Baked Italian Sausage

Table of Contents

1. Baked Italian Sausage Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions For Oven Cooked Sausage and Veggies
3. How To Make This Baked Italian Sausage Recipe
4. Troubleshooting
5. How To Serve Baked Italian Sausage
6. How To Store Leftovers of Italian Sausage And Peppers
7. Why This Baked Italian Sausage Recipe Is The Best
8. Frequently Asked Questions
9. Baked Sausage Recipes You’ll Love
10. JUMP TO RECIPE

If there’s one thing we know how to do at Spaceships and Laserbeams, it’s create easy dinner solutions for busy weeknights. It’s what we’re famous for! We love to create meals that take minutes to get into the oven, and our recipe for Baked Italian Sausage is just that. 

This flavorful, one-pan dinner is so yummy, you’ll wish you had doubled the recipe so you had leftovers to take to lunch. It’s full of perfectly seasoned veggies and potatoes, baked alongside Italian sausage — truly a dish the whole family will enjoy, and very easy to customize.

For over a decade, millions of home cooks have relied on our recipes to be easy to make and come together using simple ingredients, and this Italian sausage bake recipe is no exception. Our recipe development team is excited for you to try this delicious dinner recipe, and we can’t wait to hear what you think.

Baked Italian Sausage Ingredients

The ingredients for this Baked Italian Sausage recipe are a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables and savory sausage. This combination of comfort foods creates a hearty and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare. 

Substitutions and Additions For Oven Cooked Sausage and Veggies

Customizing your Baked Italian Sausage recipe is easy with a few simple substitutions and additions. The flexibility to change up this recipe is one of the best things about it!

Baby Honey Gold Potatoes: You can use red potatoes or russet potatoes as substitutes. Red potatoes will provide a creamier texture, while russet potatoes will be slightly fluffier. We recommend peeling your potatoes if you use a variety with a thick peel.

Sweet Peppers: If you prefer a different pepper, green bell peppers can be used, though they have a slightly more bitter taste. You can also mix in some poblano peppers for a mild kick.

Cherry Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are a great alternative, or you can chop fresh tomatoes. You can also omit tomatoes and use different vegetables (see below for ideas) or more potatoes.

Red Onion: Yellow or white onions can replace red onions. Yellow onions will give a sweeter flavor, while white onions offer a sharper taste.

Fresh Basil: If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil can be used. However, use about one-third of the amount called for in the recipe. Fresh parsley can also be a nice substitute for a different fresh herb flavor.

Minced Garlic: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic. Use about one-quarter of the amount. Use jarred minced garlic instead, or garlic-infused olive oil can also add a nice touch.

Dried Italian Seasoning Blend: You can create your own blend using equal parts dried oregano, basil, and thyme. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Olive Oil: Any cooking oil like avocado, canola, or vegetable oil can be used.

Mild Italian Sausage: Spicy or sweet Italian sausage are great alternatives if you want to change up the flavor. Italian sausage is typically pork sausage, but you can substitute Chicken sausages or turkey sausage if you prefer.

Additions:

• Sweet potatoes: Use instead of or as well as or instead of regular potatoes if you prefer.
• Zucchini: Be sure to cut it up into big chunks so they don’t cook too fast and end up mushy!
• Carrots: Provide a sweet flavor and add a nice crunch when cooked.
• Brussels Sprouts: Add a slightly bitter flavor but when baked, complements the dish nicely. Half or quarter them before cooking.
• Green Beans: Add green beans about half way through the cook time so they don’t become overbaked.
• Broccoli: Cut into larger florets and add midway through cooking, or place on top of other vegetables to avoid direct heat.

You can add more veggies in or replace the peppers and onions if you prefer. However, if you add a lot of extra vegetables, make sure to use a larger baking dish or a sheet pan instead.

How To Make This Baked Italian Sausage Recipe

If you can chop up some veggies, you can make this delectably tasty and colorful meal for your family. It’s our favorite way to enjoy all the juiciness of Italian sausage, and you’ll only need one baking dish for the entire recipe! 

Here’s what to do:

STEP ONE: Preheat your oven to 400°F. While the oven is heating up, take a moment to gather all your ingredients. Clean and chop your vegetables and potatoes.

STEP TWO: To a 9×13 baking dish, add the halved baby honey gold potatoes, tri-colored bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, fresh basil, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and olive oil.

PRO TIP: When cutting the vegetables, try to keep them in uniform sizes (about 1 ½ inch) so they cook evenly. Halve the potatoes and dice the bell peppers and onions. This not only ensures even cooking but also helps the flavors meld together nicely.

STEP THREE: Use a large spoon (or clean hands) to toss the vegetables together until they are fully coated with olive oil and the seasonings are well distributed. Spread them into an even layer in the dish.

PRO TIP: For easier clean up, line the bottom of your baking pan with parchment paper.

