Name: Grilled Italian Sausage with Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 mild or spicy Italian sausages; 4 buns or rolls of choice; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt, ½ teaspoon; Ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon; ½ cup marinara sauce or your favorite store-bought sauce; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil for garnish, optional

Nothing says comfort like a hearty, satisfying sandwich packed with flavor. This Grilled Italian Sausage with Peppers Recipe brings together juicy sausages, smoky-sweet peppers, and melty mozzarella for a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.

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 with Peppers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Italian Sausage with Peppers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Italian Sausage with Peppers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first made this grilled sausage and peppers combo on a sunny weekend, and it instantly became a favorite. The flavors are bold yet balanced, and the grill adds that perfect char you just can’t beat.

Quick and Easy: Ready from prep to plate in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings.
Flavor-Packed: Juicy Italian sausages combined with charred bell peppers and onions create an irresistible taste experience.
Customizable: Choose mild or spicy sausages, switch up the cheese, or add fresh basil for your personal touch.
Great for Grilling Season: Whether you’re firing up the backyard grill or a stovetop grill pan, it’s a classic summer meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to this recipe, a few quality ingredients make all the difference. I recommend picking fresh, colorful bell peppers and choosing sausages from a trusted butcher or brand for the best flavor.

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: The star of the dish—mild or spicy options bring juicy, herby flavor with a satisfying snap.
Buns or rolls: Your favorite choice to hold all those delicious fillings together, soft but with enough sturdiness.
Red and yellow bell peppers: They add sweetness and vibrant color, especially when grilled to get a slight char.
Yellow onion: Offers a caramelized sweetness and pairs beautifully with the peppers.
Olive oil: Helps those veggies caramelize on the grill without sticking, while adding richness.
Salt and ground black pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavors.
Marinara sauce: Adds a tangy, tomato-rich layer that ties everything together.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly over the warm sausage and peppers for that gooey finish.
Fresh basil (optional): For a bright, herbal note that freshens each bite.

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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

One of the best things about this Grilled Italian Sausage with Peppers Recipe is how easy it is to customize based on your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Whether you like it spicy, loaded with veggies, or swapped with different cheeses, there’s endless room to make it truly yours!

Go spicy: I love using spicy Italian sausages when I’m craving a little heat. Sometimes I add crushed red pepper flakes to the veggies for an extra kick—it’s a simple way to dial up the flavor.
Cheese swap: If mozzarella isn’t your favorite, provolone or fontina make fantastic alternatives. They melt beautifully and add their own unique twist to the sandwich.
Vegetarian twist: For a meat-free version, try grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu in place of the sausages. The smoky char from the grill still shines through.
Bun alternatives: Feeling low-carb or gluten-free? Serve the grilled sausage and peppers on lettuce wraps, or try hearty gluten-free rolls to suit dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Extra toppings: Fresh basil is always my go-to garnish, but you might enjoy adding pickled peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or even a drizzle of pesto to add more layers of flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Italian Sausage with 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: Preheat and Prep for Success

Start by heating your grill to medium heat. This temperature is perfect to cook the sausages all the way through without burning them. While the grill warms up, thinly slice your red and yellow bell peppers along with the yellow onion. Toss them in a bowl with a tablespoon of olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural sweetness of the veggies and helps them char beautifully on the grill.

Step 2: Grill the Sausages to Juicy Perfection

Place the Italian sausages directly on the grill grates. You’ll want to cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Keep an eye out for that enticing grill mark pattern and an internal temperature that indicates they’re fully cooked. Once done, transfer the sausages to a plate and tent with foil to keep them warm while you finish the veggies.

Step 3: Grill the Peppers and Onions Until Tender and Charred

Using a grill basket, place the prepared peppers and onions over medium heat on the grill. Toss them regularly over 7 to 10 minutes so they soften evenly and develop that irresistible smoky char. The combination of the softened veggies and lightly crisp edges adds a perfect balance of texture and flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Build Your Perfect Sausage Sandwich

Once the sausages and veggies are ready, it’s assembly time! Pop a grilled sausage into each bun or roll, then generously top with the grilled peppers and onions. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each sandwich, and sprinkle with ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese spread evenly among the four sandwiches.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese and Serve Warm

To get that melted, gooey cheese touch, place the assembled sandwiches back on the grill over indirect medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes, or pop them under the broiler for the same amount of time. Watch closely—the cheese should be melted perfectly without overcooking the buns. Finish with fresh basil if you’d like and serve immediately for a warm, satisfying meal.

Top Tip

These tips can turn a good Grilled Italian Sausage with Peppers Recipe into a memorable grilling experience packed with flavor and perfect textures.

Use a Grill Basket for Veggies: From personal experience, using a grill basket prevents those thinly sliced peppers and onions from slipping through the grates and burning, giving you evenly charred, juicy vegetables every time.
Toast Your Buns: I learned the hard way that lightly toasting the buns on the grill keeps them crisp and prevents sogginess once you add the marinara sauce and juicy sausage.
Indirect Heat Cheese Melt: My go-to trick is assembling the rolls then placing them over indirect medium-high heat or under the broiler for just 1–2 minutes to get that perfect, melty mozzarella without overcooking the sausage.
Don’t Rush the Sausage: One mistake I avoid now is flipping the sausage too often — giving it 5-7 minutes per side ensures a juicy interior with those ideal grill marks.

How to Serve Grilled Italian Sausage with 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 are a wonderful garnish to add a burst of bright herbal freshness that complements the smoky grilled flavors. You can also sprinkle a little grated Parmesan or add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a richer finish. If you like heat, crushed red pepper flakes make a perfect kick on top.

Side Dishes

Serve this grilled sausage and peppers alongside classic Italian sides like a crisp Caesar salad or garlicky roasted potatoes. For a more casual meal, try pairing with grilled corn on the cob or a simple pasta salad tossed with olive oil, fresh herbs, and lemon zest. A cold, crisp coleslaw also adds a refreshing crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover grilled Italian sausages and peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and make for easy next-day meals or snacks.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked sausages and grilled vegetables by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. For best quality, consume within 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the sausages and peppers in a skillet over medium heat or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10 minutes. If assembling into sandwiches, melt the cheese again briefly on the grill or under the broiler for a fresh, melty finish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use spicy Italian sausages instead of mild?

Absolutely! Spicy Italian sausages add a nice kick and work perfectly with the sweet grilled peppers and onions. Choose based on your heat preference.

What if I don’t have a grill—can I make this recipe indoors?

Yes! You can cook the sausages and vegetables using a grill pan on your stovetop. Just follow the same cooking times, and you’ll get similar smoky, charred flavors.

How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?

Toasting the buns lightly on the grill before assembling helps keep them crisp and prevents sogginess from the marinara sauce and juices.

Can I substitute mozzarella cheese?

Definitely! Provolone or fontina cheeses are delicious alternatives that melt well and provide different flavor profiles to your sausage and peppers.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Italian Sausage with Peppers Recipe is one of those simple yet soul-satisfying dishes that brings big flavors with minimal fuss. Whether it’s a relaxed weekend BBQ or a weekday dinner, the juicy sausages paired with sweet grilled peppers and melty mozzarella always feel like a win. I hope these tips and tricks inspire you to fire up the grill and enjoy this classic Italian-American favorite with friends and family—happy grilling!