Tips for Grilling BBQ Sausages

August 24, 2024

Grilling sausages is an art that few cooks have mastered. It is, however, a tradition, whether at a barbecue party or on a hot summer day in the backyard. With a little know-how, anyone can master the art of making delicious and juicy sausage on the grill. Dufour Gourmet is dedicated to making artisanal sausages and you a master in the art of grilling.

For some, there's nothing better than some good grilled sausages from the charcoal grill, even in the winter. Here are some tips that will make you the king of perfectly grilled sausages.

One of the first pieces of advice that distinguish the amateur from the professional is to never pre-cook the grilled sausage because we do not want to lose the juicy side as well as the succulent flavor that flows into our mouths.
The second piece of advice we give you is to choose a high fresh sausage. Dufour Gourmet has high standards, we offer you a piece of meat of excellent quality so that when you cook the sausage you will be spoiled with flavor. Beware of overly-processed sausages that lack texture and flavor.

What are the best sausages for grilling?

Bratwurst: Bratwurst is a German sausage made from a mixture of pork, herbs and spices, with a very mild flavor and firm texture and fat inside. Bratwurst is versatile: it can be served with sauerkraut and potato salad, which is a very popular recipe in Germany or it can be served on toasted bread with caramelized onions and mustard. Another good alternative would be vegetables like grilled peppers or mushrooms.
Chorizo: Probably the most popular barbecue sausage, European chorizo is seasoned with smoked paprika. When grilled, this sausage can accompany recipes such as pizza and pasta salads. Lovers of spice will fall in love with this famous BBQ sausage.
Italian 50CUT sausage: There are a few variations of spices and cooking methods, but the best way to cook Italian sausages is to grill them. When grilled, the sausage acquires a beautiful golden color and crispness on the outside, while retaining a juicy and flavorful texture on the inside. Italian sausage is great in spaghetti sauce.
Merguez: This well-known sausage from the Middle-Eastern is made with mostly lamb and/or beef and can be quite spicy due to the harissa chili paste. It also contains various spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne bell pepper, garlic, and mint. This is probably the spiciest sausage on our list. Both crispy and juicy, it is perfect for a recipe like couscous or with potato, grilled vegetables, and in a sandwich for a delicious snack.
Kielbasa: Polish sausage is more often than not grilled, becoming golden and crispy on the outside while the inside remains juicy, accompanied by a grilled bun, Sauerkraut. In Poland, it is often used as a hot dog with its rich and spicy flavor and can even be used to make soup.

Best way to grill sausages on the grill

Whether you prefer Italian sausage, chicken sausage, smoked sausage, or any other type, the first step is to take them out one hour in advance and let them warm up in a temperate place.

Next, it's important not to prick, pierce or cut the sausages before or during cooking.

The casing, whether natural or synthetic, helps to capture the cooking juices and maintain sufficient hydration of the meat. Grilling sausage over direct heat is fine, but be careful not to let flare-ups burst open the casing.

For perfectly grilled sausage links, try cooking them over medium to high heat until they reach the desired internal temperature. An instant-read thermometer is a great tool for this. And don't forget to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can also cook the sausage over indirect heat by placing the sausage on the indirect heat side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through until reaching the internal temperature of 165°F.

There are many different recipes and flavor options for grilled sausages. You can try adding onions, peppers, chorizo ground pork, or any other meat to the mix. And don't forget the BBQ sauce! Sweet or tangy, it's the perfect complement to a grilled sausage on a bun.

Whether you're a grill master or just starting, cooking hot dogs and sausages on the grill is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and some delicious food with friends and family.

And if you have leftover these sausages on the grill, try adding them to a pasta salad and sandwiches for a tasty lunch option.

Should you poke holes in sausage before grilling?

No, you should not stick the tip of your knife into the sausage.

When you prick the sausage, the fat will drip through your barbecue onto your coals which will splash fat everywhere, hence you'll burn your sausages and yourself. Plus you will end up with dry sausages once cooked.

BBQ Essentials

To start BBQ session, you would definitely need some of the tools & appliances, including:

Grill: A good quality grill is essential for grilling sausage. Gas, charcoal, or electric grills can all be used to grill sausage. It is important to preheat the grill to the proper temperature before cooking.
Tongs: Use tongs to turn the sausage during cooking times. This will avoid puncturing the casings, which can cause the juices to run out.
Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausages. They should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (73.8°C).
Patience: For sausages to be perfectly grilled, you need patience. Cook slowly over medium heat, turning frequently so they cook evenly without popping.
Time: grilling time depends on the thickness of the sausage and the heat of the grill. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for most sausages, but use a thermometer to check for doneness.

Dufour Gourmet Sausages that are perfect for BBQ

Toulouse Sausage: A Classic Pork Sausage to pair with your favorite seasonal vegetables or bean stew/cassoulet.
Pork & Bacon Sausage: Pork sausage coarsely ground made with chunks of bacon, mushrooms and caramelized onions reduced in red wine.
Pork and Cheddar Cheese Sausage: Flavorful coarsely ground sausage made with pork meat, Vermont cheddar cheese and caramelized onions with molasses.
Thai Chicken Sausage (pork-free): Tasty chicken sausage finely ground and flavored with Thai spices like lemongrass, kaffir lime and ginger.
Merguez Sausage (pork-free): Finely ground beef and lamb sausage featuring Middle-Eastern flavors and spiciness in a natural sheep casing.
Chipolata Sausage: A classic French pork sausage finely ground, perfect for kids and grown-ups.
Bratwurst Sausage: Chef Dufour created a delicious bratwurst reminding him of his childhood in Germany. Enjoy it traditionally with “pommes” (French fries) or any other way you like!
Chicken Breakfast Sausage (Pork Free): This chicken sausage is the perfect addition to your breakfast, finely ground with provencal spices, roasted onions, and red peppers.

Pork Breakfast Sausage: English breakfast pork sausage, coarsely ground and seasoned with sage and butcher black pepper.
Crépinette - Seasoned Pork Patty: A traditional and tasty pork patty seasoned with parsley, onions, garlic and white wine wrapped with caul fat to pair with your favorite seasonal vegetables!
Chicken Chorizo Sausage (pork-free): Spanish-style chicken chorizo sausage finely ground and flavored with fine spices like paprika, and cayenne.
Pork Green Chorizo: A flavorful pork sausage made with roasted poblano peppers, serrano chili peppers, cilantro and parsley which will give the spicy kick you are looking for.