Grilled Sausage, Peppers, and Onions: An Easy Classic for Summer Grilling
Get all the smoky, charred flavors of a backyard cookout without any extra hassle.
Grilled Sausage, Peppers, and Onions: The Ultimate Summer Comfort Food
When summer arrives, there are few dishes as iconic or satisfying as grilled sausage, peppers, and onions. This classic recipe delivers juicy, flavorful Italian sausage alongside charred, sweet peppers and onions for a truly hearty and vibrant meal that’s perfect for entertaining or a weeknight dinner. Minimal prep, maximum flavor, and almost no cleanup make this one of the best grilling recipes for any outdoor cookout—or even a simple indoor meal.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple preparation: Just slice vegetables, toss with oil and seasoning, and grill with sausage.
- Versatile serving: Serve on a platter for family-style dining or on toasted rolls for killer sandwiches.
- No special equipment needed: Use either an outdoor grill or a stove-top grill pan—whatever suits your kitchen.
- Speedy and satisfying: The whole meal is ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients Overview
To recreate this flavorful dish, you’ll need a handful of fresh, colorful ingredients:
- Italian Sausage links (hot, mild, or sweet)
- Bell Peppers (red, yellow, orange, or green)
- Onions (yellow or red for sweetness and color)
- Olive Oil
- Salt & Black Pepper
- Optional Serving: Toasted sandwich rolls
Tip: Bratwurst or other sausages can be substituted for Italian sausage. Mix and match your favorite peppers for added color and variety.
Prep Tips: Getting Ready
- Cut off the sides of the bell peppers, remove stems and seeds, and slice into 1-inch strips.
- Quarter the onions through the root, then cut each quarter in half lengthwise, removing the root ends and separating the layers.
- In a large bowl, toss peppers and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
How to Cook Grilled Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
Grill Method
- Preheat grill to medium (about 375˚F) and oil the grates thoroughly.
- On one side, lay out the sausages. On the other, set down a grill basket (or heavy-duty foil) filled with your peppers and onions in a single layer.
- Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes until sausages have grill marks and veggies are slightly charred, stirring the vegetables halfway through.
- Flip the sausages and stir the veggies. Cover again and cook 5–7 minutes more, until sausages are cooked through (internal temperature 160˚F) and peppers/onions are tender and charred in spots.
- Remove sausages and vegetables and serve immediately.
Handy Tip: If you don’t have a grill basket, use a double layer of foil to prevent veggies from falling through the grates.
Stovetop Method
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium.
- Add sausages in a single layer. Cover and cook until golden on one side (5–7 minutes), then flip, cover, and cook another 5–7 minutes until 160˚F inside.
- Remove sausages to a plate. Increase heat to medium-high and add peppers and onions. Stirring occasionally, cook until soft and charred in spots, 8–10 minutes.
- Return sausages briefly to reheat, then serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- As sandwiches: Tuck sausage, peppers, and onions into toasted rolls for a classic summer sub.
- On a platter: Arrange sliced sausages and vegetables family-style for DIY assembly.
- With Italian sides: Serve alongside pasta salad, Caesar salad, or grilled zucchini.
- With classic BBQ sides: Potato salad, chips, and grilled corn are perfect pairings.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Sausage and Peppers
- Don’t boil before grilling: Grilling the sausages from raw lets them cook evenly and retain juices—no pre-boiling needed.
- Aim for medium heat: Moderate temperature ensures the inside cooks through without the casing bursting.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer—sausages should reach an internal temp of 160°F.
What others are reading
Variations and Add-Ons
- Spice it up: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the veggies for extra zip.
- Make it a one-pan meal: Add sliced potatoes to the mix and cook everything together for a heartier dish.
- Cheesy twist: Top with provolone or mozzarella cheese while warm.
- Try other sausages: Bratwurst, kielbasa, or even chicken sausage work well.
What to Serve With Grilled Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
- Classic BBQ sides: Coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or simply a bag of chips.
- Italian-inspired: Penne with pesto, Caesar salad, or garlic bread.
- Vegetable partners: Grilled corn, tomatoes, or zucchini add freshness to the plate.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Outdoor grill or grill pan: For classic char marks and smoky flavor.
- Grill basket or heavy-duty aluminum foil: Keeps sliced veggies from falling through the grill grates.
- Large bowl and tongs: For mixing and handling ingredients.
- Meat thermometer: Ensures sausages are cooked safely to 160°F.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you keep peppers and onions from falling through the grill?
Use a grill basket or a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil on the grates. Both methods keep your veggies intact and easy to stir.
Do you have to boil sausage before grilling?
No need to boil! Slow grilling at a moderate temperature cooks sausages thoroughly and keeps them juicy inside.
How long do you grill sausages?
Grill sausages over medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side. They’re done when they’re charred and reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Can I make this indoors?
Absolutely! Use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet on your stovetop. The technique and cook times are nearly identical.
What’s the best sausage to use?
Italian sausage links (your choice of sweet, mild, or hot) are traditional, but bratwurst, kielbasa, or chicken sausage are all great options.
Expert Tips for Entertaining and Leftovers
- Entertaining a crowd: Double or triple the ingredients and cook in batches, then serve family-style on a large platter so guests can build their own sandwiches or plates.
- Quick cleanup: Line the grill basket with foil for even easier post-grill clean up.
- Storing leftovers: Store cooled sausage, peppers, and onions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave for easy sandwiches or rice bowls.
Meet the Expert
The recipe featured here is developed by Erin Merhar, Food Director at ThePioneerWoman.com. With years of professional chef experience and a passion for straightforward, delicious food, Erin ensures every recipe is easy to follow and family-approved.
Nutrition Information
This grilled sausage, peppers, and onions meal is high in protein and delivers plenty of vitamins from the fresh vegetables. Choosing chicken sausages or serving on whole-grain rolls can offer lighter options. Always consider your dietary preferences or restrictions before serving.
Additional Ideas & Quick Mix-Ins
- Make it a bowl: Slice sausages and serve over steamed rice or quinoa for a gluten-free meal.
- Wrap it up: Tuck sausage and veggies in tortillas for an Italian-inspired wrap.
- Extra flavor: Sprinkle fresh basil or Italian herbs over the top right before serving.
Related Recipes
- Sausage and Pepper Skillet: Cook with potatoes in a skillet for a one-pan meal.
- Sausage-and-Peppers Burgers: Combine beef and sausage for juicy patties, topped with provolone, sautéed peppers, and onions.
- Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies: Roast everything in the oven for another set-and-forget option.
Summary
Whether you’re manning the grill outdoors or keeping it cozy indoors, grilled sausage, peppers, and onions is a winning recipe. With just a few simple steps, you can deliver bold flavors and a deeply satisfying meal—perfect any night of the week.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a36079335/grilled-sausage-peppers-onions/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4TRm8HNlIc
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a34876039/sausage-and-peppers-burgers-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a32380541/sheet-pan-sausage-and-pepper-hoagies-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybR3vKhtMZ4
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g37078352/italian-sausage-recipes/
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