Italian sausage is a flavorful, versatile sausage that can be used in many delicious recipes. Grilling brings out the spicy, herby flavors of the sausage and gives it a delicious char. But what sides and ingredients pair best with grilled Italian sausage? Here are some quick answers to common questions about serving and preparing grilled Italian sausage:
What are some classic side dishes for grilled Italian sausage?
Some classic side dish pairings for grilled Italian sausage include:
- Pasta – Grilled sausage served over pasta is a delicious combination. Try pasta tossed with olive oil, vegetables, and Parmesan cheese.
- Vegetables – Grilled veggies like peppers, onions, zucchini are great complements to the sausage.
- Potatoes – Grilled potato wedges or slices pair nicely with sausage.
- Polenta – The creamy cornmeal dish is a perfect foil for grilled sausage.
- Bread – Grilled sausage sandwiches are always a hit. Italian bread or rolls work well.
What sauces go well with grilled Italian sausage?
Tangy, savory sauces balance the richness of grilled Italian sausage. Great sauce options include:
- Marinara sauce
- Barbecue sauce
- Mustard
- Chimichurri
- Pesto
What ingredients can be added to grilled Italian sausage?
Mix up your grilled sausage by adding ingredients like:
- Onions and bell peppers
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Hot cherry peppers
- Sliced olives
- Shredded cheese like mozzarella or provolone
How can you make grilled Italian sausage extra flavorful?
To amp up the flavor of grilled Italian sausages, try these tips:
- Use flavorful sausage varieties like spicy or fennel-seed studded
- Coat the sausage in Italian dressing or olive oil before grilling
- Grill slices of lemon, garlic, or onions alongside the sausage
- Brush with pesto, chimichurri, or mustard during the last few minutes of grilling
- Top with caramelized onions after grilling
What are some recipe ideas using grilled Italian sausage?
Here are just a few delicious ways to use grilled Italian sausage:
- Sausage sandwiches with provolone cheese and roasted red peppers
- Sausage, potato, and green bean sheet pan dinner
- Sausage pasta salad with tomatoes, arugula, and shaved Parmesan
- Pizza with grilled sausage, caramelized onions, and spinach
- Foil pack dinner with sausage, potatoes, tomatoes, and zucchini
Conclusion
With so many tasty pairing options, it’s easy to create delicious meals featuring grilled Italian sausage. Savory sauces, fresh vegetables, and simple starches are natural complements to the bold, spicy sausage. Grilling coaxes out the flavors even more. Add creative toppings and ingredients in the sausage before or after grilling to make each bite pop with flavor.
What Are Some Common Varieties of Italian Sausage?
| Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| Sweet Italian sausage | Mildly spiced sausage with fennel seed flavor |
| Hot Italian sausage | Spicy sausage with chili pepper flakes |
| Chicken Italian sausage | Milder sausage made with ground chicken |
| Vegan Italian sausage | Meatless sausage made from soy, wheat, or vegetables |
The most common varieties are sweet and hot Italian sausage made from ground pork. Sweet Italian sausage has the distinctive flavor of fennel seeds. Hot Italian sausage gets its heat from dried peppers and red pepper flakes. Both types may also contain other herbs and spices like garlic, paprika, oregano, and pepper.
How Should You Cook Grilled Italian Sausage?
These tips will help you grill juicy, flavorful Italian sausage:
- Use direct medium heat. Grill over direct heat at a temperature around 350-450°F.
- Cut in links or slices. Cut the sausage in individual links or thick slices for easy turning.
- Use a two-zone fire. Have one side hotter for searing and a lower temp zone for thorough cooking.
- Grill gently. Turn the sausages gently and frequently, about every 2-3 minutes.
- Cook fully. Cook the sausages until cooked through, about 15-25 minutes total.
- Rest before serving. Let the sausages rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Use a grill pan or basket if your sausage doesn’t have a casing. Brush or toss the sausages with oil first to prevent sticking. Grill over medium heat, turning frequently, until browned and cooked through.
What Are the Best Ways to Flavor Grilled Italian Sausage?
There are lots of great ways to add extra flavor to your grilled sausages:
- Marinades – Soak sausages in an Italian dressing, wine, or oil and herb marinade before grilling.
- Spice rubs – Coat sausages with a blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Smoking – Use wood chips on the grill for extra smoke flavor.
- Sauces and salsas – Brush with barbecue sauce or top with chimichurri or salsa after grilling.
- Toppings – Sprinkle extras like Parmesan, peppers, or caramelized onions on the sausage.
What Are Some Sauce Pairings for Grilled Italian Sausage?
| Sauce | Description |
|---|---|
| Marinara sauce | Savory tomato sauce flavored with garlic and herbs |
| Pesto | Bright basil sauce with pine nuts and Parmesan |
| Chimichurri | Herby green sauce with olive oil, vinegar, and spice |
| Honey mustard | Tangy blend of mustard and honey |
| Barbecue sauce | Sweet, smoky, and often tomato-based grilling sauce |
The best sauces for grilled sausage offer a balance of acidity, herbs, and spice. Brush sauces on during the last few minutes of grilling to warm them while preventing burning.
What Are Good Side Dishes for Grilled Italian Sausage?
Grilled Italian sausage pairs well with many classic side dishes. Here are some top options:
Vegetables
- Grilled peppers and onions
- Sauteed broccoli rabe
- Ratatouille
- Roasted vegetables like zucchini or potatoes
Grains
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- Polenta or grits
- Pasta salad
- Rice pilaf
Salads
- Mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette
- Caesar salad
- Orzo or pasta salad
- Potato salad
Choose sides that complement the sausage’s richness and flavor. Opt for bright, fresh vegetables, hearty breads and grains, and acidic salad dressings.
What Are Some Recipe Ideas Using Grilled Italian Sausage?
Here are 6 delicious recipes highlighting grilled Italian sausage:
Pizza with Grilled Sausage and Veggies
Top pizza dough with grilled sausage, peppers, onions, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese for a fresh, flavorful pizza.
Sausage and Peppers Sandwiches
Pile grilled sausage and peppers on crusty rolls with provolone cheese and mustard for an Italian classic.
Foil Pack Sausage and Potatoes
Toss sausage links, potato wedges, cherry tomatoes, and sliced onions in foil packs and grill for easy cleanup and serving.
Creamy Sausage Pasta Bake
Combine grilled sausage, tomatoes, and pasta in a creamy Parmesan sauce, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
Sausage and Apple Kebabs
Thread chunks of sausage, apple slices, onions, and bell peppers onto skewers for a sweet-savory grilled meal.
Sausage Flatbreads with Arugula
Top flatbreads or naan with pesto, sliced grilled sausage, fresh arugula, and shaved Parmesan for a quick meal.
What Food Safety Tips Should You Follow When Grilling Sausage?
Follow these important food safety guidelines when grilling sausage:
- Thaw frozen sausage fully before grilling.
- Preheat grill fully to kill any bacteria.
- Cook sausages to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Wash hands, utensils, grill surface before and after use.
- Store leftovers within 2 hours of cooking in the refrigerator.
- Reheat fully to 165°F before eating leftovers.
Proper thawing, cooking, cooling, and storage will protect you against foodborne illnesses. Use a food thermometer to verify sausage doneness.
Conclusion
Grilled Italian sausage is endlessly versatile and pairs beautifully with many classic sides and ingredients. Bring out the savory, spicy flavors of the sausage by grilling over medium heat. Serve with your favorite sauces and a medley of fresh vegetables, pasta, grains or salads. With so many tasty options for building meals around grilled sausage, you’ll enjoy new delicious combinations all summer long.