Delicious Sausage and Peppers Recipe for Foodies
Hold onto your hats, culinary adventurers! This Chicago Style Sausage and Peppers recipe is going to knock your socks off. With its bold, savory flavors and juicy, tender sausages, it’s a treat that every foodie must experience.
This iconic dish originates from the windy city itself, boasting the classic combination of succulent Italian sausage, sautéed onions, and peppers. Cooked to perfection in olive oil and seasoned with fresh thyme and dark brown sugar, this recipe brings out some of the best flavors from these ingredients.
Whether you’re a fan of grilled sausages or deep dish pizza, this is a must-try recipe that’ll take your taste buds on a wild ride through Chicago’s vibrant food culture. So get ready to indulge in this deliciously easy-to-make recipe that’s loaded with unmatched flavor and savory juices. Trust us, you’re not going to want to miss out on this incredible culinary treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Have you ever been to Chicago and tried their famous sausage and peppers dish? If not, don’t worry because I have a recipe that will bring the taste of Chicago right to your kitchen! Trust me, you’ll love this recipe because it’s an incredibly easy dish to make with rich, bold flavors that you won’t find anywhere else.
This Chicago Style Sausage and Peppers Recipe combines juicy Italian sausage with sweet bell peppers and onions sautéed in olive oil and flavored with spices like fresh thyme, brown sugar, and black pepper. The outcome is a flavorful treat that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes, making it an irresistible addition to your dinner table.
Not convinced yet? This recipe can be served in many ways! Try it on top of a deep dish pizza or as a hearty sandwich with sport peppers. You can even pair it with grilled sausage, hot dogs, or as a side to accompany any meal of your choice. Trust me; this recipe is versatile enough to enhance any cuisine style.
Moreover, this meal is not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to other fast-food options. By grilling the sausages rather than frying them, you are reducing unnecessary fat content while still maintaining the incredible flavor! The best thing about this dish is that it’s not time consuming. You’ll get the irresistible Chicago treat incredibly quickly while keeping your taste buds satisfied throughout the process!
In conclusion, you’ll love this recipe because it’s easy to make and packed with flavor that will send your taste buds on a trip to the windy city. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe out today as it might become one of your favorite go-to dishes for family dinners and social gatherings!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this flavorful and juicy Chicago style sausage and peppers recipe:
Ingredients 1
- 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 2 yellow bell peppers, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 hot or mild pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
Ingredients 2 (Peppers and Onion Chicago Style)
- 4 cups thinly sliced yellow onions (about 2 large onions)
- 4 cups thinly sliced bell peppers (combination of green, red and yellow bell peppers)
- 2 tablespoons corn oil
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, cored and seeded, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cored and seeded, thinly sliced
- Sport peppers for garnish
The sausages used in this recipe can be either Chicago-style smoked sweet Italian sausages or any other Italian sausages of your preference. A sheet pan will be a quick and useful shortcut for recreating the delicious flavors of Chicago’s classic deep-dish pizza.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get to the meat of this culinary story – the recipe how-to for Chicago Style Sausage and Peppers Recipe. This is the part where we finally get our hands dirty and bring to life this mouth-watering dish that has been tantalizing us with its aroma.
How to Cook Chicago Style Sausage and Peppers Recipe
For this style Chicago treat, you’ll need:
- Ingredients 1:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- hot or mild sport peppers
- 1 onion, sliced
2 tsp olive oil- Ingredients 2:
4 Italian sausages2 tablespoons corn oil- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
2 large red bell peppers, thinly sliced2 large green bell peppers, thinly sliced2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced- dark brown sugar
- fresh thyme
- Ingredients 3:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F. While the oven is heating up, slice up all your ingredients according to the recipe list’s instructions. Make sure your sausage is either thawed if frozen or set aside if fresh.
Step 2: Sautee Peppers and Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons corn oil. Add in your sliced onions and cook until they start to caramelize. Then, add your long strips of bell peppers sliced thinly or as according to the ingredient list. Continue sauteing until they are fully cooked or for about six minutes.
Step 3: Roast Sausages in Oven
Meanwhile, line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil paper for a quick clean-up (the true pan shortcut Chicagoans swear by). Lay your Italian sausages on it side-by-side and roast them in the preheated oven for about twenty-five to thirty minutes or until they are fully cooked.
