Sausage peppers and onions is a delicious and versatile dish that goes great with a variety of sides and complements. The savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and rich onions make for a mouthwatering combination, but you’ll want to round out the meal with some additional elements. When deciding what to serve alongside sausage, peppers and onions, there are a few key factors to consider:
Complement the Flavors
Since sausage peppers and onions pack some bold, satisfying flavors, you’ll want sides that complement them instead of competing. Sides that are fresh, bright, starchy, or creamy pair nicely without overpowering. Think fresh greens, potatoes, beans, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Balance the Textures
The softness of the cooked peppers and onions contrasts nicely with foods with more crunch or density. Crispy bread, thick-cut fries, or roasted veggies lend some welcome texture. Don’t serve too many soft or mushy sides together.
Consider the Setting
Sausage peppers and onions work for everything from backyard barbecues to elegant dinners. Consider the formality of the setting when deciding on sides. For a casual cookout, baked beans, slaw, and bread may do the trick. A dinner party calls for sides like creamy polenta, garlic mashed potatoes, or prosciutto-wrapped asparagus.
Complement the Mains
If you’re serving sausage peppers and onions as the main dish, choose sides that specifically complement sausage. Mustardy potato salad, braised cabbage, or baked beans make sense. If the sausage is just one element of a bigger main course, like pasta or pizza, choose versatile sides that go with the overall dish.
Think About Color
The colors and textures of the sides you choose can make for a beautiful plate. Since sausage peppers and onions are beige, red and green, sides that add contrasting colors like bright white, yellow, or brown help the dish pop. A creamy white bean salad and roasted golden potatoes could balance it out.
10 Sides that Pair Perfectly with Sausage, Peppers and Onions
Here are 10 delicious options for what to serve alongside sausage peppers and onions:
1. Garlic Bread
Warm, crusty garlic bread is a perfect match for soaking up any delicious juices or sauces left behind on your plate after eating the sausage and peppers. The crunch of the bread provides texture contrast, while the garlicky flavor adds another layer of richness. Brush sliced baguette or Italian loaf with garlic-infused olive oil or butter before toasting.
2. Baked Potatoes
Large russet potatoes, scrubbed and rubbed with olive oil, then baked until tender and crispy-skinned are an easy and tasty pairing. They soak up sauce and provide a blank canvas for creative toppings like bacon, cheese, scallions, or sour cream.
3. Pasta Salad
A fresh pasta salad tossed with a light vinaigrette cools the heat of spicy sausage and peppers. penne, rotini, or farfalle work well. Mix in shredded carrot, cherry tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and Italian dressing. The acidity of the vinaigrette cuts through the rich sausage.
4. Sauteed Spinach
Quick-sauteed fresh spinach with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper is a fast, healthy option. The greens balance the heartiness of the sausage and peppers, providing fiber, vitamins, and bright flavor. Saute a few minutes until just wilted but still bright green.
5. Corn on the Cob
In summer, grilled corn on the cob slathered with butter or mayo makes the perfect barbecue side with sausage peppers and onions. The natural sweetness balances the other flavors. Leave some corn unseasoned to let kids dip in sauce or ketchup from the sausage and peppers
6. French Fries
Crispy fries are a sure crowd-pleaser alongside sausage and peppers. The crunch stands up to the tender peppers and onions. Fry thick-cut potatoes in batches at high heat until golden and cooked through. Toss with salt and parsley. Offer ketchup for dipping.
7. Caesar Salad
A fresh Caesar salad adds crunch and balances out the richness of the sausage and peppers. Romaine lettuce tossed with a zesty dressing, croutons, parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon lifts the dish.
8. Polenta
Creamy, cheesy polenta makes an elegant base for spooning sausage peppers and onions over. Cook polenta with broth and milk until thickened, then stir in grated parmesan. Top with the sausage mixture for contrasting flavors and textures.
9. Mashed Potatoes
Smooth, creamy mashed russet or Yukon gold potatoes are comfort food perfection next to sausage and peppers. Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with butter and warm milk or cream. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic.
10. Dinner Rolls
Warm from the oven, soft yet crusty dinner rolls are great for dipping in any juices and sauces left on your plate after the sausage and peppers are gone. Butter or olive oil for dipping take them over the top.
How to Make Sausage, Peppers and Onions
Now that you’ve got some side dish ideas, here is a simple recipe for how to make classic sausage, bell peppers, and onions so you can enjoy this tasty meal:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage links, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage pieces until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain grease.
- Heat olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook 3 minutes until starting to soften. Add bell peppers and cook another 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, oregano, basil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Return browned sausage to the skillet and mix to combine. Let cook 5 more minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Adjust seasonings to taste. Serve warm over polenta, with crusty bread, or alongside your favorite sides.
Some optional additions include a splash of red wine vinegar or balsamic for brightness, chopped tomato for freshness, or sliced mushrooms or olives for umami. Use hot Italian sausage for spicy kick. Serve sprinkled with shredded parmesan or accompanied by a dollop of ricotta.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few complete meal ideas using the classic sausage, peppers and onions recipe along with some of the recommended sides:
Summer Backyard BBQ
- Sausage Peppers and Onions
- Corn on the Cob
- Coleslaw
- Garlic Bread
- Watermelon Slices
Game Day Dinner
- Sausage Peppers and Onions
- French Fries
- Caesar Salad
- Beer
Italian Family Dinner
- Sausage Peppers and Onions
- Pasta Salad
- Garlic Knots
- Tiramisu
Date Night In
- Sausage Peppers and Onions over Creamy Polenta
- Sauteed Spinach with Garlic
- Dinner Rolls
- Wine
Tips for Serving
Here are some final tips for serving up sausage, peppers and onions alongside tasty sides:
- Cook the sausage peppers and onions first since they take the longest, then prepare quick sides while cooking.
- Keep sausage and peppers warm in a low oven if needed while preparing additional dishes.
- Cook and slice garlic bread while the sausage browns for perfect timing.
- Boil potatoes and corn in the same pot to save time and dishes.
- Mix up pasta salad ahead of time and chill until serving.
- Set out sauces and condiments like ketchup, mustard, hot sauce for customizing.
- Let guests assemble their own plates buffet-style for a casual, fun vibe.
With so many tasty possibilities, from fries to salads, polenta to bread, you can create the perfect meal to complement fabulous sausage, peppers and onions any night of the week.