Italian sausage is a versatile ingredient beloved for its robust, savory flavor, seasoned with traditional Italian spices like fennel, garlic, and oregano. Whether served in pasta, on a sandwich, or as part of a hearty dinner, Italian sausage pairs well with various sides that complement its richness.
But with so many delicious side dishes to choose from, knowing what goes best with Italian sausage can take your meal to the next level. In this article, we’ll explore the best vegetable, starch, bread, and cheese pairings, along with unique ways to incorporate sausage into breakfast and lunch dishes. Whether you’re preparing a casual family meal or hosting a gathering, these pairing suggestions will ensure your Italian sausage dish is a crowd-pleaser.
For inspiration, try this Italian Sausage and Potatoes Recipe from NakishaRecipes, which combines sausage with roasted potatoes for an easy and flavorful one-pan meal.
Why Italian Sausage Pairs Well with Certain Foods
The bold, savory flavor of Italian sausage—whether it’s the sweet or hot variety—comes from a careful balance of spices, including fennel, oregano, garlic, and sometimes red pepper flakes. These spices create a rich profile that demands equally flavorful and complementary sides. To balance the richness of Italian sausage, pair it with lighter vegetables or hearty grains that help absorb the sausage’s juices and flavors.
Italian sausage pairs well with classic Italian side dishes, such as pasta or polenta, but it also works wonderfully with non-traditional sides like roasted vegetables, grains, and even breakfast foods. The versatility of Italian sausage makes it a fantastic option for nearly any meal of the day.
For more ideas on what pairs well with Italian sausage, you can explore NakishaRecipes’ What Goes Well with Italian Sausage guide for detailed suggestions.
Best Vegetable Pairings for Italian Sausage
Vegetables are some of the most popular sides for Italian sausage because they provide a light, fresh contrast to the meat’s rich flavor. Here are some of the best vegetable pairings:
- Peppers and Onions: This classic combination is often served with grilled or sautéed Italian sausage. The sweetness of caramelized onions and bell peppers balances the spices of the sausage and adds a slight crunch.
- Tip: You can enhance the flavors by grilling the peppers and onions for a smoky touch, or try roasting them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Zucchini and Squash: These mild-flavored vegetables are perfect for balancing the richness of Italian sausage. They can be roasted, sautéed, or grilled for a quick and healthy side.
- Tip: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a dash of garlic to elevate the flavors.
- Broccoli Rabe: Known for its slightly bitter taste, broccoli rabe works beautifully when sautéed with garlic and served alongside Italian sausage. The bitterness contrasts with the savory sausage, making it a favorite in pasta dishes or as a side.
- Tip: Blanch the broccoli rabe first to reduce bitterness before sautéing it with garlic and olive oil.
- Artichokes: Whether marinated, steamed, or roasted, artichokes bring a tangy and savory flavor that complements the spices in Italian sausage.
For a lighter yet delicious vegetable pairing, try serving your sausage with Vegan Air-Fried Zucchini, which offers a crispy and healthy side to balance out the meal.
Starch and Grain Options to Serve with Italian Sausage
Starches and grains provide a hearty foundation for Italian sausage, and they’re great at soaking up the juices and flavors from the sausage. Here are some of the best options:
- Polenta: Creamy or grilled polenta makes an excellent side for Italian sausage. Its soft, creamy texture contrasts well with the sausage’s firm bite, while its mild flavor lets the sausage’s spices take center stage.
- Tip: You can prepare polenta by slowly stirring cornmeal into boiling water and seasoning it with butter and Parmesan cheese for a deliciously creamy dish. Grilled polenta offers a firmer texture, ideal for serving alongside grilled sausage.
- Pasta: No Italian meal is complete without pasta, and Italian sausage pairs beautifully with various types of pasta. Whether it’s spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne, pasta helps capture the juices from the sausage and blends perfectly with tomato-based sauces.
- Tip: Try making a classic sausage and peppers pasta or sausage Bolognese. Sausage pieces add a rich, savory element to the dish, making it even more satisfying.
- Rice and Risotto: The creamy texture of risotto or fluffy rice is a fantastic base for Italian sausage. Sausage served with risotto creates a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for a cold night.
- Tip: Pair Italian sausage with a mushroom risotto for a rich and earthy dish.
- Potatoes: Potatoes, whether roasted, mashed, or fried, are a classic side that pairs wonderfully with Italian sausage. The hearty starchiness of the potatoes complements the sausage’s fat and spices, making this combination perfect for a filling meal.
- Tip: For a simple, one-pan meal, try Italian Sausage and Potatoes, which brings together crispy roasted potatoes and juicy sausage for a balanced, satisfying dish.
