This BBQ sausage recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced grillers! I’ll show you how easy it is to whip up these tasty skewers in no time. The combo of peppers and Italian sausage is simply delightful!
I first made this recipe as easy finger food at my catering company, and it was an instant hit. Since then, these delicious sausage skewers have been a staple on our lunch and dinner menus. They’re versatile enough to serve as a main meal, appetizer, or fun finger food for friends.
This recipe is: Keto, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Paleo
Table of Contents
7 Reasons To Love This Recipe
Here’s why this Barbecue sausage recipe is a must-try:
- A quick and satisfying appetizer or main dish!
- Super easy to make!
- Uses just two ingredients – couldn’t be simpler!
- Completely low carb and keto-friendly.
- Pairs perfectly with my roasted red pepper sauce.
- Can be made ahead and reheated effortlessly.
- Perfect for making in large batches for a backyard gathering or family get-together.
Is BBQ Sausage Low Carb?
Yes, BBQ sausage can be made low carb especially if you choose sausages without added sugars or fillers. In this recipe, the Italian sausage and bell peppers are naturally low carb, making it a great option for those following a low carb or keto-friendly diet. The recipe contains 4.6 g total carbs and since there is no fiber, the net carbs are 4.6 g too. Just be sure to check the ingredient labels to avoid any hidden carbs.
BBQ Sausage Ingredients List
Below is the list of ingredients you'll need to make grilled BBQ sausage:
- 3 bell peppers (yellow, orange and red preferred)
- 1.5 pounds Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Note: I cut the bell peppers to match the size of the sausage pieces. If the peppers are longer, they tend to droop, and nobody wants a droopy pepper and sausage skewer.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily swap out the ingredients in this BBQ smoked sausage recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some simple alternatives:
- Italian sausage: You can use bratwurst or another flavored sausage. Just be sure they don’t have added sugars if you are low carb! I prefer to avoid turkey or chicken sausage because they typically have a lower fat content, resulting in less juicy sausages.
- Bell peppers: You can use whatever type of pepper you like. For more spice, choose from poblanos, Anaheims, or even jalapeno peppers.
- Olive oil: You can use avocado oil or even rapeseed oil (it has a high smoke point). I prefer to have mine in a sprayer to be applied easily. You might need a little more oil if you use a silicone basting brush.
Additional Ingredients
You can enhance or customize this Barbecue sausage recipe with these tasty additions that pair well with the main ingredients:
- Onions: You can slice some large Vidalia onions and layer those in as well. Because I wanted to keep this recipe low carb, I chose not to use onions. I have used onion many times in the past, and it has been delicious. Just be sure to layer in one or two layers of the onion… any thicker, and they will not cook through!
- Mushrooms: If you like mushrooms, you can cut some in half and thread them onto the skewers easily. They love a dash of salt on them and an extra splash of olive oil.
- Sauce: I love to layer my roasted red pepper sauce with a spoon right before serving these. Wow, it adds a huge dimension of flavor to the dish. It's just amazing!
Note: These ingredients are not part of the original recipe—use them to enhance or customize the recipe to your liking. You can also try any of your favorite toppings for this recipe!
Cooking Tools Required
Here is the list of cooking tools you'll need to make BBQ sausage:
How To Make BBQ Sausage: Complete Cooking Guide
How To Grill Sausage?
Grilling sausage is simple and delicious! Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat the grill. Set your grill to medium-high heat and allow it to preheat for about 10 minutes.
- Prep the sausages. Take the sausages out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This helps them cook evenly.
- Oil the grill. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil and tongs to apply it.
- Place the sausages on the grill. Lay the sausages on the grill perpendicular to the grates to get those beautiful grill marks.
- Grill the sausages. Cook the sausages for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.
- Check for doneness. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Sausages should reach 160°F to be fully cooked.
- Rest the sausages. Remove the sausages from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute for a more flavorful bite.
Enjoy your perfectly grilled sausages with your favorite sides and sauces!
Cooking Method
- Grilling
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the grill to high heat (gas grill only)
- Cut the sausages into 3-4” lengths
- Cut the peppers into slices that are approximately the same length as the sausage segments.
- Skewer a pepper, then a sausage segment. Repeat one more time and cap the skewer with a piece of pepper.
- Spray with olive oil on both sides.
Cooking Instructions
- Place on the grill and close the lid. Allow to cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Flip the sausage skewers and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until cooked through (160F as shown on an instant-read meat thermometer)
- Serve immediately.
How long to cook sausage on the barbecue?
This depends on several factors:
- Grill BTU’s: The heat output of your grill. Sausages will cook faster on a high BTU grill than on one with low heat output.
- Sausage size: Thicker sausages like kielbasa take longer to cook than thinner ones like breakfast sausages.
- Meat temperature: Sausages taken straight from the refrigerator will take longer to cook than those at room temperature.
Overall, the best way to ensure sausages are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer and check for an internal temperature of 160°F.
Step 1: Begin by skewering a slice of yellow bell pepper onto the skewers.
Step 2: Next, add a piece of Italian sausage onto the skewers, pushing it up against the yellow bell pepper.
Step 3: Continue to assemble the skewers by alternating between sausage and bell pepper slices (red, orange, and yellow).
Step 4: Once all the skewers are assembled, arrange them on a plate, ready to be grilled.
Step 5: Place the skewers on a preheated grill. Allow to cook for 4-5 minutes.
Step 6: Flip the sausage skewers and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Serve immediately.
💡 My Pro Tip
I've made over a thousand of these BBQ sausage kabobs over the years. Here's what I've learned:
- Use two shorter skewers instead of one: This keeps the sausage and peppers secure, making it much easier to flip them on the grill and serve.
