If you’re craving something smoky, a little sweet, and packed with flavor, this BBQ Smoked Sausage with Grilled Peppers and Onions Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this dish comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours slow-cooking it. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you want to impress with minimal effort or for last-minute gatherings where you need something crowd-pleasing fast.
When I first tried this BBQ Smoked Sausage with Grilled Peppers and Onions Recipe, I was blown away by how the broiler charred everything just right—those little crispy edges make all the difference. You’ll find that combining smoky sausage with the natural sweetness of grilled peppers and onions, all coated in tangy BBQ sauce, creates an irresistible balance. Plus, it’s super adaptable whether you’re cooking indoors or throwing it on the grill outside.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 15 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute meals.
- Flavor-Packed: The smoky sausage pairs beautifully with sweet, caramelized peppers and onions, all drenched in tangy BBQ sauce.
- Versatile Cooking: You can broil it indoors or grill it outside, and both methods deliver amazing smoky char.
- Great for Entertaining: Easy to keep warm in a crock pot, making it a perfect appetizer or main dish for gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I like how this simple list of ingredients works so well together — smoky sausage, sweet veggies, and classic BBQ sauce for that finger-licking finish. Keep an eye out for good-quality smoked sausage because it really makes a difference here!
- Smoked sausage: Go for your favorite brand, ideally with a natural smoke flavor for the best taste.
- BBQ sauce: Use a tangy or sweet sauce, depending on your preference. I love a sauce with a little kick!
- Sweet onion: Adds a mild sweetness that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler.
- Red bell pepper: Fresh and vibrant, it softens perfectly when grilled or broiled.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this BBQ Smoked Sausage with Grilled Peppers and Onions Recipe because it’s so flexible. Feel free to swap in your favorite sausage, add extra veggies, or tweak the sauce to suit your taste buds!
- Spicy Kick: I once added sliced jalapeños to the peppers and onions for some heat; my family went crazy for the extra spice.
- Vegetarian Version: Try this with smoked tofu or plant-based sausage and a smoky vegan BBQ sauce for a tasty meat-free option.
- Seasonal Veggies: In the summer, I add zucchini or eggplant slices when grilling for more colorful, fresh flavors.
How to Make BBQ Smoked Sausage with Grilled Peppers and Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients for Even Cooking
Start by slicing your smoked sausage into roughly 1-inch bite-size pieces — this size cooks perfectly under the broiler without drying out. Chop the sweet onion and red bell pepper into similar 1-inch chunks. This way, everything cooks evenly and you get that perfect caramelization on all pieces.
Step 2: Broil for Smoky Char
Line a baking pan with foil for easy cleanup, then spread your sausage, onion, and peppers evenly on the pan. Place it on the top oven rack and broil on high for about 9 minutes, but watch closely — ovens vary, and you want to stop when you see the sausage edges just starting to char. That little bit of burn is where the flavor really develops.
Step 3: Toss with BBQ Sauce and Broil Again
Transfer everything to a large bowl and toss it with your BBQ sauce until evenly coated. Pour it back onto the baking pan and broil for another 4 minutes, just until the sauce gets bubbly and threatens to burn. This quick second broil caramelizes the sauce beautifully without drying the sausage.
Step 4: Serve It Up!
Once it comes out of the oven, give it a final stir and serve immediately. The sausages are juicy, the vegetables tender with a bit of char, and the BBQ sauce is perfectly sticky and flavorful — trust me, everyone will want seconds!
Pro Tips for Making BBQ Smoked Sausage with Grilled Peppers and Onions Recipe
- Watch the Broiler Closely: The broiler’s heat can vary a lot, so keep an eye on your sausage and veggies — slight charring adds flavor, but burning ruins the dish.
- Use Foil for Easy Cleanup: Trust me, this saves so much time and keeps the pan from sticking to those sugary sauce drips.