Step 4: Add Sugar and Spice
When your veggies are nearly done cooking, sprinkle on some dark brown sugar on top (to taste) and add a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Toss them around gently before removing from heat.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients in Deep Dish
Time for the final act! Combine all the sauteed peppers & onions mixture into a deep-dish (not pizza) showered generously with olive oil. Pour in any flavor juices that may have accumulated when all components were prepared separately. Nestle your roasted Italian sausages into the vegetable mixture then return to oven for fifteen more minutes.
Once you get that incredible sizzle sound indicating completion, you’re ready to enjoy one of my favorite dishes in a barbeque cookout polish sausage sandwich or
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to put a unique twist on this classic Chicago-style sausage and peppers recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to try. Let’s explore some options:
– Meat Substitutions: Italian sausage is the star of this recipe, but if you’re not a pork lover, you can use chicken or turkey sausage instead. You can also mix it up with other meats like beef, lamb or even vegetarian sausages.
– Pepper Variations: This recipe uses red, yellow, and green bell peppers, which gives it a colorful and flavorful punch. But if for some reason these peppers aren’t your thing, feel free to use other varieties like poblano, Anaheim, or jalapeño peppers for some added heat.
– Spice It Up: For an extra spicy kick in your sausage & peppers dish, add sport or hot mild peppers to your mix. Add 1-2 tsp of chili flakes to give it an extra zing in flavor.
– Grilled Sausage: If you want to take your dish on an outdoor adventure or add more flavor and texture variation to your meal, try grilling sausages instead of browning them in a pan. Not only does it help keep the flavors locked inside the meat, but the added char will bring an extra layer of depth to the dish.
– Polish Sausage Sandwich: If you don’t have time for a deep-dish pizza or just need to eat on-the-go comfort food, switch out the crust with loaf bread/roll and stuffed polish sausage into them for a delicious sandwich version.
No matter how you choose to customize this fantastic Chicago-style sausage and peppers recipe, remember that the key ingredients are still necessary. To truly enjoy this beloved dish like a true Chicagoan would— stick with ingredients like sweet potatoes, buttery onions red & yellow bell peppers sliced along Italian-style smoked or sweet sausage grilled to perfection.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have your Chicago-style sausage and peppers recipe, let’s talk about how to properly serve and pair this delectable dish.
When it comes to serving, make sure to have it piping hot, straight from the skillet. You can plate it up by spooning the sausage and peppers on a bed of white rice or on top of crusty bread, perfect for making sausage sandwich. You could also go all out with a sport pepper garnish, adding an authentic touch of Chicago to your dish.
As for pairing your Chicago-style sausage and peppers, there are many options that can enhance the flavor of the sausage, widen your palate and balance out the meal. An easy way is pairing it with a cold beer, as Chicago is known for its love of brews. Alternatively, you can serve a glass of dry red wine like you would with meat dishes – Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz or Merlot goes well with the dish.
If you want something non-alcoholic, lemonade works great due to its refreshing flavor and also helps cut through the richness of the sausage.
Side dishes that goes well include spaghetti or creamy mashed potatoes – both are perfect sides for soaking up any extra sauce from the pan. For a more wholesome meal, add some greens like roasted broccoli or steamed spinach to provide more nutrients.
In short, feel free to get creative with your pairings and experiment with different side dishes until you find what you personally prefer!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that your Chicago Style Sausage and Peppers Recipe is complete, you might be wondering what to do with any leftovers. Thankfully, this dish holds up well in the fridge, and there are numerous ways to enjoy it even after the original meal is over.
To make things easy for meal prep or keeping leftovers on hand, you can make this recipe ahead of time by cooking everything as directed and allowing it to cool completely. Once cooled, simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
When reheating your sausage and peppers, there are a few methods to choose from depending on your desired outcome. For a quick reheating in the microwave, simply transfer your desired portion to a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 60-90 seconds until heated throughout.
If you prefer a more natural reheating method or need to reheat a larger portion, you can use an oven or stovetop. To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the sausage and peppers in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes until heated throughout.
Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop by adding a pat of butter or drizzle of olive oil into a non-stick pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the sausage and peppers and stir occasionally until heated throughout.
Whether reheating in the microwave, oven or stovetop, be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) before consuming.
And there you have it – no need to let any of this delicious dish go to waste. The flavor will only intensify with time, making it an excellent meal prep idea or even base ingredient for other dishes such as grilled sausage sandwiches or pizza toppings.
