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    Home » Recipes » Recipe Roundups

    Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com · Leave a Comment

    Italian Sausage Recipes

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    Pin split image with text showing different Italian sausage recipes.

    These Italian sausage recipes are perfect for any occasion, and there's a wide variety of ways to turn this tasty meat into a family dinner! Whether you're looking to make meatballs or different cooking methods for your Italian sausage links, this list has it all! I've even included some delicious Italian-inspired pasta dishes to try!

    Best Italian Sausage Recipes

    If you're wondering what to do with the Italian sausage that's in your fridge, you might be surprised by how many tasty options you have. Of course, you can always stick to serving links on a bun or use the ground version to toss in pasta, but you're certainly not limited to these options!

    In this collection, I've gathered the best Italian recipes for when you are looking for some diversity! From hearty casseroles and soups to flavorful Italian dishes, you're sure to find a recipe that your family will enjoy!

    Square split image showing different Italian sausage recipes.
    Jump to:
    • Best Italian Sausage Recipes
    • 1. Air Fryer Italian Sausage
    • 2. Stuffed Italian Sausages
    • 3. Smoked Italian Sausages
    • 4. Air Fryer Sausage & Peppers
    • 5. Sausage Dogs
    • 6. Italian Sausage Bake
    • 7. Baked Italian Sausages
    • 8. Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese With Smoked Sausage and Broccoli
    • 9. Baked Italian Meatballs
    • 10. Baked Rigatoni
    • 11. Air Fryer Meatballs
    • 12. Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
    • 13. Pasta e Fagioli Soup
    • 14. Italian Sausage Soup
    • 15. Homemade Italian Sausage Pizza
    • Tips For Cooking Italian Sausage
    • 🐖 😋 More Tasty Sausage Recipes
    • 📋 Recipe
    • Italian Sausage Recipes: Baked Italian Meatballs (+More Tasty Recipes To Try!)
    • Ingredients US CustomaryMetric
    • Instructions
    • Equipment You May Need
    • Notes
    • 💬 Comments
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    Complete your meal with a few of my favorite side dishes to serve with Italian sausage! Here is my complete guide on how to cook Italian sausage if you have any questions!

    1. Air Fryer Italian Sausage

    This easy 14-minute recipe results in perfectly cooked Italian sausage links with minimal effort! They make a great family dinner for any night of the week and always turn out just right.

    Air Fryer Italian Sausage
    Incredibly easy-to-make air fryer Italian sausage is equally incredibly tasty with a delightfully golden casing while retaining all their juicy goodness! Using your air fryer to cook up these hot, sweet, or mild Italian sausages is sure to be your new go-to method!
    Check out this recipe
    Closeup on the air fryer Italian sausage served with ketchup and mustard in bun.

    2. Stuffed Italian Sausages

    If you're looking for a recipe that has all of the traditional flavors of Italy, these stuffed Italian sausages won't disappoint! Italian sausages are cut open, filled with cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, then baked to perfection over marinara sauce!

    Stuffed Italian Sausages
    This incredibly easy-to-make stuffed Italian sausage dinner is packed with rich sausage flavor, tangy cream cheese, nutty Parmesan, and Italian seasoning! It's truly a flavor-packed meal that is hearty, filling and a family favorite that everyone can agree on!
    Check out this recipe
    Stuffed Italian sausages on white plate with marinara sauce.

    3. Smoked Italian Sausages

    The next time you are planning on using your smoker, these smoked Italian sausages are a must-try! Whether you serve them on buns or pair them with pasta, salad, or soup, you're in for an unforgettable family dinner!

    Smoked Italian Sausage
    My easy, juicy Smoked Italian Sausages are absolutely packed with ALOT of intense smoky flavor and hands down a family fave! These smoked sausages are versatile, intensely flavorful, and an instant winner when it comes to making family meals that everyone will love!
    Check out this recipe
    Square overhead of the smoked italian sausage on metal tray with buns and coarse mustard on sides.

