This simple and tasty grilled Polish sausage recipe pairs smoky sausage with bright, sweet bell peppers for a quick, filling meal that won’t heat up the house. Serve them in buns for the perfect easy weeknight meal!.
As an avid griller and sausage lover, I’m always looking for new and delicious ways to enjoy kielbasa on the grill. There’s just something irresistible about the smoky charred flavor you get from tossing Polish sausage over an open flame.
While grilling kielbasa is pretty straightforward, there are a few tips and tricks to take your sausage from good to great In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to grill Polish sausage like a pro, from choosing the right sausage to perfecting your technique
Selecting the Best Polish Sausage for Grilling
The first step is picking out high-quality Polish sausage Here are a few things to look for
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Meat Content: Look for sausage that is made with a high ratio of meat to fat. This will give you the best texture and flavor. Pork and beef mixes are common.
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Natural Casing: Traditional Polish sausage has a natural casing which lends a nice “snap” when you bite into it. Avoid sausages with artificial casings.
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Smoked vs Fresh: You can find both smoked and fresh (unsmoked) Polish sausage. I prefer smoked for grilling since the char complements the smoky flavor. But fresh works too!
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Flavorings: Traditional Polish sausage is seasoned with garlic and pepper. Some varieties also contain herbs like marjoram. The seasoning should enhance the meat flavor, not overpower it.
Once you’ve selected your sausages, it’s time to get prepping for the grill!
Prepping the Sausages for Grilling
Properly prepping the sausages will set you up for grilling success:
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Poke Holes: Use a fork to gently poke holes all over the sausages. This allows steam and fat to escape while grilling so they don’t burst.
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Brush with Oil: Lightly coat the sausages with oil. This helps prevent sticking and promotes browning.
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Season: Sprinkle with your favorite spices or rub. Popular options include garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and oregano.
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Soak Wood Chips: If using a gas grill, soak some wood chips in water for 30 minutes then drain. This will add nice smoky flavor.
Once prepped, it’s time to fire up the grill!
Grilling Techniques for Perfect Polish Sausage
To achieve Polish sausage perfection on the grill, follow these tips:
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Use Medium-High Heat: You want a hot grill, but not so hot that the sausages burn. Shoot for around 400-450°F.
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Place Sausage Diagonally: Put the sausages on the grill diagonally to the grates. This prevents them from drooping through.
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Flip Frequently: Turn the sausages every 2-3 minutes to prevent burning. Frequent flipping distributes the heat evenly.
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Add Smoke: If using a gas grill, add soaked wood chips to the smoker box or foil pouch over the flame. This adds great flavor.
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Check Internal Temp: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Polish sausage should reach 160°F internally.
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Let Rest: When done grilling, transfer sausages to a plate and let rest 5 minutes before serving. This locks in the juices.
Follow these simple grilling guidelines and you’ll have perfect Polish sausages hot off the grill!
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Kielbasa
Once grilled to perfection, there are so many delicious ways to serve and enjoy Polish sausage:
- On a bun with mustard, ketchup, or bbq sauce
- Chopped up in pasta, potatoes, or cabbage dishes
- Added to kebabs or skewers
- Served with pierogies and sauerkraut
- On a sausage sandwich with peppers and onions
- Layered on a pizza
- Paired with pretzels and beer
- Added to smoked sausage bean soup
The possibilities are endless! Part of the fun is experimenting with different toppings, sides and pairings for grilled kielbasa.
Common Grilling Questions
If you’re new to grilling Polish sausage, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long does it take to grill kielbasa?
- Plan on 8-12 minutes total grilling time, flipping frequently. Time varies on thickness.
Should the sausage casings be removed before grilling?
- Most chefs recommend leaving casings on while grilling. They hold in moisture and provide texture.
What’s the best way to prevent flare ups?
- Poking holes in the sausages allows fat to drain off, preventing flares. Trim excess fat before grilling.
Can you grill Polish sausage that is frozen?
- It’s best to thaw sausage in the fridge 1-2 days before grilling. Grilling from frozen can make it burst.
How can you tell when the sausage is fully cooked?
- Use a meat thermometer to check for 160°F internal temperature. Or check that juices run clear when pierced.
How should you handle leftover grilled sausage?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving again.
What is the ideal pairing for grilled Polish sausage?
- Crisp lager style beers, braised cabbage dishes, mustards and horseradish all pair deliciously!
With these grilling tips, you’ll be enjoying juicy, smoky and flavor packed Polish sausage off the grill in no time. Experiment with different prep techniques, flavor combinations and sauces to find your favorite Polish sausage grilling recipe. Just be sure to make extra – because once you master grilled kielbasa, the whole neighborhood will be asking for a taste!
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Why You’ll Love This Grilled Polish Sausage Recipe
This sausage and peppers recipe is a staple in my house during grilling season. Why?
This is a simple, quick, and easy meal that everyone loves when it’s too hot to cook inside. Having easy recipes on hand is always a good idea, so skip the hot dogs and pick up some sausages to make this family favorite instead.
Most of the time, these tasty, juicy sausages are already cooked, so you don’t have to boil them or bake them in the oven. When grilled until sweet and lightly charred, the peppers make the dish even better. It’s incredibly simple and tastes great.
Did you love this easy recipe? Please leave a comment below! I love hearing from you.
How to Make Grilled Kielbasa and Peppers
Step One: Chop the bell peppers and toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: If you use kielbasa that has already been smoked, you will mostly just heat the sausage through and give the outside a nice char. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (350 degrees F).
Step Three: Spray the grill grates with nonstick spray, or brush with a bit of oil. Then, add the peppers to the basket and place Polish sausage links on the hot grill.
Step Four: Cook the Polish sausage on a grill for 15 to 20 minutes with the lid on (gas grill) or off (charcoal grill). Move the peppers around in the grill basket every so often and flip the sausages over to make sure they’re not getting too dark.
Step 5: Check the sausage to make sure it’s 165 degrees Fahrenheit inside, then take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The bell pepper is ready when its cooked through and lightly charred.
Step Six: Serve on a bun with the grilled peppers and any desired toppings.
Grill or Grilling Pan – this is my current grill and I love it!
Grilled Kielbasa Recipe – How To Grill Polish Sausage – SUPER EASY!!
FAQ
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