Amazing Keto Stuffed Italian Sausage with Peppers & Onions (Low-Carb & Flavorful!)
Get ready for a burst of Italian flavor with this Amazing Keto Stuffed Italian Sausage! Juicy mild Italian sausages are butterflied and filled with creamy melted cream cheese, then baked with sweet bell peppers and onions. Finished with a golden, bubbly cheese topping, it’s a super simple, satisfying, and perfectly low-carb, no-sugar, gluten-free, and keto-friendly meal that tastes like pure comfort!
Yields: 4-5 servings (1 sausage per serving) Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 35-38 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 package (4-5 count) mild Italian sausages, uncooked (check label for no added sugar or fillers)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 large bell pepper, sliced (any color, e.g., green or red)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- Everything Bagel Seasoning, to taste
- A splash (about ½ teaspoon) Worcestershire sauce (check for low-sugar/keto-friendly brands)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese mix (freshly shredded recommended)
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Small spoon or butter knife (for stuffing)
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the sliced onion, sliced bell pepper, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat the vegetables evenly. Set aside.
- Prepare & Stuff Sausages:
- Carefully slice each Italian sausage lengthwise down the middle, cutting about ¾ of the way through, but not all the way through, so it opens up like a book or a hot dog bun.
- Take small portions of the softened cream cheese (approximately 1.5-2 tablespoons per sausage, or divide the 8oz block evenly among your sausages) and spread or place it down the center of the opened sausage.
- Sprinkle the cream cheese-stuffed sausages generously with Everything Bagel Seasoning.
- Drizzle a small splash of Worcestershire sauce over the cream cheese in each sausage.
- Assemble on Baking Sheet: Arrange the stuffed Italian sausages on one side of the prepared baking sheet.
- Place the seasoned bell peppers and onions mixture on the other side of the same baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer.
- Initial Bake: Bake for 35 minutes, or until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Add Cheese & Broil: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese mix over both the sausages and the vegetables.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
- Serve & Enjoy! Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Success:
- Sausage Quality: Choose mild Italian sausages that are low in carbs and have no added sugars or fillers. Always read labels.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy spreading.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Many brands contain sugar. Look for a low-sugar or keto-friendly alternative if you’re strict.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: This adds fantastic flavor and crunch. Adjust to your taste.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to use different colored bell peppers or add mushrooms for variety.
- Even Cooking: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, especially if you have a larger pack of sausages. Use two baking sheets if needed to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Serving Suggestions: This dish is a complete meal on its own! You can serve it directly from the pan.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein from the sausages and cheese.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is low-carb. All ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet, with the crucial caveat of checking labels for hidden sugars/starches in:
- Italian Sausages: Some brands might contain fillers or sugar.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Many brands contain sugar or molasses. Look for keto-friendly versions.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided gluten-free Italian sausages and Worcestershire sauce are used.