- Manage grill flare-ups safely: If your grill tends to flare up (flames everywhere once the fat starts to melt), avoid using water to put out the flames. This can lead to the grease vaporizing, causing a giant fireball. Instead, fill an empty squeeze bottle with three to four tablespoons of baking soda and water. Shake well and squirt directly at the flare-up to control the flames safely.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Prep ahead: Prepare the sausage and pepper skewers in their raw form, and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
- Cook in advance: Grill the BBQ sausage skewers ahead of time, let them cool to room temperature, then reheat them on the grill before serving. This saves a lot of time!
- Use quality bamboo skewers: Invest in good bamboo skewers to avoid splintering and burning. I prefer the stout bamboo skewers that are about six inches long and have a flat section, which makes them quick and easy to create.
What To Serve With BBQ Sausage?
I always pair my BBQ sausages with salads for a balanced and delicious meal. Here are some great pairings:
- Cauliflower Potato Salad: A low carb twist on the classic potato salad, perfect for keeping it keto-friendly.
- Carrot Salad: Adds a refreshing crunch and slight sweetness that complements the savory sausages.
- Marinara Sauce: A flavorful and tangy sauce that enhances the taste of Italian sausage.
- Sauerkraut: Brings a tangy, fermented kick that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats.
- Grilled Asparagus: A simple, tasty side that adds a touch of elegance to your meal. Serve this recipe with these amazing smoked sausage appetizers.
- BBQ sauce: BBQ sauces go well with sausages, try with this recipe and let me know in the comments!
Storage And Reheating Instructions
Storage Tips
After cooling the BBQ sausage skewers to room temperature, cover them with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also keep them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Reheating Tips
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, then place the sausage skewers on the grill until heated through.
- Broiler: Preheat the oven to the broil setting. Place the sausage bites on a lined and rimmed baking sheet and heat until warm.
- Microwave: Place the smoked sausages on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power until warm.
Recipe Conclusion
Back when I ran my catering business, these BBQ sausage skewers were always a hit. They’re incredibly simple yet so tasty, making it easy to prepare 10-20 skewers quickly for a large crowd.
My family loves them too! Balancing low carb meals for myself while keeping things interesting for my family can be a challenge, but this recipe is a definite winner. Sausage and peppers are always a crowd-pleaser, and when they’re skewered together, no one even thinks about it being a low carb recipe—they just love it.
Feel free to leave any questions or suggestions in the comments. You can also find us on Facebook or Instagram.
Other Sausage Recipes
If you're looking for more sausage recipes, check out my favorites:
FAQs
You can choose from a variety of sausages for the barbecue. A good start is with basics like Italian sausage (both mild and hot) and bratwurst sausages, which are typically pork with seasonings. Kielbasa, a smoked pork sausage, is also delicious on the grill. Chorizo and andouille are spicy options that add a flavorful kick.
The best way to cook BBQ sausages is on a gas grill over high heat. The sausages have enough fat to stay juicy, and the high heat will sear the outside, creating extra flavor.
You need to check the label to ensure the BBQ sausages you’re using are gluten free. Look for ingredients like wheat gluten, hydrolyzed wheat protein, glucose syrup, or malts.
Yes, you can make baked BBQ sausage by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), coating the sausages with BBQ sauce, and baking for 25-30 minutes until the sausage temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Turn them halfway through and let them rest before serving.
BBQ Sausage Recipe (Quick & Easy!)
Ingredients
- 3 bell peppers yellow, orange and red preferred
- 1.5 pounds Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the grill to high heat (gas grill only)
- Cut the sausages into 3-4” lengths
- Cut the peppers into slices that are approximately the same length as the sausage segments.
- Skewer a pepper, then a sausage segment. Repeat one more time and cap the skewer with a piece of pepper.
- Spray with olive oil on both sides.
Cooking Instructions
- Place on the grill and close the lid. Allow to cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Flip the sausage skewers and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until cooked through (160F as shown on an instant-read meat thermometer)
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
Recent Low Carb Recipes:
Chia Seed Protein Pudding
This Chia Seed Protein Pudding has become a staple at my house. It’s packed with real ingredients and has a flavor that works for breakfast or dessert. My son eats it daily—and I’m not mad about it.
Keto Mexican Coffee Recipe ☕
My Mexican Coffee recipe is a spiced, frothy treat that’s ready in minutes. With a touch of cinnamon and a hint of chocolate, it’s the perfect way to start your day or wind down after a meal. No fancy equipment needed—just bold flavors and a creamy finish.
Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding 🍫
This Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding is incredibly easy to make and tastes just like chocolate mousse. A simple, no-cook dessert that stays fresh for days!
Is it low carb? Learn more about it:
Understanding Carbs In Guacamole: Low Carb or Keto?
Delve into the world of guacamole and its carb content—essential knowledge for low carb and keto enthusiasts. Avocado's creamy texture
What is Low Carb Diet? Carb Confusion Conquered!
Ever wondered what a Low Carb Diet really entails? I’ve broken down the basics to help you understand how reducing
Low Carb Diet for Weight Loss: Does It Actually Work?
Many studies suggest that a low carb diet can indeed be effective for weight loss. By restricting carbohydrates, the body
2 Responses
I never thought about leaving a comment before on a recipe. I need to let you know that we made this last night for a big barbecue gathering. Everyone just loved it. Thank you.
Hi Rachel:
Thanks for writing and letting me know! These are great for BBQ parties and always disappear quickly!
Take care and have a great day in the kitchen-
Scott