The Sausage and Red Pepper Frittata is a rustic Italian-inspired dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table with minimal effort. With the rich savoriness of sweet Italian sausage, the sweet bite of red bell pepper, and the earthiness of rosemary, each slice delivers a satisfying, well-balanced taste.
Perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy family breakfast-for-dinner night, this frittata is a versatile winner. It’s gluten-free, hearty, and great for meal prep. Plus, the hands-off oven finish means more time sipping your mimosa while it bakes to golden perfection.
Full Recipe:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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8 ounces sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and broken into small pieces
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1 medium red bell pepper, diced
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1 small onion, diced
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
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12 large eggs
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1/3 cup heavy cream
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1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
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In a 10-inch oven-safe nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Add sausage and cook for 6–7 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
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Add red bell pepper and onion to the skillet and sauté for 5–6 minutes, until softened.
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Stir in rosemary and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove skillet from heat.
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In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, cheese, 1 tsp salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.
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Return sausage to the skillet and pour egg mixture over the top. Gently stir to distribute ingredients.
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Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 50–55 minutes, until eggs are just set and no longer jiggly.
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Let sit for 5 minutes before sliding frittata onto a serving platter. Slice into wedges and serve warm.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: ~310 kcal | Servings: 6–8 servings
A Comforting Classic: Sausage and Red Pepper Frittata
Frittatas are one of the most versatile and satisfying dishes in the world of savory breakfasts and brunches. The Sausage and Red Pepper Frittata is a stellar example of how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create something hearty, flavorful, and worthy of sharing. This particular version highlights the timeless pairing of sweet Italian sausage and red bell pepper — a combo beloved in Italian cuisine — encased in fluffy, cheesy eggs with just the right amount of creaminess.
A Brief History of the Frittata
The word “frittata” comes from the Italian verb friggere, which means “to fry.” Traditionally, frittatas began as humble dishes crafted from leftovers — eggs used to bind bits of meat, vegetables, and cheese into a cohesive, filling meal. Unlike the French omelet, which is typically soft in the center and folded, the Italian frittata is cooked slowly, often finished in the oven, and served in hearty wedges like a pie.
The frittata became a cornerstone in Italian homes, not just because of its taste, but because of its ability to reduce food waste. With the right technique and a bit of creativity, anything from last night’s roasted vegetables to bits of cured meats could be transformed into a new meal.
Why Sausage and Red Pepper?
Sweet Italian sausage and red bell pepper are a match made in culinary heaven. The sausage brings a juicy, savory depth — mildly spiced with fennel and herbs — that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness and slight crunch of red bell peppers. Together, they create a balance of umami and brightness, elevating the egg base without overpowering it.
In this recipe, these two stars are joined by sautéed onions and fresh rosemary — a bold but grounding herb — all harmonized with rich eggs, a splash of heavy cream, and gooey melted Italian cheeses. It’s no surprise this version of the frittata is often described as “brunch comfort food at its finest.”
The Role of Eggs in the Dish
Eggs are not just a filler in a frittata — they are the foundation. Their structure holds everything together, and their natural richness helps meld all the other ingredients into one unified, delicious bite. Whisking the eggs with cream (or milk, if you prefer a lighter version) not only softens the texture but creates that signature custard-like finish that’s characteristic of well-made frittatas.
This particular dish uses a full dozen eggs, which might seem like a lot, but it ensures the final product has that satisfying thickness and moisture — not to mention it feeds a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings.
Cooking Technique: From Stovetop to Oven
One of the hallmarks of a great frittata is the dual cooking method — beginning on the stovetop and finishing in the oven. This approach allows you to properly brown and soften ingredients like onions, sausage, and peppers while giving the eggs enough time to set evenly without overcooking.
In this recipe, once the fillings are sautéed, the egg mixture is added and gently stirred to distribute everything evenly. Then the skillet is placed in a low-temperature oven — 300°F — to bake gently for about 50–55 minutes. This slower cook helps prevent overbaking, which can make a frittata rubbery or dry.
Once baked, the frittata is allowed to rest for a few minutes before serving. This step is critical: it allows the eggs to firm up and makes the slicing much cleaner.
The Importance of a Good Pan
Because this dish is cooked both on the stove and in the oven, using the right kind of skillet is crucial. A 10-inch oven-safe nonstick skillet is recommended. The nonstick surface ensures the eggs won’t stick or tear when being removed, while the oven-safe construction means you can go from stovetop to oven without switching pans.
If you don’t have a nonstick skillet, a well-seasoned cast iron pan can be a great alternative. Just be aware that cast iron retains heat more aggressively, which may slightly alter cooking time.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This frittata is best served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for brunch spreads, picnics, or make-ahead meals. You can pair it with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette, roasted potatoes, or a slice of crusty sourdough bread.
For drinks, consider a sparkling white wine, a crisp rosé, or even a bold brunch cocktail like a Bloody Mary or mimosa. For non-alcoholic options, iced coffee, cold-pressed juice, or a spiced chai complement the dish nicely.
Customizing Your Frittata
The great thing about frittatas is how forgiving and adaptable they are. Want to make it spicier? Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red chili flakes. Prefer more veggies? Throw in some spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. If you’re watching dairy, you can omit the cream or substitute with a plant-based milk, and use lactose-free cheese options.
This dish also works well with leftovers. If you have cooked sausage or roasted peppers on hand, you can incorporate them easily. Likewise, you can use up whatever cheese you have in your fridge — Parmesan, mozzarella, fontina, or provolone all work beautifully.
Storage and Leftovers
One of the most practical benefits of frittatas is how well they store. You can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave — just be cautious not to overcook during reheating, or the texture may suffer.
You can also slice and freeze the frittata in individual portions, making it a handy grab-and-go breakfast option. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
A Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, preparing a special breakfast for loved ones, or simply need something delicious and stress-free for dinner, the sausage and red pepper frittata is a go-to option. It’s naturally gluten-free, protein-rich, and hearty enough to serve as a main course. And because it looks beautiful sliced into golden wedges, it brings a sense of celebration to any table.
You can even get creative with presentation — sprinkle fresh herbs on top before serving, add a drizzle of chili oil or pesto, or serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for contrast.
Conclusion: Why You Should Add This Frittata to Your Recipe Repertoire
The sausage and red pepper frittata is more than just an egg dish — it’s a flexible, satisfying meal that offers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It’s rooted in tradition, yet endlessly customizable. It pleases picky eaters and gourmet food lovers alike, and works for any meal of the day.
Its ease of preparation, versatility, and flavor make it a kitchen staple for anyone who values both simplicity and deliciousness. So whether you’re planning a brunch gathering, meal prepping for the week, or looking to try something new for dinner, this frittata is the answer.
Not only will it fill your kitchen with the cozy aroma of sausage, herbs, and roasted peppers, but it will also earn its place in your personal recipe hall of fame. Try it once, and it just might become a regular on your table.