Grilled sausages are a regular dinner at my house during the warmer months. They’re already packed with flavor, so all you really need to do is get them on the grill and make sure they cook evenly without drying out or bursting open.
This is my go-to for easy weeknight meals, backyard cookouts, tailgate parties, or anytime I want something satisfying without a lot of work. The hands-on time is minimal—just a few minutes of rotating them on the grill.
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Easy Grilled Sausages
I like grilling sausages because there’s not much that can go wrong once you understand the basics, plus they are delicious! Keep the heat at a steady medium temperature, give them a quarter turn every few minutes, and you’re pretty much set.
The whole process takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, and most of that time you’re just keeping an eye on things rather than actively working. It’s one of those reliable techniques that makes weeknight grilling feel effortless.
What You’ll Need
- Sausage
- Olive oil
- Hot dog buns or hoagie rolls
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Sliced onion
Ingredient Substitutes
Gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps – For those avoiding gluten, use certified gluten-free buns or skip the bread entirely. Large lettuce leaves make excellent low-carb wraps that let the sausage flavor shine through.
Beer brats or other flavored sausages – Pre-seasoned specialty sausages add variety without extra work. Options like jalapeño cheddar, beer bratwurst, or apple chicken sausages bring built-in flavor profiles to explore.
How to Grill Sausages
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Fire up your grill and bring it to a steady medium heat, targeting 350-375°F. This temperature range is the sweet spot for sausages—hot enough to create excellent browning and grill marks, but not so scorching that the casings burst or burn before the insides cook through.
Clean your grill grates thoroughly with a wire brush while they’re heating up. Any stuck-on residue from previous cooking sessions can cause sticking and interfere with those beautiful grill marks you’re after.
Step 2: Prepare and Place Sausages on the Grill
Remove your sausages from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before grilling to take the chill off, allowing for more even cooking from edge to center. Pat them dry with paper towels since excess moisture prevents proper browning. Brush each sausage lightly with olive oil, coating all sides evenly to prevent sticking.
Space them about an inch apart to allow heat circulation and easy flipping. Listen for that satisfying sizzle when the sausages hit the grates—that’s the sound of proper caramelization beginning.
Step 3: Rotate and Monitor
After 3 minutes, use tongs to rotate each sausage a quarter turn. You should see beautiful grill marks forming on the first side. Continue rotating every 3 minutes, working your way around each sausage to ensure all sides receive equal exposure to direct heat.
Step 4: Check Temperature and Finish
During the final rotation, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a sausage, entering from the end to get an accurate center reading. Pork sausages need to reach 160°F, while poultry-based sausages require 165°F for food safety.
Serve with toasted buns, tomato ketchup and grilled onions
How To Store Leftovers and Reheat
Allow grilled sausages to cool to room temperature within 30 minutes of cooking, then transfer them to an airtight container or wrap individually in aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooled sausages in freezer-safe bags with air pressed out for up to 2 months.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and place sausages on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-12 minutes until warmed through, or slice and pan-fry over medium heat for 5-6 minutes for crispier edges. You can also reheat on the grill over low heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the casings rubbery and causes uneven heating.
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What To Serve With Sausages
- 🥦 Grilled Broccoli
- 🌽 Grilled Cornbread
- 🧄 Grilled Garlic Bread
- 🥔 Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
- 🥬 Fall Salads
👉 See more BBQ side dishes for extra inspiration!
Grilled Sausages
Ingredients
- 6 fresh sausage links about 2 lbs total
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 hot dog buns or hoagie rolls
- Mustard ketchup, or your favorite condiments
- 1 whole medium onion sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-375°F).
- Brush sausages lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place sausages on the grill over direct heat, positioning them diagonally for attractive grill marks.
- Grill for 10-12 minutes, rotating every 3 minutes to ensure even cooking on all sides.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; sausages should reach 160°F for pork or 165°F for poultry.
- If adding onions, place them in a grill basket during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove sausages from grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving in buns with your favorite toppings.
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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