Looking for a dinner that brings everyone to the table without leaving you with a sink full of dishes? This Italian Sausage Sheet Pan is a simple solution for busy weeknights. It comes together in about 45 minutes, combining savory sausage and colorful vegetables on a single tray for a meal that is as easy to clean up as it is delicious.
Ingredients for the Italian Sheet Pan
- talian Sausage This provides the main protein and a significant amount of flavor. As the fat renders during roasting, it seasons the vegetables on the pan naturally.
- Sweet Potatoes These add a necessary starch component and a natural sweetness that balances the savory, salty notes of the sausage. They hold up well to high-heat roasting.
- Bell Peppers and Banana Peppers The bell peppers add moisture and color, while the banana peppers introduce a mild tang and heat that cuts through the richness of the meat.
- Red Onion When roasted, red onions become sweet and tender, adding depth to the overall flavor profile without being overpowering.
- Grape Tomatoes These act as "flavor bombs." When they burst in the oven, their juices mix with the olive oil and sausage drippings to create a light, natural sauce.
- Brussels Sprouts These add crunch and earthiness, rounding out the nutritional profile of the meal.
Preparing the Sheet Pan
- Preheat and Prep Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup later.
- Chop the Vegetables Wash and chop your vegetables. Cut the sweet potatoes into small ½ inch cubes so they cook through quickly. Slice the peppers and onions into strips, halve the Brussels sprouts, and leave the tomatoes whole.
- Season the Base In a large bowl (or directly on the sheet pan if you prefer), combine all the prepared vegetables. Drizzle them with the olive oil, then sprinkle with the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything well until the veggies are evenly coated.
- Arrange the Tray Spread the seasoned vegetable mixture into a single, even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure the vegetables roast rather than steam.
- Add the Sausage Take your Italian sausage (uncased or sliced links) and distribute pieces evenly over the top of the vegetables. Flattening pieces of uncased sausage slightly helps them brown nicely.
- Bake and Serve Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. The meal is ready when the vegetables are tender and the sausage is browned with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Serve warm directly from the pan.
FAQ's:
Absolutely. While this recipe calls for Italian sausage, you could easily substitute it with chicken sausage, kielbasa, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed to ensure it's cooked through.
To ensure crispy vegetables, make sure you don't overcrowd the pan. Spreading the vegetables in a single, even layer allows hot air to circulate around them. Also, pat your vegetables dry before tossing them with oil and spices to remove any excess moisture.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results when reheating, spread the leftovers on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Yes, this is a great recipe for meal prep. You can chop all the vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you're ready to cook, just toss them with the oil and spices, add the sausage, and bake.
The safest way to check if the sausage is done is by using a meat thermometer. It should register an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Visually, the sausage should be browned and no longer pink in the middle.
Recipe
Italian Sausage Sheet Pan Bake
Ingredients
- 2 sweet potatoes peeled and cut to ½ inch cubes
- ½ medium red onion sliced
- 3 bell peppers sliced
- 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes
- 1 pound brussels sprouts cleaned and halved
- 6 ounces banana peppers
- ¼ cup of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon each of cracked black pepper and sea salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 pound italian sausage
Method
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Layer sweet potatoes, onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, brussels sprouts, banana peppers, olive oil, and spices. (see notes)
- After layering, mix to combine the ingredients.
- On top of the combined ingredients, spread out the Italian sausage in thin pieces.
- Bake at 400 degrees F for 25 minutes or until sausage reaches temp of 165 degrees.
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