Italian sausage is a flavorful and versatile ingredient that can be the star of many meals. Whether you’re grilling, pan-frying, or baking it, Italian sausage brings a robust taste that’s both comforting and satisfying. But what are the best dishes to serve alongside to create a complete and balanced meal? If you’re wondering What To Serve With Italian Sausage, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will explore a variety of delectable pairings, from classic pasta dishes to fresh salads and hearty vegetable sides, ensuring your Italian sausage meal is a culinary success.
Titled Photo Collage (and shown): Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Before we dive into the side dishes, let’s quickly touch upon a fantastic way to enjoy Italian sausage itself: Sausage and Peppers.
Classic Pairing: Italian Sausage and Peppers
Sausage and Peppers is arguably the most iconic and beloved way to enjoy Italian sausage. This dish is simple to make, bursting with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a staple at Italian festivals, family gatherings, and weeknight dinners for good reason.
Italian Sausage, Onions and Peppers Skillet
Why Sausage and Peppers Works So Well:
- Flavor Harmony: The sweetness of bell peppers and onions perfectly complements the savory and slightly spicy notes of Italian sausage.
- Textural Contrast: The tender sausage, slightly caramelized vegetables, and optional crusty bread create a delightful textural experience.
- Ease of Preparation: Sausage and Peppers is a relatively quick and easy dish to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
If you’re interested in making Sausage and Peppers, here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to get you started:
Italian Sausage Peppers and Onions Recipe
This recipe focuses on a skillet version of Italian Sausage and Peppers, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference)
- 1 cup white onion, sliced
- 1 cup red onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, sliced
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or red wine for richer flavor, if not on low-carb diets)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil
Instructions:
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Sear the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage links and cook for about 2 minutes per side, until browned. The sausage doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage.
close up view of Italian sausage in a skillet. -
Slice and Set Aside: Remove sausage from the skillet and place on a cutting board. Slice into rounds or chunks and set aside.
overhead view of bell pepper and onions in a cast iron skillet. -
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add bell peppers, sliced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 5 minutes or until onions become translucent and peppers are slightly tender.
bell pepper and sausage in a cast iron skillet -
Deglaze and Simmer: Pour chicken broth (or red wine) into the skillet, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits (this adds extra flavor!). Return the sliced sausage to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
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Finish Cooking: Uncover the skillet, increase heat to medium-high, and cook for another 3 minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated and the sausage is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the sausage reaches 160°F (71°C).
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and basil before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Sausage and Peppers:
- On Hoagie Rolls: A classic way to enjoy Sausage and Peppers is piled high on hoagie rolls or Italian bread. Consider adding provolone cheese for a delicious sausage and peppers sandwich.
- Over Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti, for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- With Polenta or Grits: Creamy polenta or cheesy grits make an excellent base for Sausage and Peppers.
- As a Skillet Meal: Enjoy it as is, straight from the skillet, perhaps with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Beyond Sausage and Peppers: More Ideas for What to Serve with Italian Sausage
While Sausage and Peppers is a fantastic dish on its own or as a sandwich filling, Italian sausage is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide range of side dishes. Let’s explore some other delicious options when considering what to serve with Italian sausage:
Pasta Perfection
Pasta is a natural partner for Italian sausage. The rich flavors of the sausage complement various pasta shapes and sauces beautifully.
- Pasta with Tomato Sauce: A simple marinara or a robust meat sauce with Italian sausage is a comforting and classic choice. Consider adding vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to your sauce.
- Creamy Pasta Dishes: Italian sausage also works wonderfully with creamy pasta sauces like Alfredo, vodka sauce, or a creamy pesto.
- Baked Ziti or Lasagna: Incorporate Italian sausage into baked pasta dishes like ziti or lasagna for added depth of flavor and heartiness.
- Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe: This Southern Italian classic features “little ear” pasta with bitter broccoli rabe and savory sausage.
- Pasta Primavera with Sausage: Add Italian sausage to a vibrant Pasta Primavera with seasonal vegetables for a balanced and flavorful dish.
Vegetable Sides: Fresh and Flavorful
To balance the richness of Italian sausage, consider serving it with fresh and flavorful vegetable sides.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers (beyond just in the sausage dish itself!), zucchini, asparagus, or root vegetables (carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes) are all excellent choices. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and creates a delightful caramelized flavor.
- Grilled Vegetables: If you’re grilling your sausage, throw some vegetables on the grill too! Grilled zucchini, eggplant, corn on the cob, and bell peppers are all fantastic.
- Salads: A fresh salad provides a welcome contrast to the richness of Italian sausage. Consider:
- Caprese Salad: Simple and classic with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Italian Chopped Salad: A hearty salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, cheese, and Italian dressing.
- Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: The peppery arugula and bright lemon dressing cut through the richness of the sausage.
- Cucumber and Tomato Salad: Refreshing and light, especially good in warmer months.
