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Savory Smoked Sausage Tailgate Skewers: Best BBQ Glaze

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These smoked sausage skewers are the ultimate tailgate snack, featuring a double-glaze method that creates a sticky, caramelized coating. Quick to prep and packed with smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs smoked sausage (about 2 large links, beef and pork blend like kielbasa or andouille), cut into 1-inch thick rounds
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (dark or light)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 bell peppers (any color), cut into 1-inch squares
  • 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks, layers separated
  • Optional: pineapple chunks, whole mushrooms, or zucchini rounds
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for at least 30 minutes)
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola or avocado) for brushing grill grates

Instructions

  1. Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add cayenne if using. Set aside about a quarter of the glaze for finishing.
  2. Prep the Sausage and Veggies: Cut smoked sausage into 1-inch thick rounds. Cut bell peppers into 1-inch squares and red onion into similar-sized chunks.
  3. Assemble the Skewers: Thread sausage, peppers, and onions onto skewers, alternating and starting/ending with sausage. Leave a small gap between pieces. You should get 6-8 skewers.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high (375-400°F). Brush grates with oil.
  5. First Glaze & Grill: Brush a thin layer of the glaze (not the reserved finishing glaze) over all sides of the skewers. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, until sausage has grill marks and vegetables soften.
  6. Second Glaze & Finish: After 8-10 minutes total (flipping once), brush skewers generously with reserved finishing glaze. Cook for another 1-2 minutes per side until glaze is sticky and glossy.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove skewers from grill and let rest on a platter for 2-3 minutes. Brush with any remaining glaze before serving.

Notes

The double-glaze method is key: a light coat first builds flavor and crust, while a heavy brush at the end creates a glossy finish. Watch the sugar content to prevent burning. If using wooden skewers, soak them for at least 30 minutes to prevent fire. For best results, let skewers rest 2-3 minutes after grilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked sausage skewers, tailgate appetizer, BBQ glaze, game day snack, grilled sausage, easy appetizer

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/savory-smoked-sausage-tailgate-skewers-best-bbq-glaze/