Name: Grilled Italian Sausage with Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 mild or spicy Italian sausages; 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper thinly sliced; 1 yellow onion thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt & ground black pepper to season; ½ cup marinara sauce or your favorite store bought sauce; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 4 buns or rolls of choice; Fresh basil for garnish if desired

Nothing beats the smoky, juicy goodness of a classic Grilled Italian Sausage with Peppers Recipe for a quick, flavorful meal. Juicy sausages grilled alongside colorful bell peppers and onions make for an irresistible combo I love sharing with friends.

Four hot dogs inside white buns are placed on a white marbled surface. Each hot dog has a grilled sausage with browned skin, topped with a mix of grilled red, yellow, and orange thinly sliced bell peppers and onions that have slightly blackened edges. A white sauce is drizzled over all the hot dogs in thick zigzag lines. A small piece of lemon is visible near the top right corner. The image shows close-up detail of the hot dogs’ textures and vibrant colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Italian Sausage with Peppers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Italian Sausage with Peppers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Italian Sausage with Peppers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Every time I fire up the grill for this sausage and peppers recipe, it never fails to impress with its simplicity and bold flavors. It’s often my go-to when I want something satisfying but fuss-free.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes total, perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Flavor-Packed: The juicy Italian sausages paired with charred peppers and onions create mouthwatering layers of taste.
Customizable Heat: Use mild or spicy sausages depending on your mood or guests’ preferences.
All-in-One Meal: Serve it in buns topped with marinara and melted mozzarella for a hearty and complete dinner.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe uses straightforward, familiar ingredients that come together beautifully. When shopping, pick fresh, firm bell peppers and quality Italian sausages since they’re the stars here.

Flat lay of four fresh Italian sausages with natural casing, thinly sliced red bell pepper strips, thinly sliced yellow bell pepper strips, thinly sliced yellow onion rings, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of vibrant red marinara sauce, a small white bowl filled with shredded mozzarella cheese, a few whole fresh basil leaves, and two plain soft buns, all arranged symmetrically in a balanced composition on simple white ceramic plates and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Italian sausages: The backbone of the dish; choose mild or spicy to match your flavor preference.
Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and bright color that balances the richness of the sausage.
Yellow bell pepper: Offers a mild, fruity note that complements the red pepper and onion.
Yellow onion: Contributes subtle sweetness and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Olive oil: Helps to coat and season the veggies, ensuring they grill up perfectly without sticking.
Salt & ground black pepper: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
Marinara sauce: Adds a tangy, savory element that ties the sandwich components together.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts over the sausage and veggies for creamy, gooey goodness.
Buns or rolls: Your choice here makes a big difference; sturdy rolls hold all the fillings well.
Fresh basil: Provides a fragrant, fresh finish that brightens the whole sandwich.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Grilled Italian Sausage with Peppers Recipe is just how adaptable it can be. Whether you like things spicy, mild, or packed with extra veggies, it’s super easy to tweak to your taste and occasion.

Variation: I love using spicy Italian sausage when I want an extra kick, but switching to mild is perfect for family meals with kids or anyone sensitive to heat.
Vegetarian swap: Substitute Italian sausages for plant-based sausages and grill the veggies as usual—just as satisfying and delicious!
Seasonal touch: When bell peppers are out of season, try grilling zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant instead for a different flavor profile.
Cheese options: Mozzarella is classic, but swapping it for provolone or fontina adds a lovely twist.
Serving styles: Go bun-less and serve the sausage and peppers over your favorite pasta or polenta for a hearty plate.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Italian Sausage with Peppers Recipe

A sandwich sits in a white paper-lined wire basket on a white marbled table. The sandwich is made of a soft light brown bun holding a grilled sausage that is dark brown with a slightly crispy texture. On top are grilled sliced red and yellow peppers, charred onions, and some small green basil leaves. A white creamy sauce is drizzled over the vegetables. On the side, there are thick grilled potato wedges with a browned and slightly spicy-looking seasoning. A woman's hand is reaching for the basket, and a grey cloth napkin is partially under it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat Your Grill to Medium

Start by firing up your grill and bringing it to a steady medium heat. This ensures your sausages cook evenly without burning while giving those peppers and onions a perfect char. Medium heat usually means around 350°F to 400°F on a gas grill, or when you can comfortably hold your hand above the grate for about 5-6 seconds.

Step 2: Toss the Peppers and Onions with Olive Oil and Seasoning

In a medium bowl, mix the thinly sliced red and yellow bell peppers and yellow onion with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, then toss everything together until coated nicely. This little bit of oil and seasoning helps them soften up and develop that smoky grilled flavor.

