If you’re searching for a dish that practically bursts with summer flavor while keeping things simple and family-friendly, BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions is destined to be a new favorite. Smoky, juicy sausage mingles with a rainbow of sizzling peppers and sweet red onions, all caramelized to perfection on the grill. Whether you serve it as a hearty main at your next cookout or spoon it onto toasted rolls for the ultimate BBQ sandwich, this recipe guarantees a plateful of color, bold flavors, and mouthwatering aromas in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish proves that a handful of basic ingredients, each chosen for their unique contribution to flavor and texture, can come together for pure magic on the grill. The smoky sausage brings the comfort, while the vibrant peppers and onions offer sweetness and gorgeous color—making every forkful a celebration.
- Smoked Sausage (1 pound, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds): Pick your favorite hickory, mesquite, or classic smoked sausage for deep, savory flavor and that irresistible snap.
- Red Bell Pepper (1, sliced): The red pepper brings sweetness and a splash of festive color, balancing the rich meatiness of the sausage.
- Yellow Bell Pepper (1, sliced): Bright, mellow, and slightly fruity, this one adds sunshine to the mix.
- Green Bell Pepper (1, sliced): With a slightly grassy bitterness, the green pepper adds complexity and crunch.
- Red Onion (1 large, sliced): Grilling brings out the onion’s natural sweetness, making it melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Ensures everything gets a golden char and helps the seasonings cling beautifully.
- Barbecue Sauce (1 tablespoon, optional for glazing): A swipe of tangy sauce takes the smoky flavor up a notch.
- Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): Doubles down on smoke and gives each bite a reddish glow.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a little garlic backbone to the whole skillet.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a gentle kick and aroma that wakes up your taste buds.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Brings it all together—don’t skip this humble star.
How to Make BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by firing up your grill to medium-high heat. Giving the grates enough time to get nice and hot is key for those beautiful char marks and for locking in the sausage’s juicy flavor. If you have a grill basket, now’s the time to dig it out and get it ready—otherwise, direct on the grate works too!
Step 2: Toss and Season
In a big mixing bowl, combine the sliced smoked sausage, all the bell peppers, and red onion with the olive oil. Sprinkle over the smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Toss it all together until every piece is lightly coated and glistening with oil and spice. If you’re adding barbecue sauce for a glossy, sweet finish, brush it lightly onto the sausage rounds – it’ll caramelize as they grill.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Carefully arrange the sausage and vegetable mixture directly on the grill grates (or into your grill basket). Spread everything out into a single layer for that perfect sear. Grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sausage is sizzling hot with gorgeous grill marks, and the peppers and onions are tender with delicious charred edges. The aroma at this stage is almost impossible to resist!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is perfectly caramelized and the BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions is steaming hot, use tongs to transfer the feast to a platter or straight onto plates. Serve immediately so every bite is packed with smoky, juicy flavor. If you’ve got toasted rolls handy, pile high for a fantastic sandwich.
How to Serve BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions
Garnishes
A final flourish can take BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions from great to unforgettable. Try fresh chopped parsley for color and brightness, or a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce to amp up the smoky-sweet vibes. For a little extra zing, a squeeze of lemon over the finished dish is utterly delicious.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with classic barbecue sides. Think buttery corn on the cob, crusty garlic bread, crisp coleslaw, or a simple green salad to balance the richness. Everything on your plate will complement those charred, smoky flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions makes a vibrant centerpiece whether you serve it family-style in a big rustic platter or load it into hoagie rolls for a hearty sandwich. You can also skewer everything before grilling for crowd-pleasing kabobs, or tuck leftovers into an omelet for a next-day brunch twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions holds up wonderfully in the fridge. Just pop everything into an airtight container, and it’ll keep for up to three days—ideal for quick lunches or impromptu snack attacks straight from the fridge!
Freezing
If you end up with extra or want to meal prep, this dish freezes beautifully. Cool the sausage and vegetables completely, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. It’ll stay delicious for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To revive the flavors without overcooking, heat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil until warmed through. You can also microwave with a damp paper towel to keep everything juicy. For a smoky crunch, flash under the broiler for a minute or two.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of smoked pork sausage?
Absolutely! BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions works beautifully with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version. Just make sure the sausage you choose is pre-cooked and has some smoky flavor for the best results.
What’s the best way to slice the vegetables for even grilling?
Slice your peppers into strips and onions into rings or strips about 1/2-inch thick. Keeping pieces uniform in size ensures everything cooks at the same rate and gives you perfect char and tenderness in every bite.
Could I make BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions indoors?
Yes! If you don’t have access to a grill, use a large grill pan or cast-iron skillet on the stovetop. High heat and a bit of patience will still give you a good sear and plenty of flavor, even indoors.
How spicy is this recipe?
The basic version is mild, focusing on smoky and sweet flavors. If you crave some heat, feel free to toss in sliced jalapeños or add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
What are some ways to customize this dish?
BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions is endlessly adaptable! Try adding mushrooms or zucchini to the mix, swap out the barbecue sauce for a spicy mustard glaze, or finish with a sprinkle of crumbled feta for a Mediterranean flair.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to get excited about BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions—this is a dish that’s quick, colorful, and packed with bold flavor that always wins smiles at the table. Whether you’re grilling for your family or sharing with friends, give this recipe a try and watch it become a cookout classic!
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BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious BBQ dish with this recipe for BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions. Perfect for a summer grilling session, this flavorful meal is sure to satisfy your taste buds!
Ingredients
Smoked Sausage:
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large red onion, sliced
Other:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce (optional for glazing)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Prepare Ingredients: Toss the sausage, bell peppers, and onions with olive oil, spices, and barbecue sauce.
- Grill: Cook the sausage and vegetables on the grill for 10–12 minutes until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Serve: Remove from grill and serve hot as a main dish or in rolls.
Notes
- Try using hickory or mesquite smoked sausage for added flavor.
- Finish with extra barbecue sauce or parsley for a fresh touch.
- Chicken or turkey sausage can be used as a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
