What to Serve with Sausage and Peppers: 13 Best Sides
What to serve with sausage and peppers has been a controversial topic for centuries. Some say that sausage and peppers go great with a side of mashed potatoes, while others claim that rice is the perfect pairing. And then there are those who believe that a simple piece of bread is all you need.
I’m here to tell you that there’s no right or wrong answer; it all depends on what you’re in the mood for.
I know this for a fact because I’ve tried all of the above combinations, and they’ve all been delicious in their own way.
So in this article, I’m going to give you a list of side dishes for sausage and peppers that are sure to please everyone at the table.
These recipes are all easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time, so you can relax and enjoy your meal.
Sides for Sausage and Peppers:
- Ancient Grains Risotto
- Caprese Salad
- French Fries
- Arancini balls
- Roasted Assorted Vegetables
- Caramelized Onion Bread
- Cauliflower Steaks
- Broccoli Rabe with Onions and Red Pepper Flakes
- Caesar Salad with Polenta Croutons
- Grilled Zucchini
- Baked Polenta Fries
- Arugula Salad with Burrata
- Mom’s Sweet Onion Coleslaw
Ancient Grains Risotto
The first on the list is Ancient grains risotto. This flavorful dish is made with a variety of nutritious grains, including quinoa, millet, and amaranth.
Not only is it a great source of fiber and protein, but it’s also gluten-free.
Plus, the colorful vegetables in the risotto add a beautiful pop of color to your plate.
Ancient grains risotto goes well with sausage and peppers because the rich flavors of the sausage are complemented by the light and fluffy texture of the risotto.
Moreover, the acidity of the tomatoes in the sauce helps to balance out the richness of the sausage, while the herbs add a touch of flavor.
I guarantee this dish is sure to become a new family favorite!
Caprese Salad
Another light and refreshing side dish is Carease salad, and Oh my goodness, such a beauty! The bright colors of the tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella are just stunning together.
Without a doubt, this salad makes an excellent side for a sausage and pepper feast. The juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and flavorful basil will balance out the heaviness of the main dish.
Similarly, the acidity of the tomatoes helps to cut through the richness of the sausage, while the basil adds a beautiful pop of flavor.
Plus, those irresistible cheesy bites?
I love them! They’re like little cheesy explosions of deliciousness.
French Fries
My favorite thing to serve with sausage and peppers is French fries.
I know, I know, it’s not the most healthy side dish.
But in my opinion, it’s the perfect sturdy side that can stand up to the robust flavors of sausage and peppers. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Everyone loves French fries, right?
They are crispy, crunchy, and satisfying. And because they soak up all the juices and provide texture, they’re one of the best side dishes for sausage and peppers.
Consequently, french fries are my go-to side dish. I could eat them every day and never get sick of them.
Arancini balls
From one crispy delight to the next, enters Arancini balls. These little balls are a Sicilian dish that is made with rice, meat, and cheese.
They’re fried until they’re crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
Arancini balls make a great side dish for sausage and peppers because they have a nice crunch and are packed with flavor. They are savory, slightly spicy, and pairs well with the other ingredients.
Roasted Assorted Vegetables
I always like to have a nice variety of roasted vegetables as a side dish for my sausage and peppers. Usually, I go for a mix of carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts.
I know, I know, Brussels sprouts are super trendy right now.
But they’re also super delicious, especially when they’re roasted to perfection. The key is to get them nice and crispy on the outside but still tender on the inside.
And the same goes for the carrots and potatoes. A little bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper is all you need. Just toss everything together and roast in a hot oven until golden brown.
So good!
It really rounds out the meal and makes it complete. Plus, it’s healthy too, so that’s always a bonus.
Caramelized Onion Bread
Nevertheless, it’s ok to indulge at times, and so every once in a while, I enjoy a nice, crusty loaf of bread with my sausage and peppers. And what could be better than a loaf of caramelized onion bread?
The sweet onions pair perfectly with the spiciness of the sausage, and the crispy Bread is the perfect vessel for sopping up all the delicious juices. And trust me, you’re going to want to soak up every last drop of those juices!
In addition, preparation is a breeze. Just slice up a couple of onions, toss them in a hot pan with some butter, and let them cook until they’re golden and caramelized.
Then add them to your favorite bread dough recipe. I like to use sourdough or ciabatta dough for this, but you can use any type of bread dough you like.
Cauliflower Steak
Recently I was feeling extra experimental in the kitchen, so I decided to try something new with my sausage and peppers. I’d been seeing a lot of recipes for “cauliflower steaks” lately, so I thought I’d give it a try as a side dish.
I have to say, I was pretty impressed with the results!
The cauliflower went well with the sausage and peppers, and it was a nice change from the usual rice or pasta.
