What to Serve with Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches: 15 Delicious Side Dishes to Complement the Flavors

Sausage and pepper sandwiches are a classic combination that never disappoints. The savory sausage and sweet, smoky peppers between two slices of bread make for a simple yet extremely satisfying meal. However, while these sandwiches can certainly stand on their own, pairing them with the right side dishes can take them to the next level. The key is to find sides that complement and enhance the flavors of the sausage and peppers. Here are 15 of the best side dishes to serve with sausage and pepper sandwiches.

Crispy French Fries

You can’t go wrong with a classic side of crispy french fries served alongside sausage and pepper sandwiches. The saltiness and crunch of the fries contrasts nicely with the soft bread and juicy fillings of the sandwich. Fry them up with some simple salt and pepper or get creative with cajun spices or parmesan cheese. Either way, fries are a crowd-pleasing accompaniment. Dip them in ketchup, ranch dressing, or aioli for extra flavor.

Creamy Coleslaw

Cool and crunchy coleslaw is a perfect match for a hot and hearty sausage sandwich. The creaminess of the dressing and the crispness of the cabbage balance out the richness of the sausage. Coleslaw also has a nice tang from the vinegar that cuts through the sweetness of the peppers. Add carrots, onions, or other veggies to make your coleslaw extra tasty and nutritious. It’s a classic sandwich pairing that’s easy to make ahead of time.

Potato Salad

Like coleslaw, potato salad is a great crunchy, creamy side for sausage sandwiches. Potatoes, hard boiled eggs, celery, onion, and a mayo-based dressing come together for an indulgent, potluck-style potato salad. The potatoes nicely soak up the flavors of the sausage drippings and juices. You can keep it classic or switch it up with mustard potato salad or a cheddar and bacon version. Either way, it’s a satisfying, hearty side.

Grilled Vegetables

For a lighter and more nutritious accompaniment, go for grilled vegetables Try shrimp asparagus, squash, onions, peppers, or zucchini seasoned with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper The smoky char flavor pairs perfectly with the grilled sausage. The crunch and brightness of the grilled veggies balance the sandwich’s heavier flavors. Make veggie skewers for easy grilling.

Crispy Onion Rings

Golden crunchy onion rings offer great texture contrast and flavor against sausage and pepper sandwiches. The sweetness of the onion balances nicely with the spices in the sausage and peppers. Breaded and deep fried onion rings are indulgent and extra crispy. For a lighter option bake panko breaded onion rings. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard.

Fresh Green Salad

A fresh green salad is a healthy, lighter option alongside sausage and pepper sandwiches. Crisp lettuces like romaine or leaf lettuce along with toppings like tomato cucumber carrot, peppers, onions, and avocado make for a colorful, fresh salad. Top it off with a simple vinaigrette, Italian dressing, ranch, or Caesar dressing. The brightness and crunch balances out the heartiness of the sandwiches.

Pasta Salad

For a filling and protein-packed option, pasta salad is very satisfying with sausage sandwiches. Cook up short pasta like rotini, farfalle, or wagon wheel pasta. Toss it with chopped bell peppers, red onion, olives, artichoke hearts, grape tomatoes, and Italian dressing for a vibrant, flavorful salad. The carbs from the pasta give you energy to keep going. Make it ahead for easy lunches or dinners.

Macaroni and Cheese

For the ultimate comfort food pairing, serve up creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese alongside your sausage and pepper sandwiches. The classic combo of tender macaroni and gooey cheese sauce is hard to resist. Use fun shaped pasta and top it off with crispy toasted breadcrumbs. The rich cheese and pasta match the heartiness of the sausage. Make it indulgent with a bacon, jalapeño, or bbq chicken version.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and drizzles of olive oil and balsamic vinegar come together for a simple yet delicious Caprese salad. The fresh ingredients complement the richness of the sausage and peppers perfectly. The tomatoes match the acidity in the pickled peppers while the mozzarella adds another creamy texture to balance out the sandwich’s bread. It’s easy to assemble but looks and tastes gourmet.

Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty garlic bread is a great addition to any Italian-style meal. Spread fluffy bread or baguette slices with garlic butter or brush with olive oil and minced garlic before toasting until golden brown in the oven or a grill. The aroma of garlicky goodness goes hand-in-hand with sausage and peppers. The crunch of the bread contrasts with the soft sandwich bun, giving your meal another tasty texture.

Corn on the Cob

Fire up the grill and char some corn on the cob to serve alongside your sandwiches for a pop of sweetness. Grilled corn picks up a wonderfully smoky flavor that enhances the grilled flavors in the sausage and peppers. Slather the hot corn with butter, sprinkle on some salt and pepper, or dust with parmesan cheese. The natural sweet corn juices contrast nicely with the sandwich’s acidity.

Baked Beans

No summertime barbecue is complete without a side of baked beans. Slow cooked and sweetened with brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, and bacon, baked beans are a classic. The sweet and smoky beans pair perfectly with Italian sausage, cutting through the fattiness of the meat. The soft, stewed beans also contrast with the crisp peppers and breading. Make them spicy with hot sauce or jalapenos.

Sweet Potato Fries

For a healthier twist, oven-baked sweet potato fries make for a nutritious and fiber-filled pairing with sausage and pepper sandwiches. Slice sweet potatoes into long wedges, drizzle with oil, and bake until crispy. The natural sugars in the sweet potato balance the acidity of the pickled peppers. Sweet potato fries have a great crunch and hint of sweetness. Serve with spicy mayo or aioli for dipping.

Pickles

Don’t overlook a simple side of pickles, whether dill, sweet, or sour. Pickles work with just about any sandwich combo, cutting through rich and fatty flavors with their tart, vinegary crunch. As a palette cleanser, pickles help refresh your mouth between bites of sausage and peppers. Crudités with pickled vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, onions, or jalapenos also work.

Chips and Guacamole

For a quick and easy pairing, grab a bag of tortilla chips and whip up some guacamole. The saltiness of the chips matched with the rich creaminess of fresh avocado make a nice contrast to the sandwich fillings. The acidity in the lime juice and tomato cuts the fattiness of the sausage. Make your guacamole chunky or smooth depending on your preference. Feel free to spice it up with jalapenos, cumin, cilantro, etc.

Fruit Salad

Fresh, colorful fruit salads add vitamins, fiber, and hydration to your meal. The sweetness also balances the savoriness of the sausage and peppers. Watermelon, pineapple, grapes, oranges, and berries make light, refreshing complements to heartier sandwiches. The juiciness helps cleanse your palate too. Top your fruit salad with a squeeze of citrus juice or lime zest. Mint and coconut make tasty additions as well.

With so many great options, there are endless possibilities for side dishes to serve alongside sausage and pepper sandwiches. Crispy, crunchy sides like fries, onion rings, and pickles offer great contrast. Creamy potato and pasta salads provide comforting flavor and textures. Fresh, bright salads and grilled veggies add nutrition and color. And classic sides like baked beans, mac and cheese, and garlic bread deliver irresistible comfort. Whatever you choose, pairing the right side dish with your sausage and pepper sandwiches will take your meal to the next level!