Name: Irresistible Cheesy Baked Sausage Recipe You Need to Try
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 8 large Italian sausages (mild or spicy, depending on your preference); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredients

Scale

8 large Italian sausages (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Substitution Suggestions: If you’re not a fan of Italian sausage, spicy chorizo or smoked kielbasa work wonderfully here. For cheese, feel free to swap mozzarella with provolone or even fontina for a different flavor profile. And if you want a dairy-free version, use your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives.

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
In a skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add sliced onions and red bell peppers. Sauté until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Remove vegetables from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, brown the sausages on all sides. This will take around 6-8 minutes. The goal is to develop a nice crust without fully cooking them through.
Arrange the browned sausages in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the sautéed onions and peppers evenly over the sausages.
Sprinkle the dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the entire dish. This step is crucial—Mama Lou swore by seasoning as if you’re seasoning for love.
Top everything generously with the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses, covering the sausages and vegetables completely.
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the sausages are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C).
Once out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.
Serve warm, and watch as your family or guests dive in with smiles and contented sighs—just like mine did with Ouma and me many times over.

Author: Jenny
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: International