25 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Italian Sausage and Peppers

Italian sausage and peppers is a beloved dish with its savory sausage and sweet, colorful peppers sautéed to perfection. But coming up with the right side dishes to complement this hearty meal can be tricky. Fortunately, I’ve got you covered with 25 mouthwatering recipes for sides that pair wonderfully with sausage and peppers!

Appetizers

Starting your meal off with a tasty appetizer is always a good idea Here are some excellent options

Baked Zucchini and Tomato Bruschetta

Bruschetta, with its crispy bread topped with flavorful tomatoes and zucchini, offers a nice contrast to the richness of sausage and peppers The fresh veggies and herbs provide a bright, refreshing start to the meal

Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty garlic bread is an all-time favorite pairing with Italian food. The hearty bread absorbs the delicious flavors of the garlic butter spread, providing the perfect accompaniment to sausage and peppers.

Creamy Polenta

Smooth, velvety polenta makes a luxurious bed for the sausage and peppers mixture. Its mild flavor lets the spices and flavors of the main dish shine.

Baked Eggplant Slices with Ricotta

For a delicious appetizer option, bake eggplant slices and top them with creamy, herbed ricotta cheese and breadcrumbs. The eggplant’s meaty texture stands up well to the bold sausage and peppers.

Salads

A fresh, crunchy salad balances out the richness of the sausage and peppers. These salad recipes work beautifully:

Italian Pasta Salad

Tossed with cherry tomatoes, black olives, bell peppers and a tangy Italian dressing, this flavorful pasta salad has all the colors and flavors of Italy.

Caprese Salad

The classic combo of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil drizzled with olive oil and balsamic makes a simple yet elegant salad pairing.

Mixed Greens Salad

Create a custom salad with a variety of colorful greens and veggies like cucumbers, shredded carrots and red onions. Toss in your favorite dressing for a light, refreshing side.

Mediterranean Salad

Chopped romaine, Kalamata olives, feta, cucumbers and roasted red peppers dressed in a lemony Greek vinaigrette will transport your tastebuds to the Mediterranean coast.

Grilled Vegetable Salad

Fire up the grill and sear colorful veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant and red onion. Toss with mixed greens for a smoky, hearty salad.

Sauces and Breads

No Italian meal is complete without bread and sauce! Here are some excellent options:

Marinara or Tomato Basil Sauce

A classic marinara or tomato basil sauce, with its rich, tangy tomato flavor, is the perfect topping for sausage and peppers.

Arrabbiata Sauce

Spice-lovers will enjoy arrabbiata sauce, which features tomatoes, garlic and chili peppers for an added kick of heat.

Garlic Butter Sauce

For pure richness and flavor, make a garlic butter sauce. The velvety texture and garlicky notes pair beautifully with the sausage and peppers.

Homemade Rolls or Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty bread is essential for dipping in the delicious sauce and juices. Make homemade rolls or bakery-style garlic bread.

Balsamic Glaze

Aged balsamic vinegar reduced into a glaze provides a touch of sweetness. Drizzle over the sausage and peppers for added depth.

Vegetable Side Dishes

Crisp, fresh vegetables round out the meal perfectly. These are my top picks:

Onions and Bell Peppers

Onions and bell peppers sautéed with the sausage provide flavor, color and texture. Increase the amounts for a hearty veggie side dish.

Zucchini

Tender zucchini slices or cubes sautéed until caramelized complement the other veggies beautifully.

Mushrooms

Meaty, umami-rich mushrooms add satisfying texture and deep, earthy flavors.

Eggplant

Hearty cubes of eggplant sautéed with the sausage and peppers provide a delicious addition.

Asparagus

Blanched or grilled asparagus spears offer a refreshing, verdant side.

Roasted Potatoes

Crispy roasted potatoes are a classic accompaniment to just about any Italian main.

Easy Starches

Mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, and polenta are easy starch sides that soak up the delicious sausage and pepper juices deliciously.

Mashed Potatoes

Fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes are simple comfort food, especially with some sausage and peppers spooned on top.

Pasta

Buttered noodles, baked ziti, or fettucine Alfredo are just a few of the pasta possibilities perfect for serving with sausage and peppers.

Rice

Steaming white or garlic butter rice completes the plate beautifully.

Polenta

Creamy, smooth polenta is the ideal blank canvas for the dynamic flavors of sausage and peppers.

Fun Sides

If you want to shake things up, try one of these fun sides:

Potato Pancakes

Shredded potato pancakes, crispy on the outside and tender inside, provide an irresistible crunch and starchiness.

Corn Fritters

Sweet corn fritters made with cornmeal and sautéed to golden perfection are a delightful southern side dish.

Sauerkraut

Tangy, salty sauerkraut provides a tasty accompaniment to sausage.

Cornbread

Warm cornbread with honey butter is a beloved southern favorite that pairs with just about anything.

Baked Beans

Smoky, sweet baked beans offer protein and bold flavor alongside sausage and peppers.

Italian Desserts

Cap off your Italian feast with something sweet!

Tiramisu

Ladyfingers soaked in espresso layered with sweetened mascarpone is the queen of Italian desserts for good reason!

Cannoli

Crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cream make a refreshing, not-too-heavy dessert option.

Panna Cotta

Silky, vanilla-infused panna cotta is elegant in its simplicity. Top with berries for a pop of color.

Ricotta Cheesecake

Fluffy, creamy ricotta cheesecake has a more delicate texture and flavor than New York-style cheesecake. It’s delicious after a heavy meal!

With so many delicious options, from crispy bruschetta to creamy tiramisu, you’re sure to find the perfect side dishes to complement your Italian sausage and peppers. Mangia!