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Easy Smoked Sausage and Pepper Skewers: Perfect Tailgate Bites

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These easy smoked sausage and pepper skewers are the ultimate tailgate snack, ready in under 20 minutes with minimal ingredients. Smoky, savory, and perfectly charred, they’re a crowd-pleasing, no-fuss recipe born from pure hungry desperation.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (12-14 ounce) package smoked sausage (beef or pork kielbasa)
  • 2 large bell peppers (any color, red and yellow recommended)
  • 1 large red onion
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F / 200-230°C).
  2. Cut the smoked sausage into 1-inch thick rounds. Core and seed the bell peppers, then cut into 1-inch square pieces. Peel the red onion and cut into similar-sized chunks.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Thread the sausage, peppers, and onion chunks onto the skewers, alternating pieces. Leave a tiny bit of space between each piece.
  5. Brush each skewer lightly with the marinade, coating all pieces evenly.
  6. Place the skewers directly on the hot grill grates. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once with tongs, until the sausage has nice char marks and the peppers are softened and slightly blistered (total cook time about 8-10 minutes).
  7. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot.

Notes

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Don’t overcrowd the grill; cook in batches if needed. For a spicier version, use andouille sausage and add cayenne pepper to the marinade. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the grill, in a hot skillet, or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes. Avoid the microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked sausage skewers, pepper skewers, tailgate appetizer, easy grill recipe, quick appetizer, game day food, summer grilling

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/easy-smoked-sausage-and-pepper-skewers-perfect-tailgate-bites/