Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Sausage and Peppers

Originally posted on November 13, 2023 @ 8:36 pm

When it comes to serving sausage and peppers, the possibilities are endless. From classic Italian pasta dishes to tangy coleslaw, there are many accompaniments that can complement the savory flavors of the main dish.

Whether you’re looking for easy sides, flavorful combinations, or popular options, we’ve compiled a list of tasty ideas to help you create a well-rounded meal.

Key Takeaways:

• There are many options to serve alongside sausage and peppers
• Pasta, potatoes, and grilled veggies are popular choices
• Roasted vegetables and tangy coleslaw can add a delicious twist
• Quinoa and couscous provide a lighter alternative to pasta or potatoes
• Experiment with different combinations to discover your perfect match

Classic Italian Pasta Dishes

Pasta and sausage are a match made in heaven. Try serving sausage and peppers over spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni for a traditional Italian meal. The flavors of the sausage and peppers will beautifully infuse into the pasta, creating a hearty and satisfying dish.

If you’re looking for sausage and peppers recipes that are easy to prepare, pasta dishes are a great option. Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet and cook until they are tender.

Tip: For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet Italian sausage.

Once the sausage and peppers are cooked, toss them with the cooked pasta and a drizzle of olive oil. For a little extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Sausage and Peppers Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
– 1 pound pasta
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, brown sausage over medium heat. Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet and cook until tender.
3. Drain pasta and toss with sausage and peppers. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Whether you’re searching for easy sausage and peppers sides or delicious dishes to pair with sausage and peppers, classic Italian pasta dishes are a great choice. This hearty meal will satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling full and happy.

Fresh and Crisp Salads

Looking for popular options to serve with sausage and peppers? Fresh and crisp salads are a great choice. They provide a delicious balance to the rich and savory flavors of the main dish.

A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a classic side dish for sausage and peppers. It adds a fresh and light element to the meal. You can also try a Mediterranean salad with feta cheese and olives for more flavor and texture.

Salad Type	Ingredients	Dressing
Simple Green Salad	Mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes	Balsamic vinaigrette
Mediterranean Salad	Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, feta cheese, olives	Lemon vinaigrette

Experiment with different salad combinations to find your perfect pairing with sausage and peppers.

Hearty Potatoes

Serve sausage and peppers alongside roasted potatoes for a satisfying and filling meal. Whether you choose crispy roasted potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, or hearty potato wedges, the combination of flavors and textures will be a crowd-pleaser.

Roasted potatoes are an easy and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with sausage and peppers. To make them, simply toss chopped potatoes with olive oil, salt, and any desired seasonings, such as garlic or rosemary, and roast in the oven until crispy and golden brown.

Mashed potatoes are another great option for serving with sausage and peppers. The creamy texture of the potatoes complements the bold flavors of the dish, and the simple preparation allows you to focus on the other elements of the meal.

No matter how you choose to prepare your potatoes, they are sure to be a hit with your guests when served alongside sausage and peppers. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, to add a pop of color and flavor to the dish.

Crusty Bread and Rolls to Serve with Sausage and Peppers

A crusty baguette or rolls are perfect for sopping up the flavorful juices from sausage and peppers. The combination of the tender sausage, sweet peppers, and crusty bread creates a satisfying bite.

For a more substantial side dish, try making garlic bread to complement the bold flavors of the sausage and peppers. Simply slice a baguette, brush with garlic-infused butter, and bake until crispy and golden brown.

“I love dipping crusty bread into the rich tomato sauce that comes with sausage and peppers. It’s like a flavor explosion in my mouth!”

Comparison Table: Bread and Roll Options for Serving with Sausage and Peppers

Bread/Roll Type	Description
Baguette	A long, thin loaf with a crispy crust and soft, chewy interior. Ideal for sopping up sauce.
Brioche Roll	A buttery and slightly sweet roll that pairs well with the savory flavors of sausage and peppers.
Ciabatta	A rustic, Italian bread with a chewy texture and large, airy holes. Ideal for making sandwiches.
Focaccia	A soft and fluffy bread with a dimpled surface. Often topped with herbs and olive oil.
Pretzel Roll	A soft and chewy roll with a salty crust. Adds a unique twist to the traditional sausage and peppers pairing.

Whether you prefer a crusty baguette or a buttery brioche roll, there are plenty of options to pair with your sausage and peppers for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Experiment with different bread and roll types to discover your perfect match!

Creamy Polenta or Grits

Looking for a comforting and creamy side to serve with your sausage and peppers? Look no further than polenta or grits! These dishes provide the perfect base for the bold and savory flavors of sausage and peppers. Here are some tasty ideas for serving polenta or grits with sausage and peppers:

Recipe	Ingredients
Sausage and Peppers with Creamy Polenta	– 1 pound Italian sausage – 1 red bell pepper, sliced – 1 green bell pepper, sliced – 1 onion, sliced – 4 cloves garlic, minced – 1 can crushed tomatoes – 1 cup chicken broth – 1 cup polenta – 3 cups water – 1 cup heavy cream – 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese – Salt and pepper, to taste
Grits with Sausage and Peppers	– 1 pound ground Italian sausage – 1 red bell pepper, sliced – 1 green bell pepper, sliced – 1 onion, sliced – 4 cloves garlic, minced – 1 can crushed tomatoes – 1 cup chicken broth – 1 cup grits – 3 cups water – 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese – Salt and pepper, to taste

For the polenta recipe, cook the sausage, peppers, onion, and garlic in a large skillet until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is browned. Add the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. While the sauce simmers, bring the water to a boil in a separate pot and slowly whisk in the polenta. Cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until the polenta is creamy and cooked through. Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the sausage and peppers over the creamy polenta.

For the grits recipe, cook the sausage, peppers, onion, and garlic in a large skillet until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is browned. Add the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. While the sauce simmers, bring the water to a boil in a separate pot and slowly whisk in the grits. Cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until the grits are creamy and cooked through. Stir in the cheddar cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the sausage and peppers over the creamy grits.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a delightful and healthy option to pair with sausage and peppers. The roasted vegetables bring a charred and caramelized element to the dish that complements the savory flavors of the sausage and peppers. Here are some delicious combinations to try:

Vegetables	Seasonings
Brussels Sprouts	Garlic and Parmesan
Peppers and Onions	Balsamic Vinegar and Thyme
Zucchini and Squash	Rosemary and Olive Oil

Roast the vegetables in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden and tender. Serve alongside the sausage and peppers for a colorful and flavorful combination.

For a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with grilled tofu or tempeh. The bold flavors of the sausage and peppers still pair well with roasted vegetables and the protein-rich tofu or tempeh.

Whether you’re looking for easy side dishes, flavorful combinations, or healthy options, roasted vegetables are a delicious choice to pair with sausage and peppers.

Tangy Sauerkraut

If you’re looking for a twist on a classic pairing, then try serving sausage and peppers with tangy sauerkraut. The tanginess of the sauerkraut complements the bold flavors of the sausage and peppers, creating a well-rounded combination that is both hearty and tasty.

Sauerkraut is a popular option to serve with sausage and peppers as it brings a unique and tangy flavor to the table, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. It’s an easy side dish for sausage and peppers that requires little preparation, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

How to Prepare Sauerkraut

To prepare sauerkraut, start by draining the liquid from a can of sauerkraut. Rinse the sauerkraut under cold water to remove any excess salt and drain again.

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sauerkraut and cook for 5-7 minutes until it’s heated through and slightly browned.

Transfer the sauerkraut to a serving bowl using a slotted spoon to drain any excess liquid. Serve hot alongside sausage and peppers for a delicious and flavorful pairing.

Pros	Cons
Easy to make	Some people may not like the tangy flavor
Complements sausage and peppers well	Can be high in sodium
Provides a unique twist on a classic pairing	May not be suitable for those with digestive issues

Adding sauerkraut to your sausage and peppers meal is a tasty idea that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you serve it as a side dish or incorporate it into the main dish, it’s a popular option that brings a tangy and flavorful touch to the table.

Grilled Vegetables: A Tasty Way to Accompany Sausage and Peppers

If you’re looking for a smoky and charred twist on a classic pairing, then grilled vegetables are the perfect choice to serve alongside sausage and peppers. Bell peppers, eggplant, and zucchini are all delicious options that complement the savory flavors of the main dish.

Grilling vegetables is easy and can be done on a gas or charcoal grill. Simply brush the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before placing them on the grill. Grill for 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are lightly charred and tender.

Not only do grilled vegetables add delicious flavor to the meal, but they also provide a nutritious and colorful accompaniment. Bell peppers, for example, are high in vitamin C and add a pop of bright color to the plate. Zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Grilled Vegetable Comparison

Vegetable	Calories (per 1 cup)	Vitamin C (percent daily value per 1 cup)	Fiber (grams per 1 cup)
Bell Pepper	31	190%	2.6
Eggplant	20	4%	2.5
Zucchini	20	35%	2

As shown in the table above, bell peppers are not only the most colorful but also the most nutritious option for grilled vegetables to serve with sausage and peppers.

Whether you’re grilling up a vegetable medley or just one type of vegetable, be sure to serve them hot alongside your delicious sausage and peppers for a complete and satisfying meal.

Couscous or Quinoa: The Perfect Light Accompaniments for Sausage and Peppers

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to pasta or potatoes, couscous or quinoa are both great options to serve alongside sausage and peppers. These grains provide a nutritious and filling choice that complements the bold and savory flavors of the main dish.

For a traditional Moroccan twist, try serving sausage and peppers over couscous. The tiny grains will absorb the flavors of the dish, creating a delicious and fragrant combination. Alternatively, quinoa provides a nutty and earthy taste that pairs well with sausage and peppers.

Couscous	Quinoa
Rich in protein, fiber, and B vitamins.	Higher in protein than couscous, and contains all nine essential amino acids.
Quick and easy to prepare.	Great source of minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Smaller grains that provide a light and fluffy texture.	Heart-healthy and can help lower cholesterol levels.

Both couscous and quinoa can be prepared in a variety of ways, including adding spices, herbs, or vegetables to enhance their flavors. Try serving your sausage and peppers alongside a bed of couscous or quinoa for a tasty and nutritious meal.

Tangy Coleslaw

A classic side dish for sausage and peppers is tangy coleslaw. This refreshing salad complements the bold flavors of the main dish with its crunchy and acidic elements.

To make a delicious coleslaw, start by shredding a head of cabbage and a carrot. Add thinly sliced onion and toss with a dressing made of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Chill the coleslaw for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

“The tanginess of the coleslaw was the perfect contrast to the savory flavors of the sausage and peppers.”

If you prefer a lighter coleslaw, you can use a vinaigrette instead of mayonnaise-based dressing. A simple dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper works well with the sweet and spicy flavors of sausage and peppers.

Whether you make it from scratch or purchase it pre-made from the grocery store, coleslaw is a popular option to serve with sausage and peppers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, serving sausage and peppers doesn’t have to be a one-note meal. There are numerous options to complement the savory flavors of this classic dish. From creamy polenta to tangy coleslaw, you can experiment with different combinations to find your perfect match.

Consider serving sausage and peppers over classic Italian pasta dishes like spaghetti or penne for a traditional meal, or pair it with fresh and crisp salads for a light and vibrant contrast. Hearty potatoes and crusty bread provide filling accompaniments, while grilled vegetables and roasted Brussels sprouts add a smoky charred flavor that elevates the dish.

Whether you’re looking for easy side dishes, popular options, or flavorful combinations, these delicious dishes will help you create a well-rounded meal that’s satisfying and full of flavor. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations and experiment with different ingredients to find what works best for you.