Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers Recipe

Name: Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 10 Mild Italian sausages; 1 Red bell pepper, roughly chopped; 1 Green bell pepper, roughly chopped; 1 Yellow bell pepper, roughly chopped; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste

If you’re searching for an irresistible, fuss-free dinner that brings big flavor to the table without keeping you tethered to the kitchen all evening, this Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers is about to become your new go-to! In just about 35 minutes, you’ll have a bubbling, golden-cheesy casserole loaded with juicy Italian sausage and sweet, colorful bell peppers. The flavors sing together beautifully, and the textures—tender sausage, melty cheese, and just-softened peppers—are truly satisfying. This is absolutely one of those weeknight wonder meals you’ll want to have on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: Minimal prep (just 5 minutes!), one baking dish, and the oven does all the work for you.
Packed with Flavor: Mild Italian sausages paired with sweet bell peppers and plenty of cheese create the ultimate comfort food—rich, savory, and mouthwateringly delicious.
Family-Friendly: No complicated steps or exotic ingredients—just good, hearty food everyone can agree on.
Effortlessly Flexible: Perfect for those busy evenings when you need dinner on the table, fast, but still crave something homemade and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Mild Italian Sausages: The heart of the dish. They bring a gentle, savory kick and stay juicy throughout baking. If you prefer a bit more heat, swap in spicy Italian sausages!
Red, Green, and Yellow Bell Peppers: A rainbow of peppers delivers natural sweetness, color, and a bit of crunch. Don’t skip these—their flavor is essential!
Cheddar Cheese: Adds depth and a creamy, slightly sharp richness to every bite. Go for a good-quality cheddar—you can really taste the difference.
Mozzarella Cheese: For that classic melt and stretch—nothing beats mozzarella for gooey, bubbly topping.
Olive Oil: Helps everything roast up beautifully and melds the sausage and pepper flavors.
Salt and Pepper: Brings the whole dish into balance—taste as you toss so it’s just right.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Try hot Italian sausages or sprinkle in a few red pepper flakes before baking.
Vegetable Boost: Add sliced onions, mushrooms, or zucchini for an extra dose of veggies.
Cheese Twist: Swap in provolone or fontina for mozzarella, or add a handful of parmesan on top for a nutty finish.
Sheet Pan Magic: Spread everything on a large sheet pan for more crispy edges and speedy cleanup.

How to Make Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish so nothing sticks—trust me, it’s worth it for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Slice and Combine

Cut the sausages and all the peppers into bite-sized pieces. Toss them together right in the baking dish, making sure those colorful peppers are evenly mixed with the sausage.

Step 3: Season and Oil

Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over everything and season generously with salt and pepper. Give it all a thorough toss so the flavors coat every piece.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses all over the top. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot—the more, the better. You want a thick, gooey blanket!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for browned, bubbling cheese and sausages cooked through. If you like your cheese extra golden, pop it under the broiler for the last two minutes.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Cutting: Keep sausage and pepper pieces similar in size so everything cooks evenly.
Cheese Quality: Shred your own cheese if you can—pre-shredded sometimes doesn’t melt quite as nicely.
Crowd Pleaser: Double the recipe in a larger baking dish for gatherings—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Quick Cleanup: Line the baking dish with parchment or foil to make cleaning up even easier.

How to Serve

This cheesy sausage bake is extra versatile. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, creamy polenta, or twirl it up with your favorite pasta for heartier appetites. It’s also terrific alongside a crisp green salad to balance out all that cheesy richness. Don’t forget some crusty bread for mopping up the last bits of melted cheese and savory juices—because you won’t want to leave any behind.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers and transfer to an airtight container. This bake stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a smart option for meal prep.

Freezing

Simply portion into individual servings and pop in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F until bubbling and heated through, or use the microwave for a quick lunch—add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top just before you reheat to revive the gooey factor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?

Absolutely. Both chicken and turkey sausages work wonderfully and lighten up the bake a touch. Just pick a variety that’s seasoned to your liking.

Can I prep this dish in advance?

Yes—you can slice the sausage and peppers ahead of time, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake. Hold off on adding the cheese until just before baking for the best melt.

What if I only have one color of bell pepper?

No problem! Any combination of bell peppers will work, but using multiple colors adds visual appeal and a slightly broader range of sweetness.

How do I know when the sausages are fully cooked?

Look for the cheese to be browned and bubbly, and check that the sausages are no longer pink in the center. If needed, cut one piece open to check for doneness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something hearty, delicious, and unbelievably easy, give this Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers a spot in your dinner lineup. It’s deeply satisfying, packed with flavor, and couldn’t be simpler to make. Pair it with your favorite sides, play with different sausage and cheese pairings, and enjoy how quickly this new favorite comes together—even on the busiest weeknights!