Comfort food has never looked so refined and visually stunning. Elevate your weeknight dinner with this sheet pan sausage and peppers dish that combines the classic flavors you love with an artistic, elegant twist. Juicy sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and melty cheese come together in a simple, one-pan meal that’s sure to wow your family and friends. Get ready to transform your cozy cravings into a work of edible art.
Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers with Melty Cheese
This easy-to-prepare sheet pan meal offers the ultimate in comfort and flavor. Roasted sausage and peppers are tossed in a delectable blend of seasonings, then topped with a generous helping of melty, gooey cheese for a dish that’s both visually stunning and utterly satisfying. The hands-off cooking method makes it a breeze to prepare, while the vibrant colors and rich, indulgent flavors will have everyone raving. It’s the perfect balance of elegant sophistication and cozy, feel-good goodness.
Ingredients
This simple, yet flavorful recipe calls for just a handful of wholesome ingredients. You’ll need Italian sausage, a variety of bell peppers, onions, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The key is to choose high-quality, fresh ingredients that will create a truly gourmet experience.
- 1 lb – Italian sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 bell peppers (assorted colors), sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp – olive oil
- 3 cloves – garlic, minced
- 2 tsp – Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups – shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Ingredient Substitutions
- Sausage: Chicken or turkey sausage — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Bell Peppers: Experiment with different pepper varieties for a pop of color — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers with Melty Cheese
This simple, one-pan meal comes together with just a few easy steps. Let’s get started!
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Cut the sausages, bell peppers, and onions into bite-sized pieces, then place them on the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the vegetables are well-coated.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Roast the sausage and vegetable mixture in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and the peppers and onions are tender and slightly charred.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Remove the sheet pan from the oven and top the roasted sausage and vegetables with shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
For a final flourish, garnish the dish with fresh basil or parsley leaves, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Colorful Peppers: To make this dish even more visually stunning, try using a variety of colorful bell peppers, such as red, yellow, orange, and green.
- Extra Veggies: You can also add sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for extra vegetables.
- Spicy Twist: For a spicy twist, mix in a few diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve with Sides: Serve the sausage and peppers over creamy polenta or fluffy mashed potatoes for a heartier meal, or pair it with a fresh salad for a lighter option.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sheet pan ingredients in advance. Simply chop the sausage, peppers, and onions, toss them with the olive oil and seasonings, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
This comforting sheet pan meal is not only visually stunning but also nutritious. Each serving provides a balance of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats, making it a well-rounded and satisfying option. The sausage and cheese provide a good source of protein, while the bell peppers and onions are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Sodium: 1,040 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can use hot Italian sausage, chicken or turkey sausage, or even vegetarian or plant-based sausage alternatives.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free Italian sausage or sausage alternatives. You can also serve the sausage and peppers over a bed of gluten-free grains, such as quinoa or cauliflower rice.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sheet pan ingredients in advance. Simply chop the sausage, peppers, and onions, toss them with the olive oil and seasonings, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
How can I make this dish more kid-friendly?
To make this dish more appealing to little ones, try using mild Italian sausage and leaving out any spicy seasonings. You can also serve the sausage and peppers with a side of their favorite pasta or bread for dipping.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This sheet pan meal freezes beautifully. Simply store the cooked and cooled sausage and peppers in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
Try These Next
- Sticky Maple Bbq Bacon Meatloaf Stuffed With Creamy Mac And Cheese
- Garlic Butter Cheddar Crust Sheet Pan Chicken Bites With Smoky Bacon
- Double Stuffed Pizza Bombs With Pepperoni And Cheese Sauce
Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers with Melty Cheese
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers with Melty Cheese is a quick and delicious one-pan meal that combines savory sausage, colorful bell peppers, and gooey cheese for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
1 pound Italian sausage, sliced
2 bell peppers, sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced sausage, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture evenly on a sheet pan.
4. Bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
5. Remove from the oven and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sheet Pan & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg