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Best Sausage and Pepper Sliders for Tailgating

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These Ultimate Sausage and Pepper Tailgate Sliders are hearty, flavorful, and completely stress-free. They come together in under an hour, use simple ingredients, and are guaranteed to disappear before halftime.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Italian sausages (sweet or hot)
  • 3 large bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced into ½-inch strips
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced into thin half-moons
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12 slider buns (brioche or King’s Hawaiian rolls)
  • 8 slices provolone cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear sausages for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply browned. Transfer to a plate (they will finish cooking later).
  3. Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add sliced peppers and onions, season with salt and pepper. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and charred.
  4. Stir in minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Slice seared sausages into ½-inch thick rounds on a diagonal.
  6. Add sliced sausages back to the skillet with peppers and onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning.
  7. Slice slider buns in half horizontally. Place bottom halves on a baking sheet. Layer provolone slices evenly over bottom buns. Pile sausage and pepper mixture on top. Place top buns over filling.
  8. Mix melted butter with a pinch of garlic powder (optional). Brush over bun tops. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds if desired.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and bun tops are golden. For extra toasty tops, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  10. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing apart. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not skip searing the sausages first for maximum flavor. Let peppers get some char for smoky sweetness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure sausages reach 160°F (71°C) for pork. If buns brown too quickly, tent with foil. Make ahead: cook sausage and pepper mixture up to 2 days in advance.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage and pepper sliders, tailgate sliders, game day sliders, Italian sausage sliders, pepper and onion sliders

Find it online: https://bakebeam.com/best-sausage-and-pepper-sliders-for-tailgating/