Complementing the Classic Flavors of Sausage and Peppers

Sausage and peppers is a quintessential Italian-American dish, featuring sautéed bell peppers and onions tossed with sliced sautéed sausage With its bold, savory flavors, what are the best side dishes to serve alongside this iconic meal? There are many excellent options that can complement and enhance these classic tastes and textures.

Pasta Dishes Pair Perfectly

One of the most classic accompaniments for sausage and peppers is pasta. The starchy noodles offer a comforting contrast to the hearty sausage and peppers. A simple pasta with marinara sauce is an easy yet delicious pairing. The tangy tomato sauce adds another layer of flavor that works beautifully with the sweet and savory notes of the sausage and peppers.

Some other excellent pasta pairings include farfalle with pesto sauce, rigatoni with vodka sauce, or orecchiette with broccoli rabe. The possibilities are endless! No matter the shape or sauce hot pasta is a satisfying match for sausage and peppers.

Sautéed Greens Balance the Richness

Hearty sautéed greens like broccoli rabe, escarole, or spinach help provide balance when served alongside sausage and peppers Their pleasant bitterness and texture contrasts the rich fattiness of the sausage Quick-cooked greens like broccoli rabe or spinach, sautéed with olive oil and garlic, make a perfect pairing. The bright flavors and colors invigorate the plate.

Roasted Vegetables Add Sweetness

Roasted vegetables are another excellent side dish with sausage and peppers. Try roasting eggplant, zucchini, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or butternut squash with just olive oil, salt and pepper until caramelized and tender. The natural sweetness of roasted veggies balances the strong flavors of the sausage and peppers.

You can also opt for oven-roasted wedges or chips for a crispy texture contrast. Cooking brings out vegetables’ inherent sugars for the ideal complement.

Garlicky Green Beans for a Nutritious Option

For a lighter yet still bold pairing, try Italian green beans sautéed with olive oil and garlic. Blanched briefly then tossed with minced garlic, olive oil, and seasonings, these flavorful green beans make a more nutritious side. Their crunch and bright flavors pair well with the heavier sausage and peppers.

Mashed Potatoes for Comfort

What could be more comforting than mashed potatoes alongside sausage and peppers? Creamy mashed russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are a hearty, soothing accompaniment. For an extra decadent twist, stir in sour cream, cheese, or roasted garlic. The potatoes’ smooth, rich taste enhances the indulgence of the sausage and peppers.

Polenta Offers Creamy Contrast

Polenta is a classic Italian cornmeal dish that pairs wonderfully with sausage and peppers. Slowly simmer yellow cornmeal in broth and water until thickened, then stir in Parmesan for a creamy, risotto-like dish. Polenta’s subtly sweet corn flavor and luxurious texture complements sausage and peppers for the ultimate hearty meal.

Crisp Salad for Freshness

A fresh, crisp salad balances the heaviness of sausage and peppers. An Italian chopped salad with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and pepperoncini is a great choice. The brightness of the vegetables paired with a lemony vinaigrette cuts the richness for a welcome contrast.

Crusty Bread for Dipping

Good crusty bread is essential for dipping and soaking up all the delicious juices and flavors from sausage and peppers. Opt for Italian bread like ciabatta, focaccia, or a good artisanal baguette, sliced or cut into chunks. The bread helps you enjoy every last tasty morsel from your plate.

What About Dessert?

After a hearty sausage and peppers dinner, finish the meal on a sweet note with classic Italian desserts. Options like tiramisu, gelato, panna cotta, or biscotti dipped in coffee or vin santo wine make the perfect conclusions. The indulgent sweets cap off the satisfying savory main course.

With so many possibilities, you can’t go wrong finding the right accompaniments for sausage and pepper’s signature Italian flavors. From pastas to greens, roast veggies to creamy polenta, enjoy experimenting with different pairings.