion slices, and halved cherry tomatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle everything evenly with olive oil and sprinkle over the Italian herb seasoning blend. Toss gently with your hands until everything glistens and is evenly coated in oil and seasonings.
- Bake for 20 minutes, gently turning over halfway, until the sausages are completely cooked through and the veggies are tender with nice browned bits.
- Remove from oven when finished and serve immediately while hot and sizzling. I love to spoon over any pan juices left on the baking sheet onto each serving for extra flavor!
What if I want to make this on the stove?
You can cook the sausages and veggies in a pan and cook on the stovetop instead of baking. Cook over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are browned and cooked through.
- Use a large skillet or sauté pan. You'll need ample room to cook the sausages and vegetables. Nonstick is ideal to prevent sticking.
- Brown the raw Italian sausage links well on both sides first before removing from the pan. This helps render fat and develop flavor.
- Sauté the onions and peppers next in the same pan, adding a bit more oil if needed. Cook until tender and crisp.
- Add garlic at the end for just 30-60 seconds to prevent burning.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of wine, chicken broth, or other liquid to scrape up the browned bits. This adds lots of flavor.
- Return the sausages and simmer everything together for 10-15 minutes with seasonings until the sausages are cooked through and veggies reach desired tenderness.
Pro Tips
- Keep all equipment and ingredients chilled while making sausage to prevent sticking.
- For the best texture, use a coarse grind on the meat rather than over-grinding it into a paste.
- Cook a small test patty first to check seasonings, then adjust herbs/spices as needed.
- Brown sausage slowly over medium heat to develop a nice crust without overcooking.
How To Store
- Refrigerate properly. Be sure to store the cooked sausage with peppers and onions in an airtight glass or plastic container in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking. This prevents spoilage and keeps the flavors locked in.
- Freeze for longer storage. To enjoy this zesty sausage bake beyond 3 days, divide it into portions and pack it into freezer bags or containers. Lay flat for faster reheating later.
- Thaw safely. When ready to reuse frozen sausage and veggies, thaw overnight in the fridge. Do not thaw at room temperature or in hot water to prevent foodborne illnesses.
- Reheat thoroughly. Bake or sauté thawed or refrigerated sausage bake portions over medium-high heat until heated through, about 7-10 minutes. Use a food thermometer to confirm when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
What Can I Serve with Italian Sausage In The Oven
Salads:
- Caesar salad - the tangy dressing and crunchy romaine lettuce would contrast nicely with the richness of the sausages.
- Caprese salad - fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic would complement the Italian flavors.
- Greek salad - feta, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion would provide a fresh, bright counterpoint.
Starchy sides:
- Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes - the creaminess would balance the heartiness of the sausages.
- Polenta - the cornmeal would soak up the delicious juices and flavors.
- Pasta salad - rotini or farfalle pasta with pesto or Italian dressing would tie everything together.
Veggies:
- Roasted vegetables like peppers, onions, zucchini
- Sauteed broccoli rabe with garlic and olive oil
- Sauteed spinach with garlic
BAKING ITALIAN SAUSAGE
Did you like the recipe?
Click on a star to rate it!
Ingredients
- ½ red bell pepper sliced
- 10 oz or 283g cherry tomatoes halved
- 5 Italian sausages about 9oz or 255g
- ½ orange bell pepper sliced
- ½ yellow bell pepper sliced
- 2 tablespoons or 30ml olive oil
- 1 onion sliced
- Pinch of salt and red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons or 10ml Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon or 5g garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F or 205C. Place Italian sausages, bell peppers, onion, and cherry tomatoes on a lined baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Bake for 20-25 minutes, then serve.
Notes
- For this recipe, I recommend purchasing Italian sausage that is fresh and uncooked. If making pre-cooked sausage, the cooking time will likely be shorter. If using frozen Italian sausage, place it in the fridge to thaw overnight before cooking.
- When frying Italian sausage on the stove, add sausages and water to the skillet at the same time.
- If desired, lightly brush or spray baked Italian sausages with a bit of olive oil.
- Check Italian sausage links for doneness with a meat thermometer to be sure they've reached an internal temperature of 160 degrees F / 71 degrees C.
- Storage - keep in an airtight container inside the fridge for 3 days.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes! Allow to cool completely, then transfer into freezer bags or airtight containers. It will be kept in the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q: What is an easy-baked Italian sausage recipe?
An easy-baked Italian sausage recipe involves arranging the sausages on a baking dish, adding vegetables like peppers and onions, and baking them in the oven until fully cooked.
Q: Is there a traditional way to bake Italian sausage?
A traditional way to bake Italian sausage is to place them in the oven along with peppers, onions, and a flavorful sauce, and bake until they are cooked through and flavors meld together.
Leave a Reply