Skillet

Country Skillet With Smoked Sausage

Name: Country Skillet With Smoked Sausage
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced; 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 large bell peppers, chopped; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

By Gabriel Holloway · June 19, 2026 · Skillet

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made a country skillet with smoked sausage. It was a chilly winter evening, and I was looking for a hearty, comforting meal to warm up the house. As the aroma of sizzling bacon and smoked sausage filled the air, I knew I had created something special.

Since then, this dish has become a staple in my household, and I'm excited to share it with you. The combination of crispy bacon, tender smoked sausage, and flavorful vegetables, all cooked to perfection in a large skillet, is a match made in heaven.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch, and it's also a great option for a crowd. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make, and the ingredients are readily available at most supermarkets.

In this recipe, we'll explore the art of cooking with smoked sausage and bacon, and how to balance the flavors and textures to create a truly satisfying dish. So, let's get started and dive into the world of country skillets!

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The key to its success lies in the quality of the ingredients and the attention to detail in the cooking process. So, take your time, and let's cook up a delicious country skillet with smoked sausage that will leave everyone asking for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
The combination of crispy bacon and tender smoked sausage is a match made in heaven.
The dish is highly customizable, and you can add your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
It's a great option for a crowd, and the recipe can be easily scaled up or down.
The leftovers are delicious, and the dish can be refrigerated or frozen for later use.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to a great country skillet lies in the layering of flavors and textures. By cooking the bacon and smoked sausage separately, we can achieve a perfect balance of crispy and tender elements. The addition of vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions, adds natural sweetness and depth to the dish.

Another crucial aspect of this recipe is the use of a large skillet. This allows us to cook the ingredients in a single layer, ensuring that everything is cooked evenly and preventing the formation of steam, which can lead to a soggy texture.

Finally, the key to a successful country skillet is to not overcomplicate things. By keeping the ingredients simple and the cooking process straightforward, we can create a dish that is both delicious and satisfying.

In the following sections, we'll explore the ingredients, equipment, and steps required to make this recipe. We'll also discuss some common mistakes to avoid and provide tips for customization and variation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a country skillet with smoked sausage, the ingredients are just as important as the cooking process. In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of smoked sausage, bacon, vegetables, and seasonings to create a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality smoked sausage and thick-cut bacon. These will provide the best flavor and texture for the dish. You'll also want to select a variety of colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions, to add natural sweetness and depth to the skillet.

1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, slicedChoose a high-quality smoked sausage with a good balance of flavor and spice. You can also use different types of sausage, such as Andouille or kielbasa, for a unique twist.
6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch piecesThick-cut bacon is essential for achieving a crispy texture in the skillet. Look for bacon with a good balance of fat and lean meat for the best flavor.
1 large onion, choppedOnions add a sweet and savory flavor to the skillet. You can use any type of onion, but yellow or white onions work best.
2 large bell peppers, choppedBell peppers add a pop of color and natural sweetness to the dish. You can use any color bell pepper, but red or green work best.
3 cloves of garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the skillet. You can use more or less garlic depending on your personal preference.
1 teaspoon smoked paprikaSmoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish. You can also use regular paprika for a milder flavor.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavors in the skillet and helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a subtle kick to the dish. You can use more or less pepper depending on your personal preference.
2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is used to cook the bacon and sausage in the skillet. You can also use other oils, such as avocado or grapeseed, for a unique flavor.
1 cup chicken brothChicken broth adds moisture and flavor to the skillet. You can use low-sodium broth or make your own broth for a healthier option.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleyParsley adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish. You can use other herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for a unique twist.

Ingredients for Country Skillet With Smoked Sausage

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or cast-iron panSharp chef's knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometerTongs or spatulaWooden spoon

How to Make Country Skillet With Smoked Sausage

1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches 325°F on an instant-read thermometer.
2
Add the bacon to the skillet and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, stirring occasionally. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
3
Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
4
Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it is translucent and starting to caramelize, stirring occasionally. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
6
Add the chopped bell peppers to the skillet and cook until they are tender, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
7
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
8
Add the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
9
Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer.
10
Reduce the heat to low and let the skillet simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and the flavors have melded together.
11
Stir in the chopped parsley and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
12
Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
13
Let the skillet rest for 5 minutes before serving.
14
Serve the country skillet hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as thick-cut bacon and smoked sausage, for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcrowd the skillet, as this can lead to steaming instead of browning.
Use a thermometer to ensure the bacon and sausage are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Let the skillet rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Experiment with different types of sausage and bacon for a unique twist on the recipe.
Add other vegetables, such as diced potatoes or carrots, to the skillet for added flavor and nutrition.
Use low-sodium broth or make your own broth for a healthier option.
Serve the country skillet with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the skillet, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.
Not cooking the bacon and sausage to a safe internal temperature.
Not letting the skillet rest before serving, which can result in a lackluster flavor.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not stirring the skillet occasionally, which can lead to burning or uneven cooking.
Adding too much liquid to the skillet, which can result in a soggy texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Use different types of sausage, such as Andouille or kielbasa, for a unique twist on the recipe.
Add other vegetables, such as diced potatoes or carrots, to the skillet for added flavor and nutrition.
Use low-sodium broth or make your own broth for a healthier option.
Experiment with different seasonings, such as cumin or chili powder, for a unique flavor.
Add some heat to the skillet with diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
Serve the country skillet with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Use gluten-free broth or make your own broth for a gluten-free option.

What to Serve With Country Skillet With Smoked Sausage

Serve the country skillet hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch, and it's also a great option for a crowd.

Consider serving the country skillet with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. You can also add a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Serve with crusty breadServe over mashed potatoesAdd a side saladAdd some roasted vegetablesServe with a side of fruitServe with a side of cheese and crackers

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The country skillet can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the skillet overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until hot and bubbly.

When reheating the skillet, make sure to stir it occasionally to prevent burning or uneven heating. You can also add some extra broth or water to the skillet if it becomes too dry.

To freeze the skillet, let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

When thawing the skillet, make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth. You can also thaw it quickly by submerging the container or bag in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sausage should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of sausage you like, but smoked sausage works best for this recipe. Look for sausage with a good balance of flavor and spice.

Can I use different types of bacon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of bacon for this recipe. Thick-cut bacon works best, but you can also use thin-cut or regular bacon if that's what you have on hand.

How do I prevent the skillet from becoming too dry?

To prevent the skillet from becoming too dry, make sure to stir it occasionally and add some extra broth or water if necessary. You can also cover the skillet with a lid to trap the moisture and heat.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make this recipe in advance. Simply cook the skillet as directed, let it cool, and then refrigerate or freeze it for later use. Reheat the skillet as directed when you're ready to serve.

What are some variations I can make to this recipe?

There are many variations you can make to this recipe. Consider adding different vegetables, such as diced potatoes or carrots, or using different seasonings, such as cumin or chili powder. You can also experiment with different types of sausage and bacon for a unique twist.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free, as it contains sausage and bacon that may contain gluten. However, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free sausage and bacon, and by being careful with cross-contamination.

Can I serve this recipe at a party or gathering?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for a party or gathering. Simply cook the skillet as directed, let it cool, and then transfer it to a serving dish. You can serve it hot or at room temperature, and it's sure to be a hit with your guests.

How do I reheat this recipe?

To reheat this recipe, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until hot and bubbly. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it.

The Full Recipe

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