Grilled Italian Sausage
This simple recipe features savory Italian sausage links grilled to perfection alongside tender, charred onions and red bell pepper strips. It’s a quick and flavorful dish, ideal for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering, offering a classic combination of robust flavors and textures.
Equipment
- 1 Outdoor Grill (Gas or Charcoal)
- 1 Tongs
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Meat Thermometer (Recommended for food safety)
Ingredients
Main
- 1 12 ounce package Italian sausage links
- 2 medium onions peeled and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper cut into strips
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-low heat to ensure a consistent cooking temperature for the sausage and vegetables.
- Using a sharp chef's knife, peel and slice the onions into thick rings and cut the red bell pepper into substantial strips.
- Lightly toss the sliced onions and bell pepper strips with a small amount of olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Place the Italian sausage links directly on the preheated grill grates, ensuring they are not crowded.
- Add the seasoned onion rings and bell pepper strips to the grill, placing them around the sausages.
- Grill the Italian sausage for 15-20 minutes, turning frequently with tongs to achieve even browning and prevent burning.
- Continue to grill the vegetables, turning them occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and show nice char marks.
- Ensure the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer for food safety.
- Remove the grilled sausages and vegetables from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the grilled Italian sausage with the tender, charred onions and bell peppers as a delicious main course.
Notes
For perfectly grilled Italian sausage, manage your heat; a medium-low flame prevents charring while allowing the interior to cook thoroughly. Consider pre-boiling the sausages for 5-7 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking and reduce grill time, especially with thicker links, finishing them on the grill for that desired char and flavor. When grilling vegetables, a light toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper beforehand enhances their flavor and prevents sticking. For an elevated experience, serve the grilled sausage and vegetables on a crusty roll with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley.