Grilled Smoked Sausage is a family favorite. Our favorite dry rub is used to season all-beef smoked sausage, which cooks up quickly and is tender, juicy, and juicy.
Smoked sausage links are great to have on hand for a filling and delicious dinner. We love Smoked Sausage Pepper Hoagies and these Smoked Sausage Chicken and Potato Kabobs are always a hit.
We like to keep our homemade Brisket Smoked Sausage and Maple Sausage on hand, but we also like many tasty kinds from the store. For this recipe we are using the Johnsonville Beef Smoked Rope Sausage. It’s a budget friendly option for busy families.
We served this grilled smoked sausage up with Garlic Butter Baked Potatoes and Grilled Mushrooms. We put the potatoes on about 45 minutes before the sausage and mushrooms. Cooking the whole meal on the grill is great for easy cleanup and doesn’t heat up the kitchen.
As an avid griller and smoked sausage aficionado, I’ve spent years honing my techniques for cooking up plump, juicy links on the barbecue. When done right, hot-off-the-grill smoked sausage is simply irresistible. The key is getting that perfect snap from the natural casing, while keeping the interior moist and full of spicy, smoky flavor.
In this complete guide, I’ll share all my tips and tricks for grilling smoked sausage like a true backyard pitmaster. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to step up your game, let’s get grilling!
Choosing the Best Smoked Sausage for the Grill
With so many delicious smoked sausage options at the grocery store, it can be tough to pick the right links for the grill. Here’s what to look for:
-
All Natural Casing – Traditional smoked sausage has a collagen casing that gives a nice “pop” when you bite into it Avoid sausages with artificial casings
-
Coarse Ground Meat – Look for sausage with a mix of coarse ground pork and beef. This creates better texture and moisture.
-
Traditional Spices – Classic smoked sausage seasoning includes garlic, peppers, paprika, coriander and other bold flavors
-
Hardwood Smoked – Make sure the sausage has been naturally smoked over hardwoods like hickory or applewood. This adds that quintessential smoky essence.
Once you’ve selected the ideal smoked sausages, it’s time to start prepping the grill.
Setting Up Your Grill for Smoked Sausage Success
Proper grilling setup is key to cooking smoked sausage to juicy perfection:
-
Preheat Thoroughly – Allow grill to preheat for 15-30 minutes to reach 300-350°F. Use medium heat to prevent scorching.
-
Oil the Grates – Rub down grates with an oiled paper towel. This prevents sausage from sticking.
-
Go Direct Then Indirect – Sear sausage over direct heat to get grill marks, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking.
-
Use a 2-Zone Fire – For charcoal grills, bank coals to one side. This gives you direct and indirect heat zones.
-
Add Wood Chips – Soak chips in water 30 minutes if using gas grill. This adds extra smoky flavor.
Now we’re ready to get these plump links sizzling on the grill!
Grilling Techniques for Perfectly Cooked Smoked Sausage
Using proper grilling techniques is vital for smoked sausage success. Follow these tips:
-
Pat Sausage Dry – Blot links with paper towels before grilling. This promotes browning.
-
Prick the Casings – Use a fork to poke holes all over sausages. This prevents bursting.
-
Place Diagonally – Lay sausages diagonally across grates for those beautiful char marks.
-
Sear Then Shift – Sear 2 minutes per side over direct heat before moving to indirect zone.
-
Rotate Often – Turn sausages every 5 minutes to prevent burning as they finish cooking.
-
Check Temp – Use instant read thermometer to test doneness. Aim for 165°F internally.
-
Let Rest 5 Minutes – Allow sausage to rest after grilling before serving. This locks in juiciness.
Follow this process for phenomenal smoked sausage hot off the grill every time.
Serving Up Your Grilled Smoked Sausage
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving your grilled smoked sausages. Some delicious options include:
- On buns with sauteed peppers and onions
- Chopped up in baked beans, soups or chilis
- Added to kabobs or skewers
- Layered on pizza with other toppings
- Served with hot potato salad and coleslaw
- Paired with pretzels and mustard
- Added to a smoked sausage breakfast hash
- Accompanied by macaroni and cheese
Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings and sides! The smoky sausage flavor pairs well with so many ingredients.
Answers to Common Grilling Questions
If you’re new to grilling smoked links, here are some helpful answers:
What is the ideal grilling temperature for smoked sausage?
- Shoot for 300-350°F to thoroughly cook without burning.
How long does it take to grill fully cooked smoked sausage?
- Around 15-20 minutes turning occasionally until 165°F internally.
What about grilling raw smoked sausage?
- Raw sausage takes 40-50 minutes of grilling time to reach a safe 165°F.
Should you boil smoked sausage before grilling it?
- It’s not necessary. Grilling alone imparts the perfect smoky flavor.
How do you get grill marks on smoked sausage?
- Place diagonally across grates for 2 minutes then rotate for crisscross marks.
What if my smoked sausage splits on the grill?
- Prick casings prior and grill over indirect heat to prevent splitting.
Can you grill smoked sausage that is frozen?
- Always thaw in fridge 1-2 days before grilling for food safety and even cooking.
With this advice, you’ll be a smoked sausage grilling guru in no time! Fire up the grill and enjoy.
k
Step By Step Instructions
- Prepare a grill fire. We are cooking this dish on our Big Green Egg Ceramic Grill with lump charcoal.
- Dry the smoked sausage with paper towels after taking it out of the package. Place on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Spray or drizzle with olive oil coating well.
- Sprinkle lightly with steak rub.
- Cook the smoked sausage over indirect fire for 15 minutes.
- Remove from grill and serve immediately.
How To Grill Sausages The Right Way—Without Drying Them Out | Ray The Butcher
FAQ
How to barbecue smoked sausages?
How to grill smoked Polish sausage?
How do you grill already cooked sausage?
How do you cook smoked sausage on a grill?
To start, place the smoked sausages on the medium heat side, searing them for a minute or two on each side. Once both sides are perfectly caramelized, move those tasty treats to the cold side of the grill to finish cooking. You don’t want to burn the smoked sausages, so watch them closely.
Is sausage casing healthier option to eat?
Cellulose casings and some natural casings are perfectly fine to eat. Sausage casings are used to hold and shape filling inside so that it can be cooked. There are natural sausage casings and synthetic varieties, and most of them are edible. The healthiest way to cook them is by boiling or baking. Sausages provide high levels of vitamin B12 and iron, both of which are essential for healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin production.
What is the traditional way to grill sausages?
The traditional way to grill sausages is directly over the fire. The traditional way to cook sausage often leads to colossal conflagrations and flare-ups.
How do you smoke a smoked sausage?
Put your sausages directly from the refrigerator to the smoker grate, and ensure they don’t touch. Smoke for approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes. Then, check your sausage with a temperature probe. They need to reach an internal temperature of 165°F before they are safe to eat.