Best BBQ Sausage and Pepper Skewers (Quick Backyard Cookout Favorite in 30 Minutes)
These BBQ Sausage and Pepper Skewers combine juicy smoked sausage, colorful bell peppers, and sweet onions brushed with a smoky barbecue glaze and grilled to perfection. Ready in just 30 minutes, they're ideal for cookouts, camping trips, meal prep, and easy family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Skewers
- 2 pounds 900g smoked sausage, sliced into 1½-inch pieces
- 2 large red bell peppers cut into chunks
- 1 large yellow bell pepper cut into chunks
- 1 large red onion cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the BBQ Glaze
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped parsley
- Sliced green onions
- Extra BBQ sauce for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This helps prevent burning during cooking.
- Mix the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the bell peppers and onion pieces. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the sausage, peppers, and onions onto the skewers, alternating ingredients for a colorful presentation. Leave a small amount of space between pieces to encourage even cooking.
- Make the BBQ Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until smooth.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (204°C). Clean and lightly oil the grates before cooking.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers directly on the grill. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even browning.
- Glaze and Caramelize: During the final 4 to 5 minutes of cooking, brush the skewers generously with the barbecue glaze. Continue turning occasionally as the sauce caramelizes and develops rich flavor.
- Check for Doneness: The vegetables should be tender-crisp, lightly charred, and the sausage heated through with beautifully browned edges.
- Rest Briefly: Transfer the skewers to a serving platter and allow them to rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce before serving.