A Guide To BBQ Sausages

No cookout is complete without BBQ sausages. Whether you eat them straight from the fork or wrap them in a bun and splash on some mustard, sausages are a must at any BBQ. However, there is a right and wrong way to BBQ sausages. Wanting to get more flavour from your sausages every time you take them off the grill? Follow this, our guide to grilling perfect BBQ sausages every time for the perfect main attraction at your next cookout.

Best Types of Sausage For Grilling

There are so many types of sausages – probably more than most of us know! And some are better suited for grilling on BBQs than others. Here are some of the best sausages we’d recommend using for your next grill out:

• • Classic chipolatas

• • Kielbasa

• • Andouille

• • Bratwurst

• • Italian

• • Knackwurst

• • Cotechino

• • Loukaniko

• • Chorizo

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Meat Temperatures For BBQ Sausages

Cooking BBQ sausages to the correct internal temperature is essential for food safety. To check that your meat has reached the right temperature, you will need a meat temperature probe, or a meat thermometer. To use your thermometer, insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat towards the end of cooking. You can take the meat off the grill if it is on or above the right meat temperature. However, if it is below, you must cook it until it reaches the right temperature.

The ideal meat temperature for BBQ sausages (and pork generally) is 71° Celsius or 160° Fahrenheit. So, check your sausages for the proper internal temperature before taking them off the BBQ.

How To Grill Sausages The Right Way

So, now you have the best sausages picked out and know when to take them off the BBQ. Now, we can learn how to cook BBQ sausages! So, fire up your grill and let’s get started.

1. 1. First, place your sausages on the grill over high heat to brown them. After a minute, turn them over for another to brown the other side.

1. 1. Once the sausages are well browned on both sides, turn down the heat on your grill or fire pit to a medium temperature. Then, arrange your sausages as far away from the heat source as you can. If you are cooking on coals, then you can move your sausages to the cooler side, so they aren’t directly above the coals.

1. 1. Next, allow the sausages to cook. The sausages should cook for 10 – 15 minutes, depending on their size and thickness. Check them regularly and keep turning them at regular intervals to ensure they are cooked evenly.

1. 1. Towards the end of cooking time, use your meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your BBQ sausages. If it has reached 71° Celsius, you can remove your sausages from the heat. However, if the sausages aren’t quite hot enough yet, leave them for a few more minutes.

1. 1. Finally, serve the sausages immediately. Make sure your guests have plenty of rolls and condiments to snaffle their BBQ sausages before coming back for seconds!

What To Avoid When BBQing Sausages

Although BBQing sausages is a reasonably easy BBQ task, you should avoid cooking them in direct heat. Cooking sausages over direct heat will lead to the interior juices of the sausages reaching boiling point too early, causing splitting. In addition, the flavoursome juices will run from the sausages into the flames, causing the fire to spit and a lack of flavour.

So, instead, always make sure to BBQ sausages over indirect heat. This will give the sausages a smoky flavour and enrich the juices inside.

What To Serve With BBQ Sausages

BBQ sausages pair well with many side dishes, so you can try them with all your favourites. However, we’d recommend serving your BBQ sausages with side dishes like:

• • Sauteed peppers and onions

• • Baked beans

• • Macaroni cheese

• • Garlic bread

• • BBQed vegetables

These side dishes paired with BBQ sausages will offset the smoky flavour without losing it. Plus, you can do most of them on the BBQ alongside your sausages!

Next, of course, you’ll have to pick out some drinks to go with your BBQ sausages. Whiskey is always a top choice at an adult summer cookout and goes beautifully with grilled sausages. However, if you’re partial to red wine, a Spanish or southern French red should do the trick. Of course, soft drinks like cola and lemonade are always a win for the teetotallers and children.

Finally, the best part of the meal – dessert! BBQ food can sit quite heavy in the stomach, so you’ll want to go for something a bit lighter. Of course, grilled fruit is always a good option, sprinkled with a bit of brown sugar and served with cream or ice cream. However, to satisfy a sweet tooth, you could go for a light orange or lemon cake.

Perfect BBQ Sausages Every Time

BBQ sausages are an easy grill must-have to perfect. Follow our steps for grilling the perfect BBQ sausages, and we’re sure you’ll be wowing your guests at every cookout!

Enjoy your good food with good company surrounding your fire pit on a teak banana bench and chairs.

For more information on cooking on a large fire pit and some food inspiration, take a look at our fire pit cooking guide.

Sources

https://www.souschef.co.uk/blogs/the-bureau-of-taste/meat-temperatures-the-quick-guide

Callan Harvey