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Grilled Sausage

Grilled Sausage

This is the best way to make easy grilled sausage for your next weeknight dinner or backyard party. The secret is using a two-zone grilling method so the meat stays juicy while the skin gets a perfect snap. It's a simple and healthy meal prep idea that smells incredible as the fats hit the hot coals. You'll love the combination of smoky pork and charred peppers because it brings out the best flavors of the season quickly.
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Course: Dinner
Servings: 4
Calories: 355kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 large links Italian pork sausage links Choose a high-quality coarse-ground variety for the best texture.
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil A light coating prevents the links from sticking to the hot grates.
  • 2 medium red bell pepper Sliced into wide strips to char alongside the meat for sweetness.
  • 1 large yellow onion Cut into thick rounds so they stay intact on the grill surface.
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Essential for seasoning the vegetables while they soften over the flame.

Instructions

  • Slice your yellow onion into thick half-inch rounds and cut the red bell peppers into wide strips. Toss them in a bowl with the olive oil and salt until everything is lightly coated and glossy. (I used to cut the onions too thin but they just fell through the grates—keep them chunky for better handling). Lay the sausages out on a tray and pat them dry with a paper towel. A dry surface helps the oil stick better and encourages faster browning. Coat the links lightly with the remaining oil so they don't snag on the metal. Lightly oiling the surface ensures a clean release when it's time to flip. Prep everything before heading outside—this keeps the cooking process smooth.
    Prep the vegetables and sausages
  • Place the sausages and vegetables directly over the medium heat at exactly 350°F. You'll hear a loud sizzle the moment the meat touches the grates which is exactly what you want. Cook them for about 4 to 6 minutes per side while keeping the lid closed as much as possible. Use your tongs to turn the peppers once they show dark charred edges and a softened texture. The onions should start to turn translucent and pick up some grill lines. Avoid moving the meat too much so the marks have time to develop deeply. Sear for at least 4 minutes without moving—the contact builds the smoky flavor profile.
    Sear the links and peppers
  • Move the sausages to the cooler side of the grill where there are no active flames underneath. Close the lid and let them roast for another 5 to 8 minutes until the internal temperature hits 160°F. (My first batch was way too dry because I kept them over high heat the whole time—the indirect finish is the secret). Check the vegetables and pull them off if they are tender and sweet. The sausages should look plump and the skin should be tight and slightly blistered. You'll smell the toasted spices from the pork as the fats finish rendering. Finish with indirect heat—this prevents the casings from splitting open before the center is cooked through.
    Finish over indirect heat
  • Transfer the sausages and charred vegetables to a clean plate or cutting board. Let the meat rest for exactly 5 minutes before you even think about cutting into it. This allows the internal juices to thicken and stay inside the link. Arrange the peppers and onions around the sausages for a rustic family-style presentation. The colors should be vibrant with the deep red of the peppers and the dark brown of the grilled meat. It's a simple look that focuses on the quality of the ingredients. Rest 5 minutes before serving—gives the juices time to redistribute so each bite stays moist.
    Rest and plate the dish

Notes

Keep any leftover sausages in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They reheat best in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water and a lid. This steams them slightly so they stay moist instead of getting rubbery in the microwave. You can also slice them up and use them in a breakfast hash the next morning.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 355kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 1117mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g