Italian sausages are my all-time favorite for dinner! They’re juicy, flavorful, and satisfyingly savory.
Nothing beats the good old Italian sausage, especially when paired with an amazing side dish.
Side dishes complete the meal and create a perfect balance of flavors. But choosing the right-side dish can be overwhelming. So, what to serve with Italian sausage?
To help you out, I’ve curated some quick and amazing side dishes to serve with Italian sausage that will take your meal to the next level.
These Sides are easy to prepare, mouth-watering in taste and paired ideally well with Italian sausage. So, let’s dig in!
What is Italian sausage? What does Italian sausage taste like?
Italian sausage is a type of pork or beef sausage usually seasoned with fennel, garlic, and other Italian herbs and spices.
It has a bit of a sweet and savory flavor with hints of garlic, oregano, basil, black pepper and red pepper flakes depending on the recipe.
It is often used in pasta sauces and pizza toppings, as well as in sausage sandwiches.
20 Best Sides to serve with Italian sausage
1. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, and bell peppers can be a perfect side dish.
Just season them with some salt, pepper, and olive oil and roast them in the cookstove for 20 minutes or until they’re golden brown.
It’s an easy and affordable way to add nutrients and color to your meal.
2. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are irresistible and incredibly easy to make. Place your desired number of potatoes in the cookstove for about an hour at 400°F.
Once they’re done, serve them with some cheese, sour cream, and chives. It’s a delicious and comforting combination that pairs well with Italian sausage.
3. Caprese Salad
Caprese Salad is a light and refreshing salad that is perfect for those warm summer days.
Simply layer slices of fresh tomato, mozzarella, and basil leaves on a plate, drizzle some olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and pinch with salt and pepper.
It’s an easy and healthy side dish that will complement your Italian sausage.
Discover More: 29 Complementary Dishes to Serve with Caprese Salad
4. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a classic and delicious side dish that pairs well with almost anything.
Simply slice some bread, drizzle it with garlic butter, season with some herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley, and bake it in the oven for 10 minutes. It’s an easy and crowd-pleasing side dish.
5. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a French vegetable stew that is healthy, hearty, and packed with flavor.
It’s made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic simmered in a tomato sauce. It’s a perfect side dish for Italian sausage as it’s filling yet healthy.
6. Caesar Salad
Another classic salad that is a perfect side dish for Italian sausage. It’s made with romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing.
It’s a refreshing and filling combination that never gets old.
7. Risotto
Risotto is a classic Italian rice dish that is creamy, savory, and delicious. It’s made with arborio rice, chicken or vegetable broth, parmesan cheese, and some veggies like mushrooms, peas, or asparagus.
It’s a perfect side dish for Italian sausage as it will help to balance the richness of the sausage.
8. Grilled Corn
Grilled corn is a summer staple that is easy to make and bursting with flavor. Simply brush some corn with butter, season with salt and pepper, and grill on medium heat for about 10 minutes.
It’s a perfect side dish for Italian sausage, as it adds a pop of color and sweetness to the plate.
9. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is an easy and healthy side dish that complements Italian sausage well. It’s made with shredded cabbage, carrots, mayo, vinegar, and some seasonings.
It’s a refreshing and crunchy side dish that will add some variety to your meal.
10. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are an ideal classic side dish that never gets old. They’re easy to make and pair well with almost anything.
Simply boil some potatoes, mash them with some butter, milk, and seasonings, and serve them with your Italian sausage. It’s a comforting and satisfying combination that can never go wrong.
11. Ragu Bolognese
Ragu Bolognese is a classic Italian sauce that is a staple in any Italian kitchen and is perfect for serving Italian sausage.
The rich tomato-based sauce can be made with ground beef, pork, or veal, along with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, herbs, and red wine. Serve it over your favorite pasta and top it off with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
12. Sausage & Peppers
A traditional pairing of sweet Italian sausage with bell peppers makes for a delicious meal that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Just sauté the sausage and peppers together in olive oil until cooked through, then serve on crusty rolls or top with a simple marinara sauce and serve over pasta.
13. Pizzaiola
Add Italian sausage to the classic combination of garlic, tomatoes, oregano, and olive oil to make an easy and tasty pizzaiola-style dish. (Recipe)
Serve it over your favorite type of pasta, or use it as a topping for pizza.
14. Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a delicious low-carb alternative and are always a crowd-pleaser!
Cut zucchini in half lengthwise, scoop out the insides and fill them with a mixture of cooked Italian sausage, onions, peppers, garlic, herbs and cheese, then bake until golden brown.
Explore More: What to Serve with Sausage Stuffed Zucchini | Mouthwatering Side Dishes
15. Polenta Lasagna
Polenta Lasagna is a twist on traditional lasagna that uses cooked polenta instead of noodles and Italian sausage for the filling.
Layer cooked polenta with sauce, mozzarella cheese, and sausage, then bake until hot and bubbly.
16. Sausage & Mushroom Risotto
Combining Italian sausage with creamy Arborio rice makes this dish a perfect comfort food.
Sauté the sausage and mushrooms together until golden, then add it to your risotto along with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor!
17. Eggplant Parmigiana
Eggplant Parmigiana is an ideal classic Italian dish that gets an upgrade when you add crumbled Italian sausage to the mix.
Top slices of eggplant with tomato sauce, cheese, and crumbled sausage, then bake until golden brown. Serve over pasta or as is!
18. Sausage & Fennel Bake
Sausage & Fennel Bake is an easy one-pan dinner and is a great way to mix up your weeknight dinner routine!
Just sauté your Italian sausage with fennel, onions, garlic and herbs, then bake it all together in the oven until the sausage is cooked through.
19. Shepherd’s Pie
Crumble cooked Italian sausage into mashed potatoes and top with shredded cheese to make this twist on traditional shepherd’s pie.