Tips for Perfect Results
There are a few tips and tricks that can take your Chicago Style Sausage and Peppers Recipe to the next level. Here are my recommendations for perfect results:
Firstly, make sure to use fresh thyme if you can. It adds a more herbaceous flavor to the dish and really elevates the overall taste.
Secondly, don’t be tempted to overcrowd your pan while sautéing the sausage, peppers, and onions. Doing so can lead to steaming rather than browning, which will result in a less flavorful final product. Take your time and cook in batches if you need to.
Additionally, I recommend using smoked sweet Italian sausages in this recipe over other types of sausage. The smoky flavor really complements the dish’s robust flavors.
Another tip is to use a sheet pan instead of a skillet for cooking the peppers and onions. This shortcut Chicago-style trick ensures that they get evenly caramelized and have that delicious roasted flavor we all love.
Lastly, I highly recommend grilling the sausage for an even more intense flavor. A grilled Chicago style sausage makes for an incredibly delicious sandwich with peppers and onions piled high.
Following these tips will ensure that your Chicago Style Sausage and Peppers Recipe turns out incredibly flavorful and juicy every time.
FAQ
Before you start cooking this Chicago Style Sausage and Peppers Recipe, you might have a few questions or doubts about any step of the recipe. Don’t worry! It’s totally normal. To make things easier for you, here are some of the frequently asked questions with their corresponding answers that may assist you in achieving the perfect result with this dish.
What do Italians eat sausage and peppers with?
This dish can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or combined with ingredients like tomato sauce, onions, or pasta. It’s also sometimes served sandwich-style.
What kind of sausage does Golden Corral use?
Andouille sausage is known for its robust flavor and spicy kick that adds a bold taste to any dish it’s added to.
What goes on the side of sausage and peppers?
As a culinary assistant, my task involves crafting comprehensive instructions for an array of mouth-watering dishes. Some of the delectable foods that I have been assigned to work on include Sauteed Broccolini, Mushroom Risotto, Cream Cheese Pasta, Cucumber Vinegar Salad, Dijon Mustard Brussel Sprouts With Bacon, Dirty Rice, Cajun Fries, and Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread. In the following paragraphs, I will provide a detailed guide on how to make each of these dishes while incorporating some exciting tips and recommendations to make the cooking process smoother.
What compliments sausage and peppers?
Here are some delicious and easy-to-follow recipes that both the novice and expert cook can master. From sautéed broccoli rabe to crock pot macaroni and cheese, and everything in between, you’ll be sure to impress your friends and family with these tasty dishes. So put on your apron, grab your utensils, and let’s get started!
Bottom Line
Now that you have learned about the Chicago Style Sausage and Peppers recipe, it’s time to grab your apron and get cooking! This classic dish is a perfect choice for a family dinner or a weekend barbecue. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but the flavor and juices from the sausages season the peppers and onions, infusing them with amazing tastes.
Whether you are a fan of Italian sausage or smoked sweet sausage, this recipe has you covered with its different variations. You can even experiment with some substitutions to cater to your taste buds. Why not try adding some sport peppers for a spicy kick or throwing in some grilled sausage for an even meatier meal.
Once you have tasted this delicious Chicago treat once, it will become a regular on your dinner table. So next time when you want something easy to make but full of flavor, turn to this Chicago Style Sausage and Peppers recipe. I guarantee that your family and friends will be impressed by your culinary skills.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons corn oil
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 large yellow bell peppers, cored, seeded and thinly sliced
- 2 large red bell peppers, cored, seeded and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup jack daniels sour mash whiskey
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- salt and pepper
- 8 hot Italian sausages
- 8 good quality hot dog buns
- 2 tablespoons reserved sausage pan drippings or 2 tablespoons soft butter
Instructions
- Heat corn oil in large skillet and sauté the onions and peppers until tender and beginning to brown, about 10 minutes over medium heat.
- Add the bourbon and stir quickly until absorbed.
- Add the brown sugar and stir until the sugar melts.
- Season with thyme, salt and pepper. (Can be refrigerated for one week. Let come to room temperature before serving.).
- Char-grill the sausages until slightly blackened and cooked through.
- Brush the hot dog buns with a little sausage grease or butter and toast over the grill or under the broiler.
- Nestle a sausage in a bun and top with about 2 tablespoons of peppers and onions.
Your own notes
Nutrition
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.