This sweet pepper and sausage dish is a flavorful dinner recipe that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Combining vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this sheet-pan supper highlights roasted sweet bell peppers, juicy Italian sausages, and a creamy ricotta salata garnish.
If you’re planning a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe will become a fast favorite.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Dinner
When it comes to weeknight meals, simplicity and flavor are key. This recipe delivers on both fronts. The magic lies in its ability to bring together hearty and fresh ingredients for a perfectly balanced meal.
Sweet peppers roast alongside sausages, soaking up all their savory juices while maintaining their crisp, slightly caramelized texture. The addition of fresh oregano and red wine vinegar creates an earthy yet tangy dressing that elevates the dish to restaurant-quality.
Served on a bed of peppery arugula, this recipe feels elegant without requiring complicated techniques. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Tips for Perfecting This Dinner Recipe
To get the most out of this meal, here are a few tips:
- Choose colorful peppers: Red, yellow, and even orange bell peppers not only add sweetness but also make the dish visually appealing.
- Pick the right sausages: Opt for fresh Italian sausages, either sweet or spicy, depending on your preference. Spicy sausages add a fiery kick to balance the sweetness of the peppers.
- Don’t skip the garnish: Crumbled ricotta salata provides a salty, tangy contrast to the roasted vegetables and sausages. If unavailable, feta cheese works as a great substitute.
These small details can make all the difference in turning a good meal into a great one.
Modifications for Dietary Needs
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ways to modify it to suit different dietary preferences:
- Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the sausages are certified gluten-free.
- Vegetarian: Replace the sausages with plant-based options or hearty vegetables like zucchini or portobello mushrooms.
- Low-carb: Skip the arugula if you’re keeping carbs to a minimum, or serve the dish as is without any bread on the side.
These simple adjustments make this recipe accessible for various diets, ensuring everyone at your dinner table can enjoy it.
How to Serve & Pair This Recipe
This sweet peppers and sausages recipe is a meal on its own, but you can add complementary sides to enhance the dining experience:
- Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices at the bottom of the pan.
- Simple salad: A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs well with the roasted flavors.
- Roasted potatoes: For a heartier option, serve with crispy roasted potatoes.
Pair this dish with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, to bring out the Mediterranean flavors.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Dinner Rotation
With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and easy preparation, this sweet peppers and sausages recipe is the ultimate dinner idea. It strikes the perfect balance of hearty and fresh, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
So next time you’re searching for a new dinner recipe, give this one a try. It’s a guaranteed hit that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Sweet Peppers & Sausages Dinner Recipe with Ricotta Salata & Fresh Oregano
Equipment
- Rimmed baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and sliced into ¼-inch-wide strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper seeded and sliced into ¼-inch-wide strips
- 1 small onion peeled and sliced into ¼-inch-thick rounds
- 1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for sprinkling
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound fresh Italian sausages sweet or hot, pricked with a fork
- ½ teaspoon red wine vinegar plus more for sprinkling
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano
- Fresh arugula for serving (optional)
- 2 ounces ricotta salata crumbled (about ⅓ cup)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F to warm up while you prepare the ingredients.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a mixing bowl, combine the bell peppers and onion with the olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables soften but don’t brown.
- Add Sausages to the Pan: Place the sausages directly on top of the roasted vegetables. Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 20–25 minutes, until the sausages are fully cooked and the peppers are caramelized. If you want a deeper color, place the pan under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Prepare the Dressing: While the sausages and vegetables finish cooking, mix the red wine vinegar and chopped oregano in a small bowl. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more vinegar if desired.
- Assemble and Serve: Toss the roasted peppers and onions with the vinegar dressing right before serving. For a complete dish, layer fresh arugula on plates, drizzle it with olive oil, and top with the vegetable mixture and sausages. Sprinkle crumbled ricotta salata over everything and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausages with roasted mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives.
- Ricotta salata can be replaced with feta cheese for a similar salty, tangy flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
