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; 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

There’s something about a perfectly cooked sausage, fresh grilled peppers, and melty cheese that just hits the spot every time. This Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe is one of my favorite go-to meals when I want bold, classic Italian flavors with minimal fuss.

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

I love how this grilled Italian sausage and peppers combo transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal with just a few easy steps.

Rich, authentic flavors: Italian sausages paired with sweet, charred bell peppers create a mouthwatering taste.
Perfect for grilling season: It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors with hearty, smoky goodness.
Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Customizable toppings: Add marinara and melted mozzarella for that extra layer of comfort and texture.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you’re shopping for this recipe, focus on fresh, high-quality sausages and vibrant bell peppers to get the best results. A good marinara sauce makes all the difference for that classic Italian touch.

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: Choose mild or spicy according to your taste preference; they’re the star protein here.
Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of color to your grilled veggies.
Yellow bell pepper: Brings a slightly different sweetness and pairs well with the red pepper.
Yellow onion: Offers a subtle sharpness that softens beautifully when grilled.
Olive oil: Helps the veggies char evenly and adds richness.
Salt & ground black pepper: Basic but essential seasonings to enhance flavor.
Marinara sauce: A savory topping that ties the whole sandwich together with Italian flair.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly over the hot sausages and veggies for gooey indulgence.
Buns or rolls: Your choice—soft or crusty—to hold all the delicious fillings.
Fresh basil: Optional, but adds a lovely fresh aroma and taste.

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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 and Peppers Recipe is just how adaptable it is. Whether you prefer it spicy, mild, or want to add your own creative twist, there’s plenty of room to customize and make it your own.

Spicy Upgrade: I love adding a few slices of jalapeño or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the peppers before grilling to give the dish an extra kick that pairs perfectly with spicy Italian sausages.
Vegetarian Version: You can swap out the Italian sausages for grilled Italian-style veggie sausages or even portobello mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Cheesy Twist: Melt provolone instead of mozzarella for a slightly sharper, more pungent cheese flavor — it adds an extra depth that I find irresistible.
Seasonal Spin: Try adding some sliced zucchini or eggplant along with the peppers and onions in summer for a fresh, seasonal flair.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free buns and double-check your marinara sauce to keep this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets without missing out on any goodness.

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: Getting Your Grill Ready

The first thing I do is preheat my grill to medium heat. This ensures a steady, even temperature perfect for cooking those Italian sausages without burning the outsides while letting them cook through perfectly. Medium heat also gives a nice char to your vegetables without turning them mushy.

Step 2: Tossing the Peppers and Onions

I slice the red and yellow bell peppers along with a yellow onion into thin strips — this helps them soften quickly and get those lovely grill marks. Then, I toss everything in a medium bowl with a tablespoon of olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning amps up the natural sweetness of the vegetables and preps them for the grill.

Step 3: Grill Those Sausages to Perfection

Place the four Italian sausages directly on the grill grates and cook them for about 5-7 minutes per side. You’ll want to turn them carefully so you get an even, golden-brown char all around. When the sausages are cooked through, transfer them to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. If you prefer, you can also keep them over indirect heat on the grill while you cook the vegetables.

Step 4: Char Those Veggies

Next, place your prepared peppers and onions in a grill basket and set it over medium heat. Grill for 7-10 minutes, tossing frequently to ensure they soften evenly and get that irresistible smoky char. You’ll notice their colors deepen, and the aroma will be fantastic — that’s the sign they’re ready.

Step 5: Build Your Sausage Sandwiches

Once everything is grilled, place one sausage in each bun or roll. Don’t forget to lightly toast the rolls on the grill beforehand if you want to avoid sogginess! Top the sausage with a generous portion of the grilled peppers and onions, then spoon 2 tablespoons of your marinara sauce over the top. Finally, scatter a ½ cup total of shredded mozzarella over the assembled sandwiches.

Step 6: Melt That Cheese

To get the cheese perfectly melted and bubbly, place the sandwiches back on the grill over indirect medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, you can pop them under a broiler for the same amount of time. Just keep an eye on them so the cheese melts beautifully without burning.

Step 7: Add Fresh Basil and Serve Warm

After melting the cheese, garnish your sandwiches with fresh basil leaves if you like that subtle aromatic lift. Serve immediately while everything is warm and melty for a classic, comforting meal with a burst of Italian flavors.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most delicious and perfectly cooked results every time you make this Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe. From prep to plating, a few simple tricks make a big difference.

Choosing the Sausage: I like to pick sausages with natural casings—they get that lovely snap when grilled that’s just unbeatable.
Grilling the Veggies: Using a grill basket or a foil tray prevents those thin peppers and onions from falling through the grates, which I learned the hard way!
Melting the Cheese: I prefer using indirect heat on the grill to melt the mozzarella gently without burning the buns—this keeps everything nicely toasted and gooey.
Keeping it Warm: Tent the cooked sausages in foil or keep them on a cooler part of the grill while the veggies cook to serve everything piping hot.

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 leaves make a wonderful aromatic garnish, adding a pop of color and flavor to your sandwich. If you want an extra layer of freshness, try a drizzle of balsamic glaze or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for mild heat.

Side Dishes

Pair your Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, classic garlic roasted potatoes, or even a tangy coleslaw. For a truly Italian touch, serve alongside a bowl of pasta salad or some grilled polenta slices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover grilled sausages and peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

If you want to save them for longer, freeze the cooked sausages and vegetables in freezer-safe containers or bags. They will last well for up to 2 months. Be sure to label your packages with the date!

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Cover them to retain moisture and avoid drying out the sausages. You can also reassemble in buns, top with cheese, and pop them under the broiler for a delicious melty finish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of sausages in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Italian sausages give that classic flavor, you can substitute with bratwurst, chorizo, or chicken sausages depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

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

No worries! You can fashion a makeshift tray with aluminum foil by folding edges up to create a shallow ‘pan’ to hold the peppers and onions while grilling. This keeps them from slipping through the grates.

Is it okay to pre-cook the sausages before grilling?

Yes, precooking sausages in a pan can speed up the process, especially if you’re short on time. Finish them on the grill to get that smoky char and flavor.

How can I prevent the buns from getting soggy?

To keep your buns nice and toasted, lightly grill them for a minute or two before assembling the sandwich. This adds a delightful crunch and helps resist sogginess from the marinara sauce and juices.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe is one of those comforting classics that’s easy to make yet full of incredible flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or impressing guests at your next barbecue, it’s guaranteed to satisfy. The perfect balance of smoky sausage, sweet charred peppers, tangy marinara, and melty mozzarella all nestled in a warm bun is simply irresistible. I hope these tips and insights help you enjoy this dish as much as I do. Happy grilling!