Cheesy Baked Italian Sausage Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Baked Italian Sausage is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring savory Italian sausage smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheeses, it’s easy to prepare yet deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

• 10 Italian sausages, sliced (choose mild or spicy)
• ½ cup water
• 24 oz marinara sauce (low carb if desired)
• 1 ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried basil
• Black pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the sliced sausages.
2. Step 2: Cook the sausage until browned, about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to brown evenly.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low, pour in the water, and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to scrape up any browned bits.
4. Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the marinara sauce.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the sausage and sauce. Then, add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, black pepper, and salt to taste.
6. Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes. Finish by broiling for 2 minutes to brown and bubble the cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute Italian pork sausages with chicken or turkey sausages.
• Use a cheese blend like provolone or fontina in place of mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Fresh garlic and sautéed onions can replace garlic and onion powders for more depth.
• Try oregano or thyme instead of dried basil for a subtle herb change.
• Serve with crusty bread or over zucchini noodles to keep it low carb.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To maintain cheese texture, cover loosely while reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just be sure to use gluten-free marinara sauce and verify that your sausages contain no gluten additives.

What can I serve with cheesy baked Italian sausage?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or pasta. For a low-carb option, try it with cauliflower rice or sautéed greens.

Cheesy Baked Italian Sausage Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 72 reviews

Cheesy Baked Italian Sausage is a delicious and comforting dish featuring browned Italian sausages simmered in a rich marinara sauce, topped with a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and baked to bubbly perfection. This savory meal combines classic Italian flavors and a creamy cheesy crust, making it a perfect hearty dinner option that’s easy to prepare.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Italian sausages, sliced – 10 sausages (choose mild or spicy)
• Water – ½ cup
• Marinara sauce, low carb – 24 oz
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded – 1 ½ cup
• Parmesan cheese, grated – ¼ cup
• Italian seasoning – 1 tsp
• Garlic powder – ½ tsp
• Onion powder – ½ tsp
• Dried basil – ½ tsp
• Black pepper – to taste
• Salt – to taste

For Serving

• Parsley, chopped – for garnish (or substitute with cilantro)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Brown Sausage: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the sliced Italian sausages. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, ensuring the sausages develop a nice crust.
2. Simmer with Water: Reduce heat to low, add ½ cup of water to the skillet, and cover with a lid. Let the sausages simmer gently for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
3. Add Marinara Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and pour in the low-carb marinara sauce, spreading it evenly over the sausages.
4. Top with Cheese and Seasonings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the marinara and sausages. Then, add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, black pepper, and salt to taste.
5. Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Broil for Finish: Switch the oven to broil and broil the dish for 2 minutes to brown and bubble the cheese on top. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, and serve hot.

Notes

• You can substitute Italian sausages with chicken or turkey sausages for a leaner option.
• Use low-carb marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce to reduce sugar and carbs.
• Add fresh garlic or sautéed onions instead of powders for stronger flavor.
• For a cheesier blend, mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheeses.
• Keep a close eye during broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: Italian sausage, cheesy baked sausage, baked Italian sausage, low carb sausage recipe, cheesy sausage bake, easy Italian dinner