Easy Grilled Italian Sausage Recipe with Sweet & Sour Peppers and Onions

Experience the perfect harmony of flavors with our Grilled Italian Sausage recipe, featuring a mouthwatering bed of sweet-and-tangy peppers and onions. This dish combines the rich, fennel-scented taste of Italian sausages with the smoky essence of the grill, creating a meal that’s sure to impress.

Our unique multi-step cooking process ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. By nestling the sausages in a pan of sautéed onions and peppers on the grill, we allow them to absorb all the delicious, smoky notes before giving them a final char for that perfect crispy exterior.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, sliced into 1/4-inch strips (about 2 cups)
• 2 red bell peppers, stems and cores removed, sliced into 1/4-inch strips
• 2 green bell peppers, stems and cores removed, sliced into 1/4-inch strips
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons (45g) sugar
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds (900g) sweet or hot Italian sausage
• Buns, for serving

Directions

1. Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the sliced onions and peppers. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’ve softened and developed some appealing browned spots. This caramelization process adds depth to the dish’s flavor profile.
2. Next, introduce the apple cider vinegar and sugar to the skillet. Remove it from the heat and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved, creating a sweet-and-sour base for your peppers and onions. Season this mixture to your liking with salt and pepper, balancing the flavors to perfection.
3. Now it’s time to fire up the grill. If you’re using charcoal, light a full chimney. Once the coals are covered with gray ash, arrange them on one side of the charcoal grate. For gas grill users, set half the burners to high heat. Allow your grill to preheat for 5-10 minutes, depending on the type. Don’t forget to clean and oil the grilling grate for best results.
4. Transfer your tantalizing onion and pepper mixture to a 10-inch-square disposable aluminum pan. If you don’t have one, you can create a makeshift tray using a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil, ensuring it’s about 10 inches square with 2-inch high sides. Carefully nestle your Italian sausages into this flavorful bed.
5. Place your sausage-filled tray on the hot side of the grill and let it cook until it starts to simmer, which should take about 4 minutes. Then, slide it to the cooler side of the grill. Cover the grill, positioning the vents over the sausages, and leave all vents open.
6. Continue cooking until the sausages reach an internal temperature of 140 to 145°F (60 to 63°C). This typically takes about 20 minutes, but remember to turn them once halfway through for even cooking. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
7. Once your sausages have reached the right temperature, it’s time for the finishing touch. Remove the lid and transfer the sausages directly onto the cooking grate on the hot side of the grill. Grill them for about 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they develop a beautiful brown crust that’s irresistibly crisp.
8. Return the perfectly grilled sausages to the bed of sweet-and-sour peppers. If desired, toast your buns on the hot side of the grill for that extra touch of perfection. Serve your grilled Italian sausages nestled in buns and topped with the flavorful pepper and onion mixture.

Serving Suggestion

These grilled Italian sausages are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread on the side. For beverage pairings, consider a robust red wine like Chianti or a cold, refreshing pilsner beer to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Cook’s Tips

• For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of red wine to the pepper and onion mixture as it cooks.
• Experiment with different types of Italian sausage – a mix of sweet and hot can create an interesting flavor profile.
• If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
• Leftovers (if there are any!) make excellent sandwich fillings or can be chopped up and added to pasta dishes.

Notes

This recipe showcases the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. The key to success lies in the careful balance of flavors and the multi-step cooking process that infuses every element with delicious, smoky notes. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner, these grilled Italian sausages with sweet-and-sour peppers and onions are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Mediterranean,Carnivore,Low-carb