Step 3: Grill the Italian Sausages

Place your Italian sausages directly on the grill grates, spacing them out to avoid overcrowding. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, turning once halfway through. Look for a nice golden-brown color and an internal temperature of 160°F to make sure they’re cooked through but still juicy. Once done, transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil or set over indirect heat on the grill to keep warm.

Step 4: Grill Those Delicious Peppers and Onions

While the sausages are cooking, pop your seasoned peppers and onions into a grill basket. Place the basket on the grill over medium heat, tossing the veggies often for about 7-10 minutes. You’re aiming for tender, slightly charred veggies that still have a bit of snap and vibrant color.

Step 5: Assemble Your Sausage Rolls

Slice open your buns or rolls, then add one of the grilled Italian sausages to each. Pile on a generous helping of the grilled peppers and onions, then spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce on top. Finish with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese for that melty goodness.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese to Perfection

To get the mozzarella perfectly melted and gooey, place the assembled sandwiches back on the grill using indirect medium-high heat. Give them 1-2 minutes until the cheese bubbles and softens. Don’t have grill space? No worries — just slide them under your broiler for a minute or two and watch closely so they don’t burn.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve Warm

Finally, add a few fresh basil leaves on top of each sandwich if you like. The fragrant herb adds a lovely fresh note that brightens the rich flavors. Serve immediately while everything’s warm and enjoy your simple, satisfying grilled meal!

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most out of your Grilled Italian Sausage with Peppers Recipe, making the process easier and the results even more delicious.

Perfect Grill Temperature: I always preheat the grill to medium heat to ensure the sausages cook evenly without burning on the outside while the veggies get that perfect char.
Veggie Prep: Tossing the peppers and onions in olive oil with salt and pepper beforehand really boosts their flavor and helps them grill beautifully without sticking.
Cheese Melting Trick: Using indirect heat or a broiler for just 1-2 minutes melts the mozzarella perfectly without drying out your sandwich – a small step that makes a big difference!
Keep Warm Method: Tent the sausages with foil or keep them on a cooler part of the grill after cooking; it avoids overcooking and lets you grill your veggies without rushing.

How to Serve Grilled Italian Sausage with Peppers Recipe

The image shows a metal tray with three rows of food items neatly arranged. The top row has several slices of purple onion, showing layers from large halves to smaller wedges, all with a shiny, smooth texture and vibrant purple and white color. The middle row has five bell peppers, some whole and some hollowed out, in red, yellow, and orange colors with a glossy, smooth surface. The bottom row has five white hot dog buns, four closed and one open showing a soft, fluffy inside with a golden crust. All items are placed evenly on the tray with clear, bright lighting that highlights their fresh textures and colors. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil is a classic garnish that adds a bright, aromatic touch to your grilled Italian sausage sandwiches. If you want to switch things up, fresh parsley or oregano also pairs wonderfully with the flavors here. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick if you like.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines as a hearty main dish but pairs perfectly with light sides like a crisp green salad, roasted potatoes, or even a simple pasta salad. For a true Italian-inspired meal, some garlic bread or a bowl of minestrone soup would complement those grilled sausages beautifully too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover grilled sausages and peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making for a quick, tasty leftover meal or sandwich fix.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, place cooled sausages and veggies in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will maintain good quality for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently on a grill, stovetop, or in the oven at medium heat to avoid drying out the sausages. You can also melt a bit more mozzarella cheese on top when warming up to refresh that delicious gooey finish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use precooked sausage for this recipe?

Yes! If you use precooked sausages, simply grill them long enough to heat through and get some nice grill marks, then proceed with grilling the veggies and assembling your sandwiches.

What if I don’t have a grill basket for the vegetables?

No worries! You can use a piece of aluminum foil with holes poked in it to create a makeshift grill basket. This helps keep the sliced peppers and onions from falling through the grates while still allowing heat and smoke to flavor them.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap out regular buns or rolls for your favorite gluten-free options to keep the meal gluten-free without any extra steps.

What sides pair best with this sandwich?

Light sides like a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple pasta salad complement the hearty grilled Italian sausage and peppers perfectly. Garlic bread or soup also make lovely accompaniments.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Italian Sausage with Peppers Recipe is one of those straightforward yet incredibly satisfying meals that bring bold flavors together in every bite. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual family dinner or entertaining friends, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — nothing beats that juicy sausage paired with sweet, smoky peppers nestled in a warm bun. Happy grilling!