Dinner time can be challenging when you’re dealing with picky eaters, but sausage is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into numerous delicious dishes. Whether you’re dealing with fussy kids or adults with selective palates, these 75 dinner ideas with sausage are sure to please. Sausage’s familiar flavor and easy preparation make it an excellent base for meals that are quick, nutritious, and tasty for the whole family. Below, we’ve gathered a variety of easy-to-make recipes that sneak in veggies, offer exciting textures, and maintain those kid-friendly flavors.
Sausage and Cheese Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a hit for most picky eaters, and adding sausage gives them a hearty twist. Pairing melty cheese with crispy sausage chunks in a tortilla guarantees smiles all around.
Sausage and Potato Skillet
This one-pan meal combines sliced sausage with crispy potatoes for a simple, flavorful dinner. Add a sprinkle of cheese to make it irresistible for picky eaters.
Sausage Mac and Cheese
Upgrade the classic mac and cheese by adding sausage slices. The rich and creamy cheese sauce pairs perfectly with savory sausage, making it a surefire winner.
Sausage-Stuffed Crescent Rolls
Roll sausage links into crescent dough and bake for an easy finger food that picky eaters will devour. You can serve them with ketchup or a dipping sauce for extra fun.
Sausage and Egg Muffins
For a quick dinner on the go, bake eggs, sausage, and cheese in muffin tins. These mini quiches are perfect for busy weeknights and packed with protein.
Sausage and Veggie Stir Fry
Chop up some bell peppers, carrots, and sausage for a stir fry. For picky eaters, you can keep the veggies on the milder side, and toss the dish in a light soy sauce.
Sausage Pizza
Pizza is almost universally loved, and adding sausage as a topping takes it to the next level. Customize with kid-friendly toppings like cheese and light tomato sauce.
Sausage and Cheese Sliders
Mini burgers made with sausage patties, melted cheese, and a soft bun will appeal to even the pickiest eaters. Serve with a side of fries or fruit for balance.
Sausage and Spinach Alfredo
Creamy alfredo sauce combined with sausage makes for a rich and savory pasta dish. Finely chop the spinach so it blends in, ensuring picky eaters enjoy the meal without complaint.
Sausage and Bean Tacos
Replace ground beef with sausage in your taco filling. The seasoning adds a unique flavor that picky eaters might enjoy more than the usual taco mix.
Sausage and Rice Casserole
A cheesy rice casserole with sausage mixed in is comforting and easy to make. You can also sneak in finely chopped veggies like carrots or peas without altering the taste too much.
Sausage and Mashed Potatoes
Pair sausage with creamy mashed potatoes for a dinner that’s simple but satisfying. Add gravy for a bit more flavor, or serve with corn on the side for a balanced meal.
Sausage Pancakes
For a fun twist, add sausage links to your pancake batter before cooking. The sweet and savory combination will intrigue even the pickiest of eaters.
Sausage Fried Rice
Sausage adds a new dimension to classic fried rice. Mix in scrambled eggs and mild veggies for a colorful and easy-to-eat dinner.
Sausage and Cheese Biscuits
Bake sausage and cheese into biscuits for a meal that’s easy to grab and eat. These are perfect for busy nights when you need something quick.
Sausage Stuffed Bell Peppers
Sausage-stuffed bell peppers provide a complete meal packed with flavor. For picky eaters, you can use sweeter peppers and fill them with sausage, rice, and cheese.
Sausage and Cornbread Muffins
Combine sausage crumbles with cornbread mix to create savory muffins. These make for an easy dinner that pairs well with a light salad or fruit.
Sausage and Spaghetti
For a twist on spaghetti, add crumbled sausage to the sauce. The rich flavor of the sausage enhances the dish while remaining familiar for picky eaters.
Sausage Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Take a grilled cheese sandwich to the next level by adding sausage slices. This extra ingredient makes it more filling and flavorful while staying kid-friendly.
Sausage and Tomato Soup
If you’re looking for comfort food, sausage and tomato soup is a great choice. Serve with bread or crackers, and you have an easy, warming meal for picky eaters.
Sausage and Zucchini Boats
Slice zucchinis in half and stuff them with sausage and cheese for a fun, boat-like meal. The mild flavor of zucchini blends well with the savory sausage filling.
Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
Chop up some sausage and lightly sauté it with broccoli for a quick pasta dish. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan to make it even more delicious for kids and adults alike.
Sausage and Hash Brown Casserole
This cheesy hash brown casserole with sausage is perfect for breakfast-for-dinner nights. It’s creamy, savory, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Sausage Corn Dogs
Homemade corn dogs using sausage instead of hot dogs offer a fun, easy-to-eat dinner. Serve with ketchup or mustard for dipping.
Sausage and Mushroom Risotto
Creamy risotto with sausage and finely chopped mushrooms is a great way to introduce new textures and flavors to picky eaters. The dish is mild but satisfying.
Sausage Stuffed Pasta Shells
Fill jumbo pasta shells with sausage and ricotta cheese for a fun and hearty dinner. Top with marinara sauce and bake for a comforting meal.
Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry
Sauté sausage with cabbage and onions for a simple, nutritious stir fry. The cabbage softens and absorbs the flavors, making it less intimidating for picky eaters.
Sausage and Pepperoni Calzones
Calzones stuffed with sausage and pepperoni are like mini pizza pockets. The crispy exterior and cheesy filling are irresistible for both kids and adults.
Sausage and Veggie Frittata
A fluffy frittata filled with sausage and mild veggies like bell peppers or onions makes for a protein-packed dinner. Serve with a side of toast or salad.
Sausage and Cheese Gnocchi
Gnocchi with sausage and a creamy cheese sauce offers a rich, comforting meal. This dish is easy to eat and full of flavor, ideal for picky eaters.
Sausage and Polenta
Creamy polenta topped with sausage and marinara sauce is an Italian-inspired meal that’s simple yet filling. The soft texture is appealing to picky eaters.
Sausage Chili
For a hearty meal, try making chili with sausage. This dish is full of protein and flavor, but mild enough for sensitive taste buds. Serve with cornbread for a complete meal.
Sausage-Stuffed Zucchini
Halve zucchinis and stuff them with sausage and cheese for a fun take on a classic. This dish is both nutritious and tasty, perfect for picky eaters.
Sausage and Spinach Lasagna
Make lasagna with sausage and finely chopped spinach hidden between the layers. The cheesy goodness masks the spinach, making it more acceptable to picky eaters.
Sausage Jambalaya
A mild jambalaya made with sausage, rice, and bell peppers is flavorful without being too spicy. Picky eaters will enjoy the savory taste and familiar ingredients.
Sausage and Cheese Empanadas
Empanadas filled with sausage and cheese offer a fun, handheld dinner option. The flaky pastry and savory filling make these a hit at the dinner table.