Name: Italian Sausages with Provolone
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487482H11M59S
Total time: PT-487482H11M59S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 10 Italian sausage links (4 ounces each); 1 tablespoon canola oil; 1 small sweet red pepper, cut into strips; 1 small sweet yellow pepper, cut into strips; 1 small sweet orange pepper, cut into strips; 2 medium onions, halved and sliced; 2 cups Italian salad dressing; 10 slices provolone cheese; 10 brat buns, split

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Italian Sausages with Provolone is a hearty, flavorful sandwich featuring juicy Italian sausage links slow-cooked with sweet peppers, onions, and Italian dressing, then topped with melted provolone. Served in brat buns, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for game days, casual dinners, or feeding a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow-cooked for juicy, tender sausages and flavorful vegetables.
Colorful peppers and onions add sweetness and texture.
Provolone cheese melts perfectly over the warm sausage.
Great for casual gatherings or make-ahead meals.
Easy to scale for a party or family dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

10 Italian sausage links (4 ounces each)
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 small sweet red pepper, cut into strips
1 small sweet yellow pepper, cut into strips
1 small sweet orange pepper, cut into strips
2 medium onions, halved and sliced
2 cups Italian salad dressing
10 slices provolone cheese
10 brat buns, split

Directions

In a large skillet, brown sausages in batches in oil; drain excess fat.
Transfer sausages to a 5-quart slow cooker.
Add red, yellow, and orange peppers, onions, and Italian dressing.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or until sausages reach 160°F and vegetables are tender.
Place a sausage in each bun, top with a slice of provolone, and use a slotted spoon to add the pepper-onion mixture on top. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10 sandwiches
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 4–5 hours (slow cooker)
Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes – 5 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Use spicy Italian sausages for a kick of heat.
Replace provolone with mozzarella or fontina for a different cheese profile.
Add sliced mushrooms for more veggie variety.
Use hoagie rolls instead of brat buns for larger sandwiches.
Make it lighter by using chicken or turkey sausages.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover sausage and pepper mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
Freeze cooked sausage and peppers (without buns or cheese) for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Yes, simmer on the stovetop over low heat for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Can I cook the sausages from raw in the slow cooker?

Yes, but browning first adds extra flavor and texture.

Do I need to use all three pepper colors?

No, but the mix of colors makes the dish more visually appealing.

Can I add garlic?

Yes, minced garlic can be added to the peppers and onions for extra flavor.

How do I melt the cheese perfectly?

Place cheese over hot sausage in the bun and cover loosely for a minute to let it melt.

Can I use plant-based sausage?

Yes, just reduce cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Yes, keep sausages and peppers warm in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting until serving.

What can I serve with these sandwiches?

Potato salad, pasta salad, or roasted potatoes work well.

Will hot dog buns work?

Yes, though brat buns or hoagie rolls hold more filling.

Is Italian salad dressing necessary?

It adds tangy flavor, but you can substitute with olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs.

Conclusion

Italian Sausages with Provolone is a crowd-pleasing slow cooker recipe that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare. With juicy sausages, tender peppers and onions, and melted provolone in a warm bun, it’s the perfect choice for casual dinners, game day, or feeding a hungry group.