STEP FOUR: Place the mild Italian sausage links on top of the vegetables in the baking dish. Be sure to leave some space between each of the sausage links so they can cook and brown evenly.

STEP FIVE: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. This allows the vegetables to cook through and start to soften while the sausage begins to cook.

STEP SIX: After 1 hour, remove the aluminum foil. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. This step helps to brown the sausage and give the vegetables a nice roasted finish.

STEP SEVEN: Flip the sausage links over and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sausage is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

PRO TIP: Use a meat thermometer to test the internal temperature of the sausages. They should read at least 165°F. This is important for food safety and to make sure the sausages are fully cooked.

STEP NINE: Once done, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the sausage, making them juicier.

STEP TEN: Serve the Baked Italian Sausage while hot. Garnish with additional fresh chopped basil if desired for a burst of fresh flavor.

PRO TIP: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cooked sausage links in an airtight container for up to 2 months. However, the vegetables are best served freshly baked and are not recommended for freezing.

Troubleshooting

This dinner recipe is straightforward, but we know that ovens and ingredients vary, and can compromise how your dish turns out. With that in mind, here are expert tips from our recipe developers, to help guide you through the process of perfecting this dinner recipe:

• One reason this dish tastes so yummy is that the sausage cooks along with the vegetables, providing extra flavor to the dish. Make sure you set them right on top!
• Make sure all the vegetables are well-coated with olive oil. This helps them roast properly, and gives you that perfect caramelized texture.
• The sausages will release some oil and the vegetables will release liquid, so it’s important to measure your oil carefully, so the dish doesn’t end up wet or oily.
• If your dish is nearing the end of the baking time and your vegetables are browning too quickly, tent a piece of foil overtop (you don’t have to tuck it tightly around the dish) to prevent the vegetables from burning while the sausages finish cooking.
• The potatoes will take the longest to cook of all the vegetables. Make sure to cut them into small, even pieces and bake until they are tender.

How To Serve Baked Italian Sausage

Your oven baked italian sausages are a warm and cozy family dinner meal, but there are lots of ways to serve it, and even more yummy dishes to serve it with. 

Here are some ideas for after you’ve baked your Italian sausage in the oven:

Classic Serving: Serve the meal directly from the baking dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor. This makes for a beautiful presentation and allows everyone to help themselves.

Over Pasta: For a hearty meal, serve the sausage and roasted vegetables over a bed of your favorite pasta. The juices from the sausage and vegetables will create a simple yet flavorful sauce. Top with a bit of grated Parmesan cheese.

With Crusty Bread: Pair this dish with nice crusty bread loaf or homemade garlic bread. The bread can be used to soak up the flavorful juices from the sausage and vegetables. Yum!

As a Sandwich: Turn this meal into a delicious sandwich. Slice the sausages and place them in a hoagie roll along with the roasted vegetables. Add a slice of provolone cheese and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Breakfast Hash: Use the leftovers to create a breakfast hash. Chop the sausages and vegetables into smaller pieces and sauté them with some diced potatoes. Top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast.

Pairings: For a complete meal, pair the Baked Italian Sausage with a side of pull apart bread and a Caesar salad. These classic sides complement the rich flavors of the sausage and vegetables.

While this dish is a perfect comfort food family dinner, you can confidently make this meal for a family gathering, potluck, or even game day! Cut the sausages into smaller pieces before serving to make sure everyone gets a serving.

How To Store Leftovers of Italian Sausage And Peppers

Storing your Baked Italian Sausage properly will keep it fresh and delicious for future meals. Here are some tips on how to make ahead, store in the fridge, freeze, and reheat this dish.

MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare the ingredients for this recipe ahead of time to save time on the day you plan to serve it. Chop the vegetables and season them, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just assemble the dish as instructed and bake.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Baked Italian Sausage will stay fresh for three to four days. Use the leftovers for meal prep or lunches throughout the week.

IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze the cooked sausage links for up to two months. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag to keep them fresh. However, it’s best to avoid freezing the vegetables, as they may become mushy when reheated. When ready to eat, thaw the sausage links in the refrigerator overnight.

HOW TO REHEAT: To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350°F and place the dish in an oven-safe container. Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. 

For microwave reheating, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe cover. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through. Adjust the time as needed.

Why This Baked Italian Sausage Recipe Is The Best

There are many reasons why this Baked Italian Sausage recipe stands out as a favorite. Here’s why we know you’ll love it:

Easy Preparation: It’s so easy to make, it will definitely become one of your favorite easy weeknight dinners! It’s in the oven in 15 minutes.

One-Pan Meal: We love that this is a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup after dinner, and plenty of flavor from everything melding together in the pan.

Family-Friendly: Baked Italian Sausage is a hit with both kids and adults, and it’s a versatile recipe so you can easily adjust the recipe to include more foods your family enjoys.

Our Baked Italian Sausage recipe is the easiest way to make a simple, one dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy the ease of preparation with this hearty, flavorful meal you’ll make again and again!

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