Here’s how I made them:
First, I preheated the oven to 400 degrees. Next, I trimmed a head of cauliflower and cut it into thick slices. I seasoned the cauliflower with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then I roasted it in the oven for about 20 minutes. Once it was nicely roasted, I served it alongside my sausage and peppers and enjoyed it!
Broccoli Rabe with Onions and Red Pepper Flakes
Here is another simple but tasty side. In fact, I love making broccoli rabe as a side dish for my sausage and peppers. It’s such a great way to get some extra veggies in, and the bright green color is a nice contrast to the red and orange of the peppers.
Plus, the bitterish-sweet combo of the broccoli rabe and onions goes really well with the savory sausage.
I just saute the broccoli rabe with some onions and red pepper flakes until it’s bright green and slightly wilted. Then I serve it up alongside my delicious sausage and peppers.
Lastly, I think it’s a great side dish because it’s healthy and filling. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Caesar Salad with Polenta Croutons
This dish is a twist on a classic Caesar salad. It includes polenta croutons, which add a nice crunch. The salad also has a creamy dressing that pairs well with the sausage and peppers.
Generally, It is prepared by mixing mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, garlic, and anchovies. The salad is then tossed with romaine lettuce and polenta croutons.
This dish can be served as a main course however it makes a great side dish for sausage and peppers.
Grilled Zucchini
Next is Grilled zucchini which is a healthy and flavorful side dish for sausage and peppers. The zucchini is grilled until it’s tender and then topped with a savory sauce.
We suggest using a tomato-based sauce for this dish. This pairs incredibly with sausage and peppers!
First, the zucchini is cut into thick slices. Next, it’s seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Then, it’s grilled over medium-high heat until tender.
Once it’s grilled, we suggest topping it with a tomato sauce. Finally, serve it alongside your sausage and peppers, and enjoy!
Baked Polenta Fries
In truth, I’m a bit of a foodie, and I love to experiment with new flavor combinations in the kitchen. That’s why I was excited to try out this unique twist on a classic dish.
I wasn’t sure how it would go over with my family, but I was pleasantly surprised when they all gave it two thumbs up. This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters and it’s a great way to switch things up from the traditional mashed potatoes or rice.
The key to making this dish is to get the polenta just right. You want it to be smooth, not grainy.
Hence, to prepare the dish, I first smooth polenta into a fry shape. I then bake the polenta in the oven until it is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
The result is a delicious side dish that is sure to please even the most demanding of diners
Arugula Salad with Burrata
Now, here is yet another great side dish for sausage and peppers. This salad has a lot of flavors and textures. The arugula is slightly bitter, the burrata is creamy, and the tomatoes are sweet.
Plus, the balsamic vinegar adds a nice acidity to the dish and the dish is really easy to make.
To prepare the salad, I simply mix arugula, cherry tomatoes, and burrata in a bowl. Then, I drizzle it with some balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Finally, I season it with salt and pepper to taste.
Mom’s Sweet Onion Coleslaw
To end our list of awesome side dishes for sausages and peppers is Mom’s sweet onion coleslaw. Now, I’m not the biggest fan of mayonnaise, so I was happy for this version of coleslaw that’s mayo-free.
To prepare, I start by chopping up a sweet onion into thin strips. I then mix in some thinly sliced red cabbage and green onions. For the dressing, I mix together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Afterward, I pour the dressing over the vegetables and mix everything together, then let it sit for at least an hour so the flavors can meld together.
Just before serving, I add some chopped apples for a little sweetness and crunch.
This coleslaw is a perfect side dish for sausage and peppers because it has a sour-ish tang from the vinegar, sweetness from the sugar and apples, and a crunch from the cabbage and onions.
And as mentioned earlier, it’s mayonnaise-free, so it’s healthier than traditional coleslaws.
FAQ
Can I serve sausage and peppers with rice?
Yes, you can serve sausage and peppers with rice. Rice is a neutral grain that goes well with many different flavors. Plus, it’s a great way to bulk up a meal.
What is the best way to cook sausage and peppers?
There are many ways to cook sausage and peppers, but we think the best way is to grill them. Grilling gives the sausage and peppers a slight char that really enhances the flavors. Plus, it’s a quick and easy cooking method.
What is the best way to serve sausage and peppers?
The best way to serve sausage and peppers is on a bed of rice or salad. This will help soak up all of the delicious juices from the sausage and peppers. Plus, it makes for a hearty and filling meal.
In Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our list of side dishes for sausage and peppers. Each dish is unique and has its own flavor profile that will complement the sausage and peppers perfectly.
So, now that you know what to serve with sausage and peppers, what are you waiting for? Serve up an awesome side tonight.