- Stir Before the Second Broil: Tossing in BBQ sauce after the first broil helps you coat everything evenly to get that perfect sticky, caramelized finish.
- Try the Grill for Extra Smokiness: I love grilling the sausage bites and veggies when the weather’s nice — just watch them closely and turn often for the best char.
How to Serve BBQ Smoked Sausage with Grilled Peppers and Onions Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions over the top to add a pop of color and a fresh bite that balances the smoky richness. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up nicely too.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a crunchy coleslaw to add some textural contrast. For a lighter option, I often serve it with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like serving the BBQ Smoked Sausage with Grilled Peppers and Onions Recipe straight from a warming crockpot. It keeps everything warm, and guests love digging in themselves. You can also stuff the sausage and peppers into slider buns for handheld sandwiches — super fun and unexpected!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the texture just right.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this recipe successfully a few times; just portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results and reheat gently to maintain that tender sausage texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I spread the mixture on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through. This keeps the sausage juicy and revives the caramelized edges without drying it out.
FAQs
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Can I make this BBQ Smoked Sausage with Grilled Peppers and Onions Recipe on the grill instead of the broiler?
Absolutely! Grilling adds even more smoky flavor. Just place the sausage bites and veggies directly on the grill grates over medium-high heat and turn frequently for even charring. Toss with BBQ sauce and grill for a few more minutes to caramelize the sauce.
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What type of sausage should I use?
Smoked sausage with a good natural smoke flavor works best here—like kielbasa or andouille. You want something flavorful but not too spicy unless you prefer it that way. Feel free to pick your favorite brand or variety to personalize the dish.
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How do I avoid burning the food under the broiler?
Broilers can be tricky because they cook fast and vary by oven. My best advice is to keep the pan on the top rack and watch carefully. As soon as you see edges starting to turn too dark, it’s time to pull it out or toss with sauce before broiling again briefly.
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Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to throw in sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or even cherry tomatoes. Just keep the chunks about the same size so everything cooks evenly. This recipe is really flexible and loves extra veggies!
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Smoked Sausage with Grilled Peppers and Onions Recipe has become a fast favorite in my house because it’s quick, flavorful, and so easy to customize. Whether you’re making a simple weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, it always hits the spot. I hope you try it soon and enjoy the smoky, sweet, sticky goodness as much as I do – it’s one of those dishes that just makes everyone smile at the table!
Print
BBQ Smoked Sausage with Grilled Peppers and Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Smoked Sausage recipe delivers a smoky, flavorful dish featuring tender sausage bites broiled with sweet onions and red bell peppers, all coated in tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect as a quick appetizer or party snack, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients and can also be adapted for grilling.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 14 ounces smoked sausage
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 medium sweet onion
- 1 medium red bell pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Broiler: Set your oven broiler to high heat to prepare for cooking the sausage and vegetables quickly with direct heat.
- Prepare Ingredients: Slice the smoked sausage into 1-inch pieces, then chop the sweet onion and red bell pepper into similar 1-inch sized chunks to ensure even cooking.
- Initial Broiling: Arrange the sausage, peppers, and onions on a foil-lined baking pan and place it on the top oven rack. Broil for about 9 minutes or until the sausage edges start to scorch slightly, developing smoky flavor.
- Toss with BBQ Sauce: Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the sausage and vegetables to a large bowl. Toss them evenly with ½ cup of BBQ sauce to coat all pieces.
- Final Broil: Pour the sauced mixture back onto the baking pan and return to the broiler for 4 more minutes. Watch carefully until the BBQ sauce begins to bubble and almost burns, giving a rich caramelized finish.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Keep a close eye when broiling as food can burn quickly. Oven broiler strength may vary, so watch for the sauce to just start burning to time it right.
- To keep warm for parties, transfer the cooked sausages and veggies into a crock pot on low heat.
- This recipe also works excellently on a grill: cook sausage bites over high heat directly on the grates, turning frequently, then brush with BBQ sauce and repeat grilling briefly.
