Get ready to fall in love with an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that practically makes itself: Foil Packet Cheesy Sausage and Peppers. Imagine smoky sausage, tender sweet peppers, velvety onions, and a generous blanket of melty cheese—all wrapped up and cooked together for a flavor-packed meal with the most effortless cleanup ever. Whether you’re craving comfort food or need something quick for a busy weeknight, this recipe brings color, sizzle, and cheesy goodness to the table with just a little chopping and folding. The best part? Everyone gets their own perfectly portioned packet, ready to open and dive into!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, colorful ingredients are the true stars in Foil Packet Cheesy Sausage and Peppers. Each one brings something special, from the smoky kick of sausage to the silky melt of mozzarella—making every bite completely irresistible.
- Smoked Sausage or Kielbasa (1 pound, sliced into rounds): This gives the dish its depth of flavor and heartiness; try to pick your favorite for a personalized touch.
- Bell Peppers (2, sliced—any color): Red, yellow, or green peppers brighten the meal visually and add sweetness.
- Onion (1 medium, sliced): Sliced onions become deliciously sweet and tender as they roast inside the packet.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps everything roast perfectly, adding a rich, silky mouthfeel.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings together classic herb flavors for that unmistakable Italian aroma.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds depth and a subtle garlicky edge without overpowering.
- Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a gentle smokiness, enhancing both flavor and color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and intensifies all those savory notes.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to enliven every bite with gentle spice.
- Shredded Mozzarella or Provolone Cheese (1 cup): Melts wonderfully, bringing the melty “cheesy” element that everyone loves.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): A splash of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Foil Packet Cheesy Sausage and Peppers
Step 1: Prep Your Foil Sheets
Grab four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil—about 12×16 inches each—so you have plenty of room to fold and seal your packets tightly. If you want to guarantee a fuss-free cleanup, give each piece a quick spray with cooking spray before filling.
Step 2: Mix the Good Stuff
In a large bowl, toss together the sausage slices, colorful peppers, sweet onions, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. You’ll want every bit glossy and well-coated so the flavors meld and nothing sticks. Take a moment to appreciate those beautiful colors—this is a dish you eat with your eyes first!
Step 3: Assemble the Packets
Divide the sausage and veggies mixture among the four foil sheets, piling each in the center so there’s enough space to fold up the sides. Bring the long sides together first, folding tightly, then crimp the ends to create a snug, leak-proof packet. This step locks in moisture and ensures everything cooks evenly.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Place your packets on a baking sheet (if you’re oven baking) or straight onto the grill grates. Let them cook for 20 to 25 minutes—just enough time for the veggies to soften beautifully and the sausage to turn juicy and hot throughout. You’ll know they’re ready by the tempting aroma and a quick peek inside to check the vegetables’ tenderness.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Finish
Carefully open each packet (watch for that burst of fragrant steam!) and sprinkle on a generous handful of shredded cheese. Loosely seal again and let rest for 2 to 3 minutes so the cheese becomes gloriously melted and gooey. Top with fresh parsley right before you serve for a burst of color and herby freshness.
How to Serve Foil Packet Cheesy Sausage and Peppers
Garnishes
A bright sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley does wonders for these cheesy, savory packets! If you want to mix things up, try adding sliced green onions, a little crushed red pepper for heat, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for depth. The finishing touch can be as simple or creative as you like—the key is that bright pop and fresh flavor as you dig in.
Side Dishes
Foil Packet Cheesy Sausage and Peppers are hearty on their own, but they shine even brighter alongside simple sides. Think crisp garlic bread, fluffy steamed rice, or a big green salad with vinaigrette to keep things light. If you’re feeling cozy, a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes makes it even more comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For backyard parties or camping trips, serve the packets straight from the foil—they’re fun, rustic, and require almost no cleanup! At home, you can unpackage the contents into shallow bowls and top with extra cheese or herbs. Feeling fancy? Transfer to a sizzling cast-iron skillet for that “wow” table presentation everyone will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Foil Packet Cheesy Sausage and Peppers, you’re in luck! Let the packets cool to room temperature, then transfer the contents to an airtight container. Refrigerate and enjoy within 3 days for the best flavor and texture—the peppers and sausage actually get even tastier as they soak up the seasoning overnight.
Freezing
This recipe also freezes beautifully. Simply cool and portion the cooked sausage and peppers into freezer-safe bags. Store flat for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge and you’ll have a delicious supper at your fingertips, no prep required!
Reheating
To reheat, pop the sausage and peppers back into the oven at 350°F, covered loosely with foil, until warmed through (about 10-15 minutes). You can also microwave in a pinch—just be sure to do so in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through heating to keep everything evenly hot and the cheese nice and melty.
FAQs
Can I prep Foil Packet Cheesy Sausage and Peppers ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the uncooked packets a few hours ahead and stash them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply move them straight to the oven or grill—perfect for easy entertaining or busy nights.
Is it possible to use different types of sausage?
Absolutely. While smoked sausage or kielbasa give a wonderful flavor, you can switch things up with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a spicy chorizo. Just be sure to use pre-cooked sausage for the best results.
What cheese works best in this recipe?
Mozzarella is a classic choice for stretchiness and creamy flavor, while provolone adds a robust, slightly sharper note. Feel free to blend the two, or experiment with smoked gouda or even sharp cheddar for a delicious twist!
Can I bake these in a regular oven instead of grilling?
Yes, this recipe is equally fabulous in both the oven and on the grill. Oven baking ensures even, consistent cooking, and is perfect for when grilling isn’t convenient or the weather has turned cozy.
Are Foil Packet Cheesy Sausage and Peppers gluten-free?
They absolutely can be! Just make sure your chosen sausage is certified gluten-free, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free as written. It’s a fantastic, fuss-free option for anyone avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you truly can’t go wrong with Foil Packet Cheesy Sausage and Peppers. Every packet unwraps like a savory surprise, bursting with color, flavor, and comfort. Whether shared at the dinner table or around a campfire, give this recipe a try—you’ll turn dinner into an occasion everyone smiles about!
Print
Foil Packet Cheesy Sausage and Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Foil Pack, Oven-Baked, Grilled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Foil Packet Cheesy Sausage and Peppers recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Smoked sausage, colorful bell peppers, and onions are seasoned, sealed in foil packets, and cooked until tender. Topped with melty cheese and fresh parsley, this flavorful meal can be baked in the oven or grilled for a smoky twist.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
- 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a grill to medium-high. Cut 4 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sausage, peppers, onion, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until coated.
- Assemble Packets: Divide mixture among foil sheets and fold into tightly sealed packets.
- Cook: Place packets on a baking sheet in the oven or directly on the grill grates. Cook for 20-25 minutes until veggies are tender and sausage is heated through.
- Add Cheese: Open packets, sprinkle with cheese, and let rest to melt. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For easy cleanup, lightly spray foil with cooking spray before filling.
- Substitute chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
- Packets can be made ahead and refrigerated until ready to cook.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 foil packet
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1180 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