Bread and Sandwich Pairings for Italian Sausage
Bread is another great pairing option, especially if you’re making Italian sausage sandwiches or serving the sausage with a saucy dish. Here are some bread options to consider:
- Hoagie Rolls or Crusty Bread: Perfect for making sausage sandwiches, hoagie rolls or crusty bread hold up well to the sausage’s juices and toppings like sautéed peppers and onions.
- Tip: Try toasting the bread lightly to add texture and prevent it from becoming too soggy from the sausage juices.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavors of garlic bread make it a perfect companion for Italian sausage. Whether you serve it alongside sausage pasta or use it to soak up sausage drippings, garlic bread is always a hit.
- Focaccia: Soft and full of olive oil flavor, focaccia is an excellent option for pairing with grilled sausage. The bread’s light texture and slight chewiness complement the rich, juicy sausage.
Salad Pairings for Italian Sausage
Adding a salad to your meal introduces light, crisp flavors that help balance the richness of Italian sausage. Here are a few salad ideas to try:
- Caprese Salad: Made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, Caprese salad is a refreshing side that pairs well with grilled or roasted sausage.
- Tip: Drizzle balsamic reduction over the salad to add a tangy sweetness that contrasts with the savory sausage.
- Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad’s crunchy romaine lettuce and garlicky dressing offer a light, low-carb side to pair with sausage.
- Arugula Salad: The peppery flavor of arugula pairs wonderfully with the savory richness of Italian sausage. Toss the arugula with a light vinaigrette for a simple, fresh side.
- Tip: Add shaved Parmesan or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette: A spinach salad with tangy balsamic dressing helps cut through the fat of the sausage, creating a balanced, healthy meal.
For more green side ideas, consider NakishaRecipes’ Tortilla Quiche Bake, which can be made with vegetables and makes an excellent side for sausage.
What to Serve with Italian Sausage for Breakfast
Italian sausage is not just a dinner staple—it also makes a delicious addition to breakfast. Here are some breakfast sides to serve with sausage:
- Eggs: Scrambled, fried, or poached eggs are a classic breakfast pairing with sausage. The savory flavors of the sausage complement the mild creaminess of the eggs.
- Tip: Try making a sausage and egg breakfast skillet with sautéed potatoes and onions for a hearty morning meal.
- Breakfast Potatoes: Roasted or home-fried potatoes provide a hearty, comforting side for sausage and eggs, making them a breakfast favorite.
- Pancakes or Waffles: The sweet, fluffy texture of pancakes or waffles pairs surprisingly well with Italian sausage, creating a balance of savory and sweet.
- Fruit Salad: For a lighter option, a fresh fruit salad can brighten the plate and provide a sweet, refreshing contrast to the sausage.
Cheese and Dairy Pairings with Italian Sausage
Cheese is an essential ingredient in many Italian dishes, and it pairs beautifully with Italian sausage. Here are some popular cheese pairings:
- Mozzarella and Parmesan: Soft mozzarella adds creaminess, while sharp Parmesan enhances the sausage’s rich flavors. Both are commonly used in pasta or pizza dishes featuring Italian sausage.
- Tip: Top baked pasta with sausage, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a comforting, cheesy dish.
- Ricotta: Used in stuffed pasta like manicotti or lasagna, ricotta’s mild, creamy texture balances the bold flavors of Italian sausage.
- Gorgonzola: For a more adventurous pairing, the strong, tangy flavor of gorgonzola complements the spiciness of hot Italian sausage.
FAQs: Common Questions About What Goes with Italian Sausage
What vegetables go best with Italian sausage?
Popular vegetable pairings include peppers, onions, zucchini, and broccoli rabe, all of which complement the sausage’s bold flavors.
What type of pasta pairs best with Italian sausage?
Spaghetti, rigatoni, and penne work well in sausage-based dishes, especially with tomato sauces or a rich Bolognese.
Can you serve Italian sausage with rice?
Yes, Italian sausage pairs well with both plain rice and risotto. The starchiness of rice helps absorb the sausage’s juices and spices.
What bread is best for making sausage sandwiches?
Crusty hoagie rolls or focaccia are ideal for holding juicy sausage and toppings without becoming soggy.
Is Italian sausage good for breakfast?
Absolutely! It pairs well with eggs, breakfast potatoes, and even sweet sides like pancakes or waffles for a hearty breakfast.
Final Thoughts on What Goes with Italian Sausage
From hearty starches and flavorful vegetables to fresh salads and rich cheeses, Italian sausage is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with a wide variety of sides. Whether you’re making sausage sandwiches, pasta dishes, or a breakfast skillet, the right pairings will elevate your meal and highlight the robust flavors of the sausage. For more recipe ideas and meal inspiration, try NakishaRecipes’ Italian Sausage and Potatoes Recipe for a satisfying one-pan meal.
