Description
This Foil Packet Cheesy Sausage and Peppers recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make meal perfect for grilling or baking. Juicy Italian sausages are cooked with colorful bell peppers and onions, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, then topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The foil packets keep the flavors locked in and make for quick, mess-free cooking and cleanup. A perfect dish for a casual weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 4 Italian sausages (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
Seasonings and Cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Foil Packets: Preheat your grill to medium heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut 4 large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each about 12 inches long. Place one sausage in the center of each foil piece.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Surround each sausage with the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers and sliced onion. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the sausage and vegetables. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or adjust seasoning to taste.
- Seal the Foil Packets: Fold the sides of the foil over the sausage and peppers, then fold up the ends to tightly seal each packet. Make sure to lock in all the juices and flavors by sealing the foil properly to prevent steam from escaping during cooking.
- Cook the Foil Packets: For grilling, place the foil packets on the preheated grill and cook for 25-30 minutes, turning the packets halfway through to ensure even cooking. For oven cooking, place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The sausages should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), and the vegetables should be tender when done.
- Add Cheese: Carefully open each foil packet (be cautious of hot steam). Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sausage and veggies. Close the foil packets again and return them to the grill or oven for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.
- Serve: Open the foil packets, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy the flavorful and cheesy sausage and peppers straight from the foil packet for an easy, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can customize the sausage flavor by choosing either mild or spicy Italian sausages depending on your taste.
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil is recommended to prevent tearing during grilling or baking.
- If you prefer, substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- For extra smoky flavor when grilling, cook over indirect heat to avoid burning the foil.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave, but the vegetables might lose some texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure sausages are fully cooked to safety standards (160°F/71°C).
