Eating juicy, perfectly cooked sausage fresh off the grill is one of life’s simple pleasures. Grilling sausage seems easy enough – just throw it over the hot coals and cook until done, right? Well, there are some tips and techniques that will help ensure your grilled sausages come out plump, browned, and delicious every time. Follow this guide to get professional BBQ results and impress your family or guests with your grilling skills.
Choose the Right Sausage
The first step is selecting the right type of sausage for grilling. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Pork sausages like breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, bratwurst, and chorizo are flavorful choices that work well for grilling. Opt for fresh rather than pre-cooked pork sausage.
- Chicken and turkey sausages are leaner and healthier than pork. Try different flavors like apple ginger or spinach feta.
- Andouille and kielbasa are smoked sausages that add robust flavor.
- Hot dogs are already fully cooked so they just need warming on the grill. Make sure to use hot dog buns.
- Vegetarian sausages like soy or seitan can be placed directly on the grill. Look for plant-based options at your grocery store.
For the juiciest results, stay away from precooked, smoked, or dried sausages like pepperoni and salami. Fresh, raw sausages are best for getting that signature grilled flavor.
Prepare the Sausages
Before grilling, the sausages need some prep:
- Take sausages out of packaging and peel off any plastic wrapping. This lets you see the size and shape.
- Use paper towels to pat the sausages dry. Any excess moisture can prevent browning.
- Prick the sausages several times with a fork. This allows steam and fat to escape while cooking so they don’t burst.
- For curved sausages like bratwurst, make shallow slits partway through at a couple spots along the length. This helps them cook evenly.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes first to prevent burning.
- Thread sausages onto skewers for easier handling, if desired. Try weaving back and forth or tightly winding.
- Brush or toss sausages with oil or marinade to help prevent sticking.
Your sausages are now ready to hit the hot grill!
Light the Grill
The next important step is properly heating your charcoal or gas grill:
Charcoal Grills
- Use enough charcoal to cover the bottom grate with a single layer.
- Open vents on bottom and lid for maximum airflow.
- Light the charcoal and let burn until covered with gray ash (about 20-30 mins).
- Spread the charcoal evenly across the grill.
- For hot dogs and precooked sausages, create a medium heat zone by waiting until the coals start to fade before cooking.
Gas Grills
- Make sure propane tank is full or natural gas is hooked up and turned on.
- Open the lid and turn all burners to HIGH.
- Close lid and preheat for 10-15 minutes.
- Clean and oil the grill grates while heating.
- Adjust burners to desired temp: HIGH for uncooked sausage, MEDIUM for precooked.
The grill is ready when you can hold your hand 5 inches above the grate for just 2-3 seconds. Now it’s time to start grilling!
Grill the Sausages
Grilling sausages uses direct heat to quickly cook and add flavor. Follow these tips:
- Place sausages over the hot coals or flame. Start with the curved side down if using brats or curved links.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill – leave some space between each sausage for air circulation.
- Let sausages cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until browned. Resist the urge to move or flip too soon.
- Rotate or flip the sausages and cook 2-3 minutes more to brown all sides evenly.
- Keep an eye on doneness – when they plump and juices start to bubble out, they are almost done.
- Total grilling time is usually 6-12 minutes depending on type and thickness.
- Temp sausages with an instant read thermometer. Pork should reach 160°F, poultry 165°F.
- Transfer sausages to a plate and let rest 5 minutes before serving. The temperature will continue rising.
Watch for flare-ups from rendered fat. Move sausages temporarily to a cooler spot if needed. Enjoy your juicy, flavorful grilled sausages!
Basting, Glazing and Sauces
One way to seriously upgrade your grilled sausages is with basting, glazes, and sauces. Here are some mouthwatering ideas:
Basting Sausages
- Melted butter – classic choice to keep meat moist
- Olive oil and herbs – brush with rosemary, thyme, oregano
- Mustard – yellow, spicy brown, or Dijon varieties
- Barbecue sauce – use your favorite brand or make your own
Glazing Sausages
- Honey or maple syrup – brush on the last few minutes of grilling
- Fruit jams/preserves – cherry, peach, pineapple, or apricot
- Spicy sauces like sriracha for a sweet and spicy combo
Saucing Sausages
- Barbecue sauce – tomato-based, vinegar, or mustard sauces
- Salsa – fresh pico de gallo, mango salsa, or green tomatillo salsa
- Chimichurri – herby green sauce popular in Latin America
- Hot chile sauce – sriracha, harissa, pepper jelly
Get creative mixing and matching sauces, glazes, spices and herbs to give your grilled sausages a unique flavor profile. Apply in the last few minutes of grilling so the sugars caramelize but don’t burn.