    4. Air Fryer Sausage & Peppers

    This 30-minute meal is extremely easy-to-make, versatile, and full of incredible flavor! All you have to do is wash and chop the bell peppers and onion, season them, then the air fryer takes over.

    Air Fryer Sausage & Peppers (with Onions)
    This easy air fryer sausage and peppers meal delivers big flavor in just 30 minutes for an amazingly tasty family dinner! It's so easy, after just a few minutes of slicing, and then the rest is practically effortless!
    Check out this recipe
    Best air fryer sausage and peppers and onions cooked to perfection and ready to serve.

    5. Sausage Dogs

    Italian sausage links would be a great alternative to use in my easy sausage dogs recipe! You could load them up with peppers and onions, or any of your favorite sausage toppings or condiments.

    Sausage Dogs
    You don’t have to wait for the State Fair to have these amazing sausage dogs that combine juicy Polish sausage links and soft buns and all your favorite toppings! These sausage dogs are a quick and tasty way to get your fair food fix!
    Check out this recipe
    Tasty sausage dogs loaded with toppings and condiments.

    6. Italian Sausage Bake

    If you're in the mood for a hearty casserole dish, this Italian sausage bake only requires 5 ingredients and a total of 45 minutes to make! It freezes beautifully and is suitable for any weekday meal.

    Italian Sausage Bake
    This Italian sausage bake is an easy family casserole dinner made with pasta, spaghetti sauce, Italian sausage links, cheese, and basil! With only 5 ingredients, it's a super meal to put together quickly and still serve up hearty comfort food that everyone will enjoy! It will definitely be added to your weekly dinner rotation!
    Check out this recipe
    wide overhead image of the Italian Sausage Bake in white casserole dish.

    7. Baked Italian Sausages

    Another great way to cook up your Italian sausages is to bake them. This recipe is a one-pan meal that can be made in countless ways with tons of different vegetables!

    Baked Italian Sausage
    Baked Italian Sausage is quite possibly the easiest dinner ever and ensures that your sausage links are cooked completely! There are countless flavor combinations to spice up your roasting pan and make your sweet Italian, spicy Italian, beef, pork, chicken, or even turkey sausage into a one pan meal!
    Check out this recipe
    Quick and easy one pan oven baked Italian sausages are a delightfully flavorful dinner that will be a go-to dinner for your busy family!

    >>>>See all of my recipes HERE<<<<

    8. Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese With Smoked Sausage and Broccoli

    I can't think of a better way to describe this dish than comforting, satisfying, and incredibly creamy! It's truly a family favorite and one of my go-to recipes when I have sausage in the fridge.

    Oven Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Sausage and Broccoli
    Ooey, gooey, creamy, and decadently delicious oven baked macaroni & cheese!
    Check out this recipe
    Oven Baked Farmers Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Sausage and Broccoli

    9. Baked Italian Meatballs

    Having a reliable meatball recipe in your back pocket is an absolute must! These baked Italian meatballs can be dressed up or down and will satisfy your family any time you serve them.

    Try them as an alternative to ground beef meatballs in my incredibly delicious baked spaghetti and meatballs recipe!

    Baked Italian Meatballs
    These scrumptious baked Italian meatballs are savory, flavorful, and mildly sweet - making them a welcome addition to any meal! These easy yet flavorful meatballs will have you feeling like you're in Nonna's kitchen in no time!
    Check out this recipe
    Best baked Italian meatballs sauced and plated on serving tray.

    10. Baked Rigatoni

    If you're a fan of comfort food as much as I am, then my baked rigatoni is sure to be a hit! It's saucy, cheesy, totally delicious, and always enjoyed by kids and adults alike!

    Baked Rigatoni with Tomato Sauce & Italian Sausage
    My easy baked rigatoni is an incredible comfort food featuring al dente rigatoni pasta, pasta sauce with Italian sausage, and melted cheese! You can't go wrong with this simple rigatoni pasta bake because it's a delicious dinner that the whole family will enjoy! Once you try this cheesy baked rigatoni with Italian sausage, you'll want to make it every week!
    Check out this recipe
    Square overhead image of baked rigatoni with Italian sausage.

