Just like the uniqueness of Italian bread or the zesty flavor of pepperoni, not everybody knows that the term “Italian sausage” itself doesn’t hold much significance in Italy. Surprising, indeed! In its home country, the sausages are not categorized as “Italian sausage” per se. Instead, the labeling is more focused on differentiating between sweet and hot varieties.
To make matters even more interesting, there seems to be some playful confusion between the terms “sweet” and “mild.” Various sources suggest that these two terms are often used interchangeably to describe sausages with a milder flavor profile, without the fiery kick of hot sausages.
When it comes to the delicious world of Italian sausage, there are a few popular varieties on the shelves of supermarkets. Let’s explore them fast:
- Sweet Italian Sausage: If you’re in for a milder flavor, the sweet Italian sausage is the way to go. It’s called “sweet” because it includes aromatic sweet basil in its delightful spice mix. This adds a pleasant and gentle flavor to the sausage.
- Mild Italian Sausage: For those who need a flavorful yet less spicy option, mild Italian sausage is here to satisfy your taste buds. It skips the red pepper flakes and focuses on a balanced blend of herbs and spices, resulting in a milder but still delicious sausage.
- Hot Italian Sausage: This spicy variety packs a flavorful punch with the addition of hot red pepper flakes to the special blend of spices. It’s perfect for those who want a little heat in their meals.
How to bake Italian sausages in the oven
Let’s delve into the baking process of the Italian sausages in the oven. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the sausages and peppers cook evenly and reach a delicious doneness.
- Prepare the sheet pan: Take a large sheet pan with sides and place the Italian sausages, sliced orange peppers, sliced red peppers, and chopped red onions on it. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer to allow for even cooking.
- Season the ingredients: Drizzle the ingredients with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle them with Italian salt, seasoning, and pepper. This coating of oil and seasonings ensures that the sausages and peppers are flavorful and well-seasoned.
- Toss and coat: Gently toss all the ingredients together on the sheet pan, making sure they are coated evenly with the oil and seasonings. This step ensures that every bite you take is infused with delicious flavors.
- Bake in the oven: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and let the sausages and peppers bake for roughly 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure the sausages are no longer pink in the middle, indicating that they are cooked to the maximum.
- Optional broiling: For an added touch of flavor and texture, you can place the sheet pan under the broiler for a minute or two after baking. This helps brown the sausages a bit and adds a hint of char to the peppers.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the sausages and peppers are cooked to perfection, remove the sheet pan from the oven. You can serve this flavorful combination on its own or get creative with how you enjoy it. It can be enjoyed as is, paired with a salad, tossed with pasta for a heartier meal, or used as a filling for lasagna or burritos.
The baking process allows the sausages to cook through, infusing them with rich flavors while keeping them juicy. The peppers become tender and slightly charred, adding a sweet and smoky element to the dish. The result is a delicious and versatile sheet pan dinner that will impress your taste buds.
