Unforgettable Summer Sausage Skewers Recipe
Summer is here, and it’s time to fire up the grill and indulge in mouth-watering barbecue! If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that you can enjoy on your own or share with others, this summer sausage skewers recipe is sure to hit the mark! They are packed with flavor! Plus, you can make them with a variety of sausage and vegetables. Before we dive into the ingredients, marinades, and grilling techniques, take note that this recipe appears in our cookbook “Cooking for One – Not an Army” along with other delicious recipes. It’s made for one, but you can easily double (or triple) this recipe for company or leftovers! If you didn’t get a copy yet, our book is on Amazon right here!
We know how important it is to enjoy your meal, especially when you are grilling! Each of these skewers is loaded with juicy sausages, colorful bell peppers, and succulent onions. They are marinated in a delectable blend of spices. Be prepared! As they sizzle on the grill, the aroma alone will have your neighbors flocking to your backyard.
Not only are these delicious, but they are also incredibly easy to make. Consider making these ahead of time so when guests arrive your time will be spent visiting rather than prepping. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice, you are going to love these. Grab your skewers and fire up the grill because it’s time to grill up some deliciousness.
The Perfect Ingredients for Sausage Skewers
To create the ultimate sausage skewers, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Start with high-quality sausages. Choose your favorite variety – whether it’s classic pork, spicy chorizo, or flavorful chicken sausage. The sausages will be the star of the show. So, make sure to select the ones that you love.
Next, gather an assortment of colorful bell peppers—red, yellow, and green—to add a pop of color and sweetness to the skewers. Ooh, even add some spicy peppers like jalapenos to really fire things up. Don’t forget about onions which caramelize beautifully on the grill. They totally will enhance the overall flavor. Lastly, prepare a marinade using a blend of herbs, spices, and olive oil to infuse the skewers with a mouth-watering taste.
Preparing and Marinating the Sausages
Before assembling the skewers, it’s essential to prepare and marinate the sausages for maximum flavor. Start by slicing the sausages into bite-sized pieces, ensuring that each piece is uniform in size for even cooking. Place the sausage slices in a bowl and coat them generously with the marinade. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat.
Let the sausages marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Ideally, overnight is best for the most intense flavor. This step is crucial for infusing the sausages with the herbs and spices so that every bite is packed with taste. The longer the sausages marinate, the more robust the flavor will be when they hit the grill.
Choosing the Right Vegetables for Skewering
In addition to sausages, vegetables play a crucial role in sausage skewers. They add texture, color, and nutrients to the dish. When choosing vegetables for skewering, opt for ones that hold up well on the grill and complement the flavors of the sausages. Bell peppers are a classic choice as they offer a sweet and juicy contrast to the savory sausages.
Onions are another excellent option. They offer a caramelized sweetness that enhances the overall taste of the skewers. You should also experiment with other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms to add variety and depth to the skewers. Just make sure to cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Tip: if you cut your vegetables too small, you risk them becoming too moist and falling off the skewers. We recommend 1/2″ chunks.
Assembling and Grilling the Summer Sausage Skewers
Now comes the fun part – assembling the sausage skewers! Thread the marinated sausage slices onto skewers, alternating with the colorful bell peppers, onions, and any other vegetables you’ve chosen. The key is to pack the skewers tightly but leaving a bit of space between each ingredient to ensure even cooking.
Once the skewers are assembled, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill, cooking for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure all sides are evenly charred and the sausages are cooked through.
Tips for Grilling Sausage Skewers to Perfection
Grilling sausage skewers may seem straightforward, but a few tips will help elevate your dish to the next level. First, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling the skewers to prevent them from burning on the grill. We really like these wooden skewers with ‘flags’ on one end. The flags make it really easy to grip the skewers. Another option is reusable skewers. This metal version won’t break the bank and are very sturdy. Just make sure to spray them with cooking oil before use to make sliding the cooked ingredients off easy.
Second, brush the meat and veggie loaded skewers with the remaining marinade while grilling to keep them moist and flavorful. Additionally, resist the temptation to overcrowd the grill. Give each skewer some space to cook properly and develop those coveted grill marks.
Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments
Once the sausage skewers are grilled to perfection, it’s time to serve them up and enjoy! These flavorful skewers can be enjoyed on their own as a main dish or paired with a variety of accompaniments. Serve them with a side of fluffy rice, a fresh salad, or grilled bread for a complete meal. We adore this wooden platter for serving skewers. It’s recessed so any excess juice won’t drip off. (Clever!)
Consider drizzling the skewers with a squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of tzatziki sauce for added brightness and creaminess. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to elevate the presentation and add a touch of freshness.
Variations and Additional Toppings for Sausage Skewers
While the classic sausage skewers are a crowd-pleaser, don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different variations and toppings. For a Mediterranean twist, add olives, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano to the skewers.
If you prefer a spicier kick, drizzle the skewers with hot sauce or sprinkle them with crushed red pepper flakes before serving. Perhaps you will create a dipping sauce using Greek yogurt, garlic, and lemon juice for a tangy and creamy accompaniment.
Safety Tips for Grilling Sausage Skewers
Grilling is a fun and delicious way to cook, but it’s essential to prioritize safety when working with high heat and open flames. Always ensure that the grill is set up in a well-ventilated area away from any flammable materials and never leave it unattended while in use.
Use long-handled tongs to handle the skewers on the grill and wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands from burns. These Comsmart BBQ gloves give total protection for your hands.
Also, make sure the sausages are cooked to the recommended internal temperature to prevent foodborne illnesses and always clean the grill thoroughly after each use. A recommendation is 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees.
Other Sausage Recipes To Try
Crockpot Sausage and Bean Supper – Don’t feel like grilling? We’ve got the perfect solution for you. You’ll love the smells of this cooking during the day! And everyone loves a tasty meal that you fix and forget.
Our Summer Sausage with Brussels Sprouts recipe is an easy but filling meal. The recipe is another from our Cooking for One cookbook.
Sausage, Peppers, and Onions are a classic dish. Find this super simple recipe in our Campfire Food post. It’s a one-pot wonder for sure!
Tip: Often grocery stores will have sales on flavored sausage. Our nearby market carries applewood smoked sausage that are beyond fantastic. They go on sale every couple of months. Keep an eye open for deals and freeze them.
The Ease and Results of Sausage
Summer sausage skewers are a fantastic addition to any BBQ menu. Remember: sausage skewers offer a burst of flavor and color that will impress your guests. And they’re fun and interesting to assemble. In our opinion, anything this delicious and customizable that can be prepped ahead, is a recipe worth saving!
Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or simply craving a taste of the season, these sausage skewers are an option that will leave everyone coming back for more. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to grill up some deliciousness with these unforgettable summer sausage skewers!
Summer Sausage Skewers
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