Giambotta (Sausage & Peppers)
Two things have shaped so much of my life: family gatherings and Italian-American food. They go hand in hand! Some of my favorite memories have been made around a crowded table, filled with generous platters of food, people enjoying each other’s company, and everyone reaching for seconds. Whenever I'm feeding a crowd, I appreciate recipes that feel special but still give me time to socialize. That’s why this sheet pan peppers and sausages recipe is one of my favorites!
This is a recipe for Italian sausages and peppers—but a lot of people still call it by its Italian name: Giambotta, and sometimes “jambot” here in the U.S. Now, if you start researching giambotta, you'll quickly discover there are countless variations. This dish is most popular in Southern Italy, and depending on where you are, it’s spelled differently: Giambotta, ciambotta, ciamfotta, and others all refer to (almost) the same dish. Some recipes are more like a vegetable stew with tomatoes, broth, or wine. Others are vegetable-heavy, using whatever happens to be growing in the garden that week.
My homemade giambotta recipe used a simple combination of potatoes, peppers, onions, and Italian sausage. My family would roast them all together until they were caramelized and oh-so-flavorful. Whether you choose mild Italian sausage or hot Italian sausage depends entirely on your family's tastes. It wasn't fancy, and it didn't need to be! It was the kind of hearty comfort food that we all loved the most. Over the years, I've adapted this recipe into an easy sheet pan dinner that’s perfect for entertaining and busy nights. Everything cooks together on one sheet pan, so cleanup is really simple. Plus, the vegetables soak up all those flavors as they roast! Try it with a generous slice of crusty Italian bread and maybe an Italian Chopped Salad on the side.