Grilled Sausage Recipes
Grilled sausage needs the right accompaniments to make it a complete meal. Here are some amazing recipe ideas:
Brat Sandwiches with Sauerkraut
- Grilled bratwurst sausage
- Sauerkraut
- Spicy brown mustard
- Soft hoagie rolls
- Fried onions (optional)
Pile hot browned brats, tangy sauerkraut, mustard, and onions into rolls for an iconic summer sausage sandwich.
Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions
- Italian pork sausages
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Onions, sliced or diced
- Marinara sauce
- Hot dog buns or crusty bread
Grill sausages and veggies, then pile into buns or on bread. Top with marinara sauce.
Breakfast Sausage Patties and Eggs
- Pork breakfast sausage, formed into patties
- Eggs
- Cheese slices (optional)
- English muffins or biscuits
Make patties from sausage meat. Grill alongside eggs. Place on muffins or biscuits and add cheese if desired.
Hot Dogs with Chili and Cheese
- Hot dogs
- Hot dog buns
- Chili (homemade or canned)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Grill hot dogs over medium heat. Place in buns and top with chili and cheese.
Dessert Sausage and Fruit Skewers
- Sausage (try a sweeter variety like chicken apple)
- Fruit like pineapple, peaches, grapes, banana
- Wooden skewers
Assemble colorful fruit and sausage skewers. Brush with honey as they grill. Enjoy this sweet grilled treat!
With so many tasty ways to eat them, grilled sausages will be your new go-to for easy dinners, parties, tailgates, and more. Fire up the grill and get ready for your best sausages yet. Just follow these tips for barbecue perfection!
How to BBQ Sausage FAQs
Still have some questions about grilling up delicious sausages? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What is the best way to prevent sausages from bursting on the grill?
Pricking sausages several times with a fork before grilling allows steam and fat to escape so they don’t burst open. For brats and curved sausages, making shallow slits works well too.
How long does it take to grill sausages?
Most fresh, uncooked sausages take 6-12 minutes total to grill over direct high heat. Precooked or smoked sausages may only need 4-6 minutes to reheat. Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness.
Should sausages be grilled with direct or indirect heat?
The hot direct heat of grilling works best to quickly cook sausages while adding flavor from the char. Avoid indirect heat which steams rather than sears.
What is the best way to prevent sausages from sticking to the grill?
Make sure grill grates are clean and well-oiled. Brush or toss sausages with oil or marinade before grilling. Don’t move them too soon after placing on the grill.
How can I add more flavor to grilled sausages?
Try marinating, basting, glazing or saucing the sausages. Popular options include olive oil, barbecue sauce, mustard, honey, jams, salsa, and chimichurri. Get creative!
What sides go well with grilled sausages?
Some tasty sides for grilled sausages include baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, pasta salad, French fries, roasted veggies, and macaroni and cheese.
What’s the best way to clean the grill after cooking sausages?
Rendered sausage fat can mess up your grill. While still hot, scrub the grates with a grill brush. Once cooled down, remove grate and wash with hot soapy water to remove stuck-on grease.
Grilling tasty sausages for your family and friends is easy and fun with these handy tips!
Conclusion
Grilling sausage to juicy, flavorful perfection is easier than you think. With the right techniques, you can enjoy restaurant-worthy links at home any time. Choosing flavorful fresh sausages, properly prepping, lighting the grill, and cooking over direct heat are keys to success. Consider basting, glazing or saucing for even more incredible taste. Pair your grilled sausages with great sides and buns to create amazing meals. With so many options from brats to hot dogs, chicken apple to spicy Italian, the possibilities are endless. Fire up the barbecue and get ready to become a grilled sausage pro! Enjoy this classic summer treat with confidence by following these expert tips. Your mouthwatering sausages fresh off the grill are sure satisfy any cookout crowd.