How Long to Grill Conecuh Sausage for Perfectly Smoky, Juicy Links

Conecuh sausage is a staple of Southern cuisine, loved for its unique smoky, spicy flavor. This Alabama specialty is made by smoking Conecuh County pork over hickory wood, resulting in sausage links with an unmistakable wood-fired taste. But to get the most out of your Conecuh sausage, it’s important to know how long to grill it. Undercooking can lead to raw, rubbery links, while overcooking dries them out. Follow this guide to learn the ideal grilling times and temperatures for juicy, flavorful Conecuh sausage.

What is Conecuh Sausage?

Conecuh sausage originates from Conecuh County in Alabama. It gets its distinctive smoky flavor from using age-old smoking methods over hickory wood fires. The sausage is made from a blend of pork shoulder and secret spices by the Conecuh Sausage Company, which has been producing it since 1947.

Some key characteristics of Conecuh sausage:

• Type: Smoked pork sausage
• Flavor: Hickory-smoked with a touch of spice
• Size: 4-6 inch links
• Varieties: Original, hot and spicy, hickory smoked

The smoking process gives the sausage its deep, wood-fired flavor. While fully cooked, Conecuh sausage has a fresh, homemade taste when grilled up hot.

How Long Does it Take to Grill Conecuh Sausage?

Grilling brings out the best in Conecuh sausage. The char and caramelization from the grill amplifies its rich, smoky taste But to nail the cooking time, there are a few factors to consider

Thickness

Conecuh sausage links are generally about 1 inch in diameter. Thicker sausages may take a little longer to cook through.

Temperature

The hotter the grill, the less time needed. A hot grill sears the outside and cooks the interior faster.

Direct vs. Indirect Heat

Indirect heat (no direct flame under sausage) provides gentler, more even cooking Direct heat cooks faster but may cause flare-ups

Taking these factors into account, here are general guidelines for how long to grill Conecuh sausage:

• 4-5 minutes per side (8-10 minutes total) on a hot grill (400-450°F) using direct heat.

• 5-7 minutes per side (10-14 minutes total) on a medium grill (325-375°F) using indirect heat

• Add 1-2 minutes per side for thicker sausages or if using cooler heat.

The best way to ensure the Conecuh sausage is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a link to check that the interior is no longer pink.

Grilling Tips for Perfect Conecuh Sausage

Follow these expert tips for grilling up plump, juicy Conecuh sausage full of smoked flavor:

Preheat the Grill Properly

Give your grill 10-15 minutes to preheat fully before cooking. This allows the grates to heat evenly for better browning.

Clean the Grates

Dirty grill grates can cause sticking. Scrub grates thoroughly before grilling using a grill brush.

Oil the Grates

Use a grill brush to apply a thin coating of vegetable oil to grates before cooking. This prevents sticking.

Arrange Sausage Diagonally

Place sausages diagonally across grill grates. This gives those desirable char marks.

Flip Frequently

Turn sausages every 2-3 minutes to prevent burning. Frequent flipping cooks links evenly.

Move to Cooler Area

If flare-ups occur or links are browning too quickly, move them to a cooler area of the grill.

Avoid Piercing

Don’t pierce sausages while grilling. This drains flavorful juices. Use tongs for turning instead.

Check Temperature

Test doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a sausage. It should reach 160°F.

Let Rest Before Eating

Once cooked, transfer sausages to a plate and let rest 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute.

Cooking Times for Different Grilling Methods

How you grill makes a difference in cook times. Here are guidelines for common grilling methods:

Gas Grill

• 4-6 minutes per side over direct high heat
• 6-8 minutes per side over indirect medium heat

Charcoal Grill

• 4-5 minutes per side using direct heat
• 6-8 minutes per side using indirect heat

Pellet Grill/Smoker

• 10-12 minutes at 375°F using indirect heat, flipping occasionally

Electric Grill

• 7-9 minutes per side over high heat

Stovetop Grill Pan

• 4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat

How Long to Grill Pre-Cooked Conecuh Sausage

Conecuh sausage is fully cooked when purchased, so grilling is just to heat through and add flavor. Here are tips for grilling pre-cooked links:

• Grill over medium heat, 300-350°F
• Cook for 6-8 minutes total, turning frequently
• Use indirect heat to prevent burning
• Check internal temperature, should reach 140°F

The lower heat gently warms the sausage without drying it out. Monitor closely to avoid overcooking the pre-cooked links.

Doneness Indicators for Grilled Conecuh Sausage

Checking these signs will let you know when your Conecuh sausage is perfectly grilled:

• Interior is no longer pink when cut into
• Juices run clear when pierced
• Internal temperature reaches 160°F
• Has good char marks on casing
• Links feel firm to the touch

Following the recommended grill times in this guide will ensure your Conecuh sausage turns out juicy and smoky every time. Adjust cooking times as needed based on thickness, heat level, and doneness indicators. With a little practice, you’ll be a master griller of Conecuh sausage.