- Sautéed Greens: Sautéed spinach, kale, or Swiss chard with garlic and olive oil are healthy and flavorful sides.
Starchy Sides: Hearty and Satisfying
For a more substantial meal, starchy sides are a great option to serve with Italian sausage.
- Potatoes:
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes, whether classic or with herbs and garlic, are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting and classic pairing. Consider adding roasted garlic or parmesan for extra flavor.
- Potato Wedges or Fries: For a more casual meal, potato wedges or fries are a fun and tasty option.
- Potato Salad: A classic potato salad, whether creamy or vinaigrette-based, can be a great side, especially for barbecues or picnics.
- Polenta or Grits: Creamy polenta or cheesy grits provide a smooth and comforting base for Italian sausage.
- Rice or Risotto: Simple white rice, brown rice, or a flavorful risotto can complement Italian sausage nicely. Consider a mushroom risotto or a Parmesan risotto.
- Bread: Crusty Italian bread, garlic bread, or focaccia are always welcome additions to an Italian sausage meal. Use them to soak up delicious sauces or enjoy alongside roasted vegetables.
Other Delicious Pairings
- Beans: White beans (cannellini or Great Northern) sautéed with garlic and herbs, or a hearty bean stew, are excellent vegetarian sides that pair well with sausage.
- Lentils: Lentil soup or braised lentils can be a flavorful and nutritious side dish.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide a refreshing crunch and contrast to the richness of the sausage, especially in a sandwich or casual setting.
- Cauliflower Mash or Cauliflower Rice: For lower-carb options, mashed cauliflower or cauliflower rice are excellent substitutes for potatoes or rice.
- Pizza Topping: Use cooked Italian sausage as a flavorful pizza topping, paired with peppers, onions, mushrooms, or other favorite toppings.
- Soup Ingredient: Add Italian sausage to hearty soups like minestrone, lentil soup, or pasta e fagioli for added flavor and protein.
Tips for Choosing Side Dishes
- Consider the Cooking Method: If you’re grilling your sausage, grilled vegetables or a fresh salad are natural pairings. If you’re making a hearty skillet dish, creamy polenta or mashed potatoes might be more fitting.
- Think About Balance: Balance the richness of the sausage with lighter, fresher sides like salads or roasted vegetables. If you’re serving a rich pasta dish with sausage, a simple green salad can provide a welcome contrast.
- Seasonality: Choose seasonal vegetables for the freshest and most flavorful side dishes.
- Your Preferences: Ultimately, the best side dishes are the ones you and your family enjoy the most! Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite pairings.
Italian Sausage, Onions and Peppers Skillet in a close-up shot
Frequently Asked Questions about Italian Sausage
Is Italian Sausage Precooked?
No, unlike some smoked sausages, Italian sausage is typically made with raw ground pork or beef and needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to be safely consumed. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Should You Boil Italian Sausage Before Cooking?
For most recipes, including skillet dishes like Sausage and Peppers, boiling Italian sausage is not necessary and can actually reduce its flavor. Searing or grilling the sausage directly allows it to develop a flavorful crust. However, some people prefer to boil it briefly to reduce fat content before grilling or pan-frying.
What Does Italian Sausage Taste Like?
Italian sausage is known for its robust and savory flavor. It’s typically seasoned with fennel seeds, garlic, and other spices. Sweet Italian sausage has a milder flavor, while hot Italian sausage includes red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. The specific flavor profile can vary depending on the brand and recipe.
Other Italian Sausage Recipes to Try
If you love Italian sausage, here are a few more recipe ideas to explore:
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One-Pan Italian Sausage Meal-Prep Bowls: Combine Italian sausage with vegetables and grains for easy and healthy meal prep bowls.
Image showcasing One-Pan Italian Sausage Meal-Prep Bowls, a healthy and convenient meal option with sausage and vegetables. -
Italian Sausage Cauliflower Rice Skillet: A low-carb skillet dish featuring Italian sausage and cauliflower rice.
Image featuring Italian Sausage Cauliflower Rice Skillet, a flavorful and low-carb alternative to traditional sausage dishes. -
One-Pan Sausage with Sweet Potato and Asparagus: Combine Italian sausage with sweet potatoes and asparagus for a balanced and nutritious one-pan meal.
Image highlighting One-Pan Sausage with Sweet Potato and Asparagus, showcasing a colorful and healthy sausage and vegetable combination. -
Air Fryer Sausage: Cook Italian sausage quickly and easily in an air fryer for a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Image presenting Air Fryer Sausage, demonstrating a quick and easy cooking method for achieving crispy and delicious sausage.
Conclusion
Italian sausage is a culinary workhorse, capable of starring in countless delicious meals. From the classic Sausage and Peppers to a wide array of pasta dishes, vegetable sides, and starchy accompaniments, the possibilities for what to serve with Italian sausage are truly endless. Experiment with these ideas, explore your own favorite flavors, and enjoy the satisfying and flavorful experience that Italian sausage brings to your table. Buon Appetito!
