Introduction
When the weather warms up, my family and I love to take our meals outdoors. One of our favorite recipes for grilling season is the Foil Packet Grilled Sausage & Peppers. Itβs not just delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. The aroma of grilled sausages combined with colorful, caramelized peppers and onions is truly mouthwatering. Plus, the clean-up is a breeze! Just toss the foil packets away after cooking. Every time I serve this dish, my family canβt help but rave about it, and itβs quickly become a staple in our outdoor cooking rotation.
Ingredients
- 4 Italian sausages
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the sliced bell peppers, onion, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Prepare the Foil: Tear off 4 large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil, approximately 12Γ12 inches each.
- Assemble the Packets: Divide the vegetable mixture evenly among the foil pieces, placing them in the center of each piece. Place a sausage on top of the vegetables on each foil piece.
- Seal the Packets: Fold the sides of the foil over the sausage and vegetable mixture, then fold up the ends to create sealed packets.
- Grill the Packets: Place the foil packets on the preheated grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Carefully open the foil packets (watch out for steam) and check that the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Serve the sausage and peppers hot, either on their own or with a side of crusty bread or over cooked rice.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3 g
- Sugars: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve
- On its own: Perfect for a light meal.
- With sides: Pair with crusty bread or rolls.
- Over rice: Serve over a bed of rice for a heartier meal.
- Toppings: Add fresh herbs, cheese, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Additional Tips
- Choose Quality Sausages: Opt for high-quality Italian sausages for the best flavor.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms based on your preference.
- Add Spice: If you enjoy heat, add sliced jalapeΓ±os or crushed red pepper flakes to the vegetable mix.
- Marinate Ahead: For even more flavor, marinate the sausages in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for an hour before grilling.
- Make it a Meal: Add cooked pasta to the foil packets for a complete meal in one.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken Sausage: Substitute Italian sausages with chicken or turkey sausages for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausages with plant-based sausages or add chickpeas for protein.
- Different Seasonings: Experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or Cajun seasoning for a unique twist.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese over the vegetables before sealing the packets for a cheesy delight.
Serving Suggestions
- With Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad for a refreshing side.
- Dips: Pair with dips like marinara or pesto for extra flavor.
- Wine Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir.
Freezing and Storage
- Leftovers: Store any leftover sausage and peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, cool the packets completely, then place them in freezer bags. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or on the grill until heated through.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen vegetables?
- Yes, you can use frozen bell peppers and onions, but the cooking time may vary slightly.
- How do I know when the sausages are cooked?
- Use a meat thermometer; sausages should reach an internal temperature of 160Β°F (70Β°C).
- Can I make this dish in the oven?
- Yes, you can bake the foil packets in the oven at 400Β°F (200Β°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- What other meats can I use?
- You can use bratwurst, chicken, or even steak pieces in this recipe.
- Can I prepare these packets in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the packets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until youβre ready to grill.
- What should I serve with this dish?
- Crusty bread, rice, or a light salad are excellent accompaniments.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can I use other spices?
- Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, as long as you ensure the sausages and any seasonings used are gluten-free.
- What can I substitute for olive oil?
- You can use vegetable oil or canola oil as a substitute.
Conclusion
Foil Packet Grilled Sausage & Peppers is an ideal dish for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful, outdoor meal without the hassle of extensive prep and cleanup. Itβs not only versatile but also customizable, making it a perfect choice for gatherings, camping trips, or a simple weeknight dinner. The combination of juicy sausages and vibrant, grilled vegetables is sure to satisfy everyone at your table. Give it a try at your next barbecue, and watch as it becomes a beloved favorite!
PrintFoil Packet Grilled Sausage & Peppers π
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 Serving 1x
Description
A delicious and easy outdoor meal idea featuring juicy Italian sausages and colorful bell peppers, all grilled to perfection in convenient foil packets. Perfect for summer barbecues or camping trips!
Ingredients
- 4 Italian sausages
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced bell peppers, onion, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Tear off 4 large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil, approximately 12Γ12 inches each.
- Divide the vegetable mixture evenly among the foil pieces, placing them in the center of each piece.
- Place a sausage on top of the vegetables on each foil piece.
- Fold the sides of the foil over the sausage and vegetable mixture, then fold up the ends to create sealed packets.
- Place the foil packets on the preheated grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.
- Carefully open the foil packets (watch out for steam) and check that the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve the sausage and peppers hot, either on their own or with a side of crusty bread or over cooked rice.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, consider using spicy Italian sausages or adding red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables with zucchini or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 packet
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g1
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg