I have always held a special place in my heart for summer cookouts, the way the air seems to crackle with excitement and the fragrance of grilled meat wafts through the yard. Laughter, stories, and the clinking of glasses fill the scene, and there's something truly magical about gathering friends and family around a sizzling barbecue. One of my absolute favorite dishes to bring to the table is my Grilled Hot Honey BBQ Smoked Sausage Skewers. The sweet, spicy glaze combined with perfectly grilled smoked sausage and colorful veggies creates a symphony of flavors that brings everyone together. Plus, with minimal cleanup, this is one of those grilling ideas for dinner that you’ll keep coming back to!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep with minimal cleanup: You can whip these skewers up in no time and enjoy the fun of grilling without a massive pile of dishes.
- Family-favorite appeal: The irresistible combo of smoked sausage, sweet barbecue sauce, and hot honey is guaranteed to please hungry bellies.
- Comforting flavors: Each bite is a comforting mix of sweet and savory, making it ideal for a cozy family dinner or lively gathering.
- Budget-friendly: Smoked turkey sausage is an affordable protein that packs a punch in flavor!
Ingredients
- Smoked turkey sausage - Bell peppers (any colors you love!) - Red onion - Kosher salt and pepper - BBQ sauce (your favorite brand!) - Hot honey (for that sweet kick) - Fresh cilantro (to garnish) - Rice (for serving)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s get our grilling party started! First, preheat your grill to high. We want it piping hot so that everything cooks beautifully.
Next, grab your smoked turkey sausage and cut it into 1-inch pieces. This size is perfect because it matches the lovely, vibrant pieces of bell pepper and red onion you’ll soon be adding to the skewers.
Now comes the fun part! Thread the pieces of sausage, then alternate with colorful chunks of bell peppers and onions. You can stack them any way you like—just get creative! I tend to do 4 to 5 pieces of sausage per skewer, and I encourage you to think outside the box.
In another bowl, stir together your BBQ sauce and hot honey. This delicious mixture is what will coat our skewers and add that irresistible glaze. Brush it generously over the assembled skewers. Don’t be shy—let that sauce work its magic!
Place the skewers on your grill, and let them cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Remember to rotate them every 2 to 3 minutes so that all sides get caramelized and scrumptious. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, brush them with a little more of the honey BBQ mixture just before they’re done. Yum!
Once cooked to perfection, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top and serve them over rice. The cilantro adds a lovely freshness that rounds everything out beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making This Recipe
- Try picking sausages with a bit of spice for an added kick, especially if you love bold flavors.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; giving them enough space allows for even cooking.
- If you find your skewers sticking to the grill, a light brush with oil can help create a non-stick surface.
How to Serve
For the ultimate grilling experience, pair these skewers with a refreshing salad or some homemade coleslaw. A chilled white wine or a fruity iced tea complements the smoky flavors beautifully.
These skewers are fantastic for outdoor barbecues, potlucks, or even a cozy family night in. For a beautiful presentation, consider arranging the skewers over a bed of rice or quinoa to really make the colors pop!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you have leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), they’ll last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze them for later. Just make sure to package them tightly in freezer-safe bags. To reheat, toss them in the oven or back on the grill for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Interestingly, some say that the flavors meld even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to whip up extra skewers for tomorrow’s lunch!
FAQ
Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely! Just ensure your barbecue sauce is gluten-free.
What if I don’t have hot honey? No worries! You can substitute with regular honey mixed with a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
Can I use an air fryer instead? Yes! Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for about 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking.
I hope these Grilled Hot Honey BBQ Smoked Sausage Skewers add a sprinkle of happiness to your grilling repertoire. Let the flavors dance as you gather around the table, sharing stories and creating new memories. It’s all about connection and joy in the kitchen! I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you—drop me a note, and let’s chat! Happy grilling!
Grilled Hot Honey BBQ Smoked Sausage Skewers
Equipment
- Grill
- Skewers
Ingredients
- 13 ounces smoked turkey sausage
- 3 bell peppers chopped into pieces
- 1 red onion chopped into pieces
- kosher salt
- pepper
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce your favorite
- 2 tablespoons hot honey
- chopped fresh cilantro for serving
- rice for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to high.
- Cut the turkey sausage into 1-inch pieces.
- Skewer the sausage, peppers, and onion in any order, aiming for 4 to 5 pieces of sausage per skewer.
- Mix BBQ sauce and hot honey, then brush onto the skewers.
- Grill the skewers for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating every 2 to 3 minutes. Optionally, brush with more sauce afterward.
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve over rice.