    11. Air Fryer Meatballs

    Whenever you are scrambling for time on busy weeknights, it's time to rely on your trusted air fryer! Simply combine breadcrumbs, an egg, milk, minced garlic, seasoning, and ground Italian sausage to make the easiest meatballs ever.

    Air Fryer Meatballs
    These air fryer meatballs are a quick, easy, and completely delicious dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or entree! Eat them by themselves or pair them with some of your other favorite recipes (such as pasta)! No matter how you choose to serve these homemade meatballs, everyone will be coming back for more!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image showing air fryer meatballs on a white plate.

    12. Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

    Another satisfying and crowd-pleasing main dish made with Italian sausage is my Million dollar spaghetti casserole! Just like the name, it tastes like a million bucks and takes ordinary spaghetti to the next level.

    Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
    Million dollar spaghetti casserole is an easy family dinner that features layers of al dente spaghetti, meat sauce, and creamy cheeses! While the name may sound extravagant, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions! Each bite is a wonderful blend of savory, tangy, and rich flavors that will leave everyone craving for more!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of Million dollar spaghetti casserole.

    13. Pasta e Fagioli Soup

    If you've ever had Pasta e Fagioli soup at Olive Garden and loved it, then you have to try my homemade take on it! This version is quick to prepare and perfect for bringing your family some comfort.

    Pasta e Fagioli Soup
    Pasta e Fagioli Soup, aka 'pasta and beans,' is a traditional Italian soup using mini pasta, sausage, and vegetables in a tomato based broth. Nothing says comfort food like a brimming bowl of this classic Italian soup on a cold day!
    Check out this recipe
    Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a hearty Italian soup with pasta, Italian sausage and vegetables

    14. Italian Sausage Soup

    This Italian sausage soup is loaded with orzo pasta, tender vegetables, herbs, and garlic! It's ready on the table in just 50 minutes from start to finish.

    Italian Sausage Soup - Cooking Classy
    Italian Sausage Soup - a rich and hearty soup that’s made with flavorful pork sausage, orzo, fresh vegetables and plenty of herbs and garlic.
    Check out this recipe
    Italian Sausage Soup - Cooking Classy

    15. Homemade Italian Sausage Pizza

    Whenever I have Italian sausage in my fridge, I always love using it to make a tasty pizza. This homemade sausage pizza is loaded with other delicious pizza toppings like onions, mushrooms, and Mozzarella and is certain to make your family dinner a success!

    Homemade Italian Sausage Pizza with Pesto Sauce
    Add pizzaz to pizza night with this amazing Italian Sausage Pizza recipe. Loaded with spicy sausage, sweet caramelized onion, & pesto - it’s amazingly delicious!Make with homemade or storebought crust
    Check out this recipe
    Homemade Italian Sausage Pizza with Pesto Sauce

    Tips For Cooking Italian Sausage

    Cooking Italian sausage can be made easier with some helpful tips and tricks! For the best flavor and texture, simply follow these suggestions:

    1. Use quality sausage: Choose fresh, high-quality Italian sausage for the best taste and texture. Some of my favorite brands include Johnsonville (sweet, mild, and hot) Italian sausages as well as Premio, Swaggerty, Hillshire Farms, and Isernio's.
    2. Prick the sausages: To avoid your Italian sausages from bursting open, use a fork to lightly prick them before cooking.
    3. Rest before serving: In order to lock in the juices and enhance the flavor of your Italian sausages, I recommend resting them for a few minutes after cooking.
    4. Internal temperature: Italian sausage is made with raw ground pork, so you'll want to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) so they're safe to eat.
    5. Pair with complementing ingredients: Create a classic meal by serving Italian sausages with traditional sides like sautéed peppers and onions, marinara sauce, or Italian bread.

