Name: Charred Sausage & Peppers with Crispy Garlic Toast
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1½ pounds sweet Italian sausage; 2 red bell pepper; 1 yellow bell pepper; 1 medium red onion; 6 cloves garlic; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 3 tablespoons olive oil; salt; black pepper; 4 slices Italian bread

Charred Sausage & Peppers with Crispy Garlic Toast

weeknightitalian-inspiredspicy

12 minPrep20 minCook4Serves

Ingredients

1½ poundssweet Italian sausage (bulk or links)
2red bell pepper
1yellow bell pepper
1 mediumred onion
6 clovesgarlic
½ teaspoonred pepper flakes
¾ teaspoonsmoked paprika
2 tablespoonsbalsamic vinegar
3 tablespoonsolive oil
·salt
·black pepper
4 slicesItalian bread (crusty)

Prep

01
Dice 2 red bell peppers and 1 yellow bell pepper into 3/4-inch pieces.
02
Dice 1 medium red onion.
03
Mince 6 cloves garlic.

Method

01
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. If using sausage links, brown them whole on all sides (about 8 minutes), then remove to a cutting board and slice into 1-inch pieces. If using bulk sausage, crumble it into the pan and cook until no pink remains (about 6 minutes), breaking it apart as it cooks. Transfer to a plate.
02
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Add the diced peppers and onion, then increase heat to high. Cook, stirring occasionally and letting the vegetables char on the edges, for 8 to 10 minutes, until they start to soften and caramelize. Season with salt and pepper.
03
Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04
Return the sausage to the pan. Add the balsamic vinegar and stir to combine. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to warm through and let the flavors meld.
05
While the sausage and peppers finish, rub both sides of each bread slice with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toast in a separate skillet or toaster oven at high heat until golden and crispy, about 3 minutes per side.
06
Divide the sausage and peppers among plates and serve alongside the garlic toast for scooping up the juices.

Spice Tips

For serious heat, increase the red pepper flakes to 3/4 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne. A drizzle of hot sauce at the table adds another layer of kick. For a sweeter, mellower finish, reduce the red pepper flakes to 1/4 teaspoon and add 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar instead of 2.

Make it a sandwish: heap the finished sausage and peppers onto a crusty roll instead of serving with toast. Leftovers reheat beautifully—store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.