Name: Grilled Italian Sausage and 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; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 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

If you love a meal that’s quick, satisfying, and packed with classic Italian flavors, then this Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Juicy sausages mingle with sweet grilled peppers and onions, all tucked into a warm roll with melty cheese and fresh basil—comfort food at its finest.

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 and Peppers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this is one of those recipes I reach for when I want something easy but still full of flavor. Grilling the sausages and veggies together creates this amazing smoky char that just can’t be beat.

Simple and Flavorful: Minimal ingredients that combine beautifully for maximum taste.
Quick to Make: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Great for Grilling Season: Warm weather cooking at its best with easy cleanup.
Customizable Heat Level: Use mild or spicy Italian sausages depending on your preference.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you’re shopping for this dish, choose fresh, brightly colored bell peppers and good-quality Italian sausages—these really make a difference for flavor. Using sliced veggies means they grill quickly and get that perfect tender-crisp char.

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 star of the show—juicy, flavorful, and easy to grill.
Red and Yellow Bell Peppers: Sweet peppers add color, crunch, and a mild sweetness that balances the sausages.
Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sharpness and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Olive Oil: Helps the veggies soften and char without sticking to the grill.
Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the fresh ingredients.
Marinara Sauce: A savory, tangy topping that ties all the flavors together.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly over the peppers and sausage for that irresistible gooey finish.
Buns or Rolls: Choose soft rolls that can hold all the fillings without falling apart.
Fresh Basil: Adds a bright, fragrant pop right before serving.

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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

This Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe is wonderfully versatile, making it easy to tailor to your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you love a bit of heat, prefer a low-carb meal, or want to experiment with flavors, this dish is ready to adapt.

Spicy or Mild Sausages: I usually go for spicy Italian sausages to give the dish an exciting kick, but mild sausages work beautifully if you prefer something gentler on the palate.
Tomato Sauce Switch-up: One time, I swapped the marinara for a smoky arrabbiata sauce which added a lovely depth and extra zest to the flavors.
Grill Basket Alternatives: Don’t have a grill basket? I’ve found that wrapping the sliced peppers and onions loosely in foil with small holes poked in it seals in the smoky goodness perfectly.
Low-Carb Option: When I want to keep it lighter, I skip the buns and serve the sausages and peppers over a bed of leafy greens or alongside roasted veggies—just as satisfying!
Herb Infusion: Fresh basil is fantastic, but tossing in oregano or parsley along with basil really elevates the dish’s aromatic profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Italian Sausage and 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: Heat Things Up with Preheating the Grill

First, preheat your grill to a comfortable medium heat. This ensures a steady cooking temperature perfect for grilling the sausages and veggies without burning them. Trust me, if the grill’s too hot, the sausages risk charring outside while staying raw inside—so medium heat is key here.

Step 2: Prep the Peppers and Onions

While the grill warms up, thinly slice the red and yellow bell peppers along with a yellow onion. Toss them gently in a medium bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, plus ½ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning jumpstarts the flavors and helps the veggies soften evenly on the grill.

Step 3: Grill the Sausages to Juicy Perfection

Place the sausages directly on the grill grates and cook for 7 minutes per side. You’ll want to see nice grill marks and hear that delicious sizzle. When the sausages are cooked through, remove them and keep warm by tenting with foil or placing them on a rack over indirect heat on the grill while you work on the veggies.

Step 4: Char the Veggies for Flavor and Texture

Put your seasoned peppers and onions into a grill basket to keep everything together, and place it over medium heat. Grill for about 10 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and have those lovely lightly charred edges that bring out their natural sweetness and smoky notes.

Step 5: Assemble Your Sausage and Pepper Rolls

Grab your buns or rolls and place one grilled sausage inside each. Top with a generous helping of the grilled peppers and onions. Spoon 2 tablespoons of your marinara sauce over the veggies, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. It’s already looking like something special!

Step 6: Melt the Cheese for a Perfect Finish

To gently melt the mozzarella, place the assembled rolls back on the grill using indirect medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes. If you prefer, you can pop them under the broiler for the same amount of time—just keep a close eye so the cheese melts nicely without burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve Warm

Finish off your Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant touch. Serve these warm, and watch everyone dig in eagerly—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Top Tip

Getting the perfect balance of smoky sausage and tender, charred peppers can really elevate your Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe. These tips come from lots of grilling experiments and delicious trial-and-error.

Manage Your Heat: I found that grilling sausages over medium heat ensures they cook evenly without burning the skin while still getting a great char.
Prep Veggies Right: Tossing your sliced peppers and onions with olive oil and a pinch of salt before grilling helps them soften nicely and caramelize just enough.
Use a Grill Basket: This makes flipping veggies so much easier and prevents smaller pieces from falling through the grates — a total game changer.
Melt the Cheese Carefully: Using indirect heat or the broiler for only 1-2 minutes melts the mozzarella perfectly without drying out your sausage or toast.

How to Serve Grilled Italian Sausage and 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 simple yet fragrant garnish that ties together the flavors beautifully. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle with chopped fresh oregano or parsley. A drizzle of good-quality balsamic glaze also adds a lovely tangy sweetness that complements the smoky sausage and sweet peppers wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with classic Italian-inspired sides like a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread. For a heartier meal, serve with roasted potatoes or creamy polenta. If you want to keep it light, a quinoa salad or simple arugula and parmesan salad work great too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover grilled sausage and peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the veggies and sausages together helps the flavors meld, making your leftovers taste even better the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled sausage and peppers in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftover sausage and peppers gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave covered for about 1-2 minutes. If you want to revive some of the original grilled flavor, finish by popping them on a hot grill or under the broiler for a minute to get a little char and melt the cheese again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?

Absolutely! Whether you prefer mild or spicy, both work well in this recipe. Spicy sausage adds extra heat and flavor, which pairs nicely with the sweetness of the peppers and onions.

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

No worries! You can create a makeshift basket by wrapping your sliced veggies in aluminum foil and poking small holes to allow smoke and heat to penetrate. This method keeps them contained and adds a lovely smoky flavor.

Can I make this recipe indoors without a grill?

Yes, you can. Cook the sausages in a grill pan or skillet on the stove over medium heat until cooked through, and roast the peppers and onions in the oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes, tossing halfway, to get a nice caramelization.

How do I prevent buns from getting soggy with the sauce?

To avoid soggy buns, toast them lightly on the grill or in a toaster before assembling. You can also spread a thin layer of butter or mayo inside the buns to create a moisture barrier between the bread and the sauce.

Final Thoughts

I love how this Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe brings together simple ingredients for a mouthwatering meal that feels like a warm embrace on a plate. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to make this classic with your own delicious spin—and enjoy every bite with family and friends!