    Now you have the best Italian sausage recipes around! Be sure to leave a comment down below if you try any of them out and let me know which one is your favorite!

    🐖 😋 More Tasty Sausage Recipes

    • Sausage Cream Cheese Biscuit Bites - These delicious bites are a 4-ingredient appetizer that's perfect for sharing with a crowd!
    • Chicken Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner - This sheet pan dinner is incredibly easy and quick to prepare before the oven takes over!
    • Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls - If you're looking for a fun party appetizer, these sausage cream cheese crescent rolls won't disappoint!
    • Breakfast Sausage - Once you make homemade breakfast sausage, you'll never want to buy any store-bought version again!
    • Sausage Stuffing - This recipe is perfect for stuffing a turkey or enjoying as a side dish on its own!
    • Sausage Cream Cheese Dip - This flavorful dip features pork sausage, cream cheese, and a can of RoTel diced tomatoes with green chiles!

    Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Subscribe to the newsletter today (no spam, I promise)! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

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    5 from 6 reviews

    Italian Sausage Recipes: Baked Italian Meatballs (+More Tasty Recipes To Try!)

    These Italian sausage recipes are perfect for any occasion, and there's a wide variety of ways to turn this tasty meat into a family dinner! Whether you're looking to make meatballs or different cooking methods for your Italian sausage links, this list has it all! I've even included some delicious Italian-inspired pasta dishes to try!
    Author | Angela
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 453kcal
    Prep 10 minutes minutes
    Cooking 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time 35 minutes minutes
    Pin Recipe Share on Facebook

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 lb ground Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot)
    • ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned breadcrumbs or Panko breadcrumbs)
    • 1 large egg
    • 2 tablespoon milk
    • 2 teaspoon garlic (minced)
    • ¼ teaspoon each, salt & pepper
    Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

    Instructions

    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C/Gas Mark 6). Meanwhile, place all ingredients (Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic, salt & pepper) in a large bowl and mix just until combined. *Make sure not to over-mix the meat or it can become tough.
      1 lb ground Italian sausage, ⅓ cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoon milk, 2 teaspoon garlic, ¼ teaspoon each, salt & pepper
    • Portion and shape the meat mixture into 1 ½ to 2-inch meatballs by rolling it into a sphere with the palms of your hands. You should have approximately 12 meatballs.
    • Place the meatballs in a broiler pan, or a baking dish with a wire rack inside, that has been coated with non-stick cooking spray or oil. Be sure to leave space between them. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature is 160°F (71°C). Serve immediately.

    Equipment You May Need

    Mixing Bowl
    Broiler Pan
    meat thermometer

    Notes

    • In place of Italian sausage, ground beef or a combination of ground beef and pork can also be used. If using ground beef, opt for a high fat percentage- 90% or more.
    • Allow your ground Italian sausage (or ground beef and/or ground pork) to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes prior to mixing. It will save your hands from freezing and ensure that the meatballs cook quickly and evenly.
    • It may be messy, but the easiest and best way to combine all the meatball ingredients is to use your hands. 
    • Serve over pasta with pasta sauce, or on crusty bread as a sandwich.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 453kcal (23%) | Carbohydrates: 8g (3%) | Protein: 19g (38%) | Fat: 37g (57%) | Saturated Fat: 13g (81%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 134mg (45%) | Sodium: 1061mg (46%) | Potassium: 339mg (10%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 80IU (2%) | Vitamin C: 3mg (4%) | Calcium: 56mg (6%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
    Baked Italian Meatballs, baked meatballs, italian meatballs, Italian recipes
    Course Dinner Recipes
    Cuisine Italian
    author profile photo
    Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

    Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

    bakeitwithlove.com/about/
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    Hi there, I'm Angela! I'm an avid vintage cookbook collector, recipe creator, animal lover, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, and creative recipes as well as great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to make sure that cooks of any experience level can be successful. Enjoy!

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