Juicy, savory sausage with smoky flavor combines with vibrant peppers and caramelized onions for an easy skillet meal. Looking for a Summer Sausage Recipe? Here ya go. This is summer sausage like you've never had it before.
Have you ever seen those summer sausage logs in the grocery store or in gift packs at Kohl's and other non-food stores and wondered, "What the heck would I do with that?"
Well, have no fear. You don't need to peel it like a banana and eat it cold (you could), but you don't have to. Let me show you how to cook summer sausage for an easy meal with plenty of flavor.
Check out a few of our other delicious sausage recipes like Wild Boar Sausage, Smoked Venison Breakfast Sausage, and Smoked Sausage. If you'd rather start with fresh sausage and cook it on the smoker, try my Smoked Sausage recipe.
Ingredients
- Summer Sausage - Summer sausage is typically well seasoned with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, mustard seed, and other spices. I use store-bought summer sausage for this recipe, so all you need to do is slice it and heat it with the peppers and onions. If you're interested in making homemade summer sausage from scratch, here is a recipe that uses venison and pork to make venison summer sausage.
- White Onions - Onions get sweet as they cook down and caramelize. They are the perfect addition to round out this dish.
- Bell Peppers - Sweet peppers are a classic staple to cook with onions and sausage.
- Butter - I like using butter to sauté the onions and peppers because it gives them a rich flavor as they caramelize. You don't need much additional fat because the summer sausage will release some as it cooks.
How to Cook Summer Sausage
Step One - Cut the peppers and onions into large slices or give them a rough chop. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the butter, followed by the peppers and onions.
Cook for about 5 minutes. You want the onions to become soft and translucent and the peppers to soften and get some color.
Step Two - Remove the summer sausage from its casing and cut it into large pieces. I like to slice it in half lengthwise, then cut each half into ¾-inch-thick slices.
Push the peppers and onions to the side and arrange the sausage in a single layer in the skillet. This allows the sausage to sear and brown nicely. Cook for about 2 minutes, then flip.
Continue cooking and stirring occasionally until everything is hot and nicely browned. The total cook time is about 12–15 minutes.
Step Three - Serve! Once everything is hot and browned, it's ready to eat. I love serving this right from the cast iron skillet. Place it in the center of the table and let everyone dive in.
This is a great one-pan meal. As someone who does most of the "hand wash" dishes in our home, I love meals that only require one cooking vessel.
If the rest of your meal isn't ready yet, cover the skillet loosely with aluminum foil to help keep it warm.
Top Tip
For the best results, use a cast iron skillet. Cast iron holds heat well, which helps the sausage develop a nice sear while the peppers and onions caramelize.
Don't overcrowd the sausage. Giving the pieces direct contact with the hot skillet helps them brown instead of steam.
Storage
Store leftover summer sausage, peppers, and onions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat the leftovers in a skillet or microwave for a quick meal.
Common Questions
What is summer sausage?
Summer sausage is typically made from beef, pork, venison, or a combination of meats. It is seasoned and preserved through processes such as curing, fermentation, smoking, or a combination of these methods, depending on the product.
Many commercially packaged summer sausages are shelf-stable before opening, which is one reason they're popular for gift baskets, camping, and snacking. Always check the package for storage instructions, though, because not every summer sausage can safely be stored at room temperature. Once opened, refrigerate according to the manufacturer's directions.
Can I cook summer sausage in the oven?
Yes. If you'd rather use the oven, arrange sliced summer sausage, peppers, and onions on a baking sheet and roast until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is hot and browned around the edges.
Is summer sausage spicy?
Not usually. The exact taste depends on the brand and seasonings used. Some summer sausages are mild and smoky, while others contain pepper or spices that give them more heat.
If you want this skillet meal spicy, add crushed red pepper, sliced jalapeños, or your favorite hot sauce.
What else can I do with summer sausage?
You don't have to cook summer sausage to enjoy it. Slice it and serve it with cheese and crackers for an easy snack or add it to a charcuterie board. For a hot meal, I love this mixture of browned summer sausage, peppers, and onions.
Recipe
Summer Sausage Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb summer sausage
- 1 cup onions sliced
- 1 cup peppers sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
Instructions
- Slice sausage, onions, and peppers into thick slices.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot the butter, onions, and peppers. Saute the onions and peppers for about five minutes.
- Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and continue to cook, stirring occasionally. After about 8 to 10 minutes, you are done. The meat is ready once it is heated through.
- Once it is done, remove the skillet from the heat and serve.
Nutrition
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Originally Published February 15, 2024. Revised and Republished September 17, 2026.
William jacobs says
Great recipe to use up summer sausage