Perfect for cold winter nights when you need something warm and comforting!
Find Out More: 15 Dessert To Serve with Shepherd’s Pie-The Perfect Touch
20. Spaghetti Carbonara
Mix up your spaghetti night by adding crumbled Italian sausage to spaghetti carbonara! (Recipe)
The eggy sauce pairs perfectly with the salty and savory flavor of the sausage. Top with freshly grated Parmesan and present immediately.
What are the best flavors to go with Italian sausage?
Italian sausage is often used to add flavor and texture to many dishes, and the best flavors to pair it with can depend on the type of dish you are creating.
For instance, a classic Italian pasta dish such as spaghetti with meatballs might be complemented nicely by herbs like rosemary or oregano, as well as savory ingredients like Parmesan cheese or garlic.
If you’re looking for something a bit spicier, paprika and chili powder can add a kick.
On pizzas or sandwiches, more sweet ingredients like onions or bell peppers can balance out the saltiness of the sausage.
When cooking with Italian sausage, it’s important not to over-season – use just enough salt and pepper so that all of the flavors meld together nicely without overpowering one another.
How do you jazz up Italian sausage?
One way to jazz up Italian sausage is to combine it with different flavorful ingredients.
Try adding sautéed onions and bell peppers, garlic, red pepper flakes, fresh herbs such as oregano or basil, white wine, canned tomatoes and mushrooms.
You can also stuff the sausage into a hollowed-out loaf of bread for a hearty sandwich. Another option is to slice it into coins and sauté with pasta noodles and vegetables for a delicious Italian feast.
Learn More: 13 Quick and Amazing Side Dishes to Serve with Polish Sausage for a Delicious Meal
How do you display Italian sausage on a platter?
Italian sausage can be displayed on a platter in several ways. A classic and simple presentation would involve arranging the sausages in an overlapping pattern across the plate or platter.
To add additional visual interest, the sausages can be placed on a bed of colorful bell peppers, Roma tomatoes, garlic cloves, and other vegetables that complement the dish’s flavors.
The platter can also be garnished with fresh herbs like rosemary or sage to add an extra layer of aroma and flavor.
For an eye-catching display, the sausages can be arranged in a spiral pattern around the edges of the platter, with vegetables in between each sausage.
This will make for an attractive buffet presentation when attended by guests.
What goes well with italian sausage on pizza
1. Olives
Olives have a strong, salty flavor that can bring out the spices in Italian sausage. They also add a great crunchy texture to the pizza.
2. Bell Peppers
Sweet bell peppers are the perfect balance to spicy Italian sausage, as their mild flavor helps to cut through the heat of the sausage while still being flavorful.
3. Onions
Caramelized onions are an excellent addition to any pizza, and they pair particularly well with Italian sausage because of their sweetness, which complements the spice of the sausage.
4. Mushrooms
The earthiness of mushrooms is a wonderful counterpart to Italian sausage and can provide a nice contrast in both taste and texture.
5. Garlic
Roasted garlic adds another layer of flavor that works incredibly well with Italian sausage on pizza; its pungent aroma and slightly sweet taste are sure to add depth throughout every bite.
Find Out More: Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Venison Sausages
Wrap Up on what to serve with Italian sausage
Italian sausage is delicious, but pairing it with the right-side dish can elevate the dish to the next level.
From roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes, these side dishes will complement your Italian sausage perfectly.
Next time you cook up some Italian sausage, try these amazing side dishes to take your meal to the next level. Have fun cooking!
FAQs
How much Italian sausage per person?
When planning a meal of Italian sausage for a group, it is important to consider the size of the sausages as well as how much each person should be served.
A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 3-4 ounces of sausage per person, but this can be adjusted according to individual tastes and appetites.
For example, those with larger appetites may prefer 5 ounces or even more.
Additionally, if the Italian sausages are particularly large, then you may need fewer servings in order to hit the 3-4 ounce portion size.
To ensure that everyone has enough to eat and all dietary needs are accounted for, it is recommended to have extra sausages on hand for those who wish for another helping.
What side dishes go with smoked Italian sausage?
Oh my goodness, there are so many amazing options for what to serve with Italian sausage!
If you’re looking for the perfect side dishes to complement that delicious smoky flavor of your smoked Italian sausage, then look no further.
One classic option is sautéed peppers and onions – nothing pairs better with a juicy sausage than some sweet and tangy veggies.
You could also try serving it up with a big bowl of creamy polenta or cheesy grits – the rich flavors will blend perfectly with the bold spices in your sausage.
And if you want something a little lighter, why not whip up some garlic-roasted asparagus or crispy Brussels sprouts?
The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to what to serve with Italian sausage, but one thing’s for sure – whatever you choose is going to be absolutely delicious!
What’s the difference between Italian sausage and hot Italian sausage?
The main difference between Italian sausage and hot Italian sausage is the amount of heat or spiciness they contain.
Traditional Italian sausage contains herbs and spices such as fennel, oregano, black pepper, anise and red pepper flakes that give it a mild flavor.
On the other hand, hot Italian sausage contains more chili powder or crushed red peppers to increase its level of spiciness.
Generally speaking, hot Italian sausage is much spicier than regular Italian sausage.
What to have with sausages for lunch?
Sausages are a great choice for lunch, and there are plenty of delicious options to go with them!
For something light and healthy, you could pair your sausages with some leafy greens like kale or spinach, a side of roasted vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes, or a light slaw salad.
If you’re looking for something heartier, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, or even a savory bread pudding would be delicious accompaniments.
You could also serve up some cooked onions and peppers on the side for an extra bit of flavor.
Or, if you’re in the mood for an international twist, why not whip up some German spaetzle noodles as a side dish?