Grilled Sausage & Peppers Skewers – Tailgate Favorite!

There’s something undeniably satisfying about juicy, flavorful sausage paired with sweet, vibrant peppers sizzling on the grill. Grilled sausage and peppers skewers bring that perfect balance of savory and fresh to any tailgate party. Easy to eat with your hands, colorful on the table, and packed with bold flavors, these skewers are destined to become your new tailgating MVP.

Whether you’re prepping for a backyard cookout or parking lot showdown, this recipe is straightforward, customizable, and absolutely delicious — plus, it’s free from pork, bacon, wine, and alcohol, making it suitable for a wide range of diets and preferences.

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Why Grilled Sausage & Peppers Are Tailgate Game Changers

• Easy to serve and eat: Skewers are perfect for hand-held tailgating snacking — no plates or forks needed!

• Colorful and appetizing: The vibrant reds, greens, and yellows of bell peppers make the dish visually appealing.

• Bold, savory flavor: Juicy sausage with smoky grilled peppers creates a mouthwatering combo.

• Customizable: Choose your favorite sausage types and peppers to suit your taste and dietary needs.

• Quick cook time: Perfect for a fast prep and grilling session.

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Choosing the Right Sausage (No Pork, No Alcohol)

For this recipe, you’ll want to select sausages that comply with your dietary restrictions:

• Chicken sausage: Mild, juicy, and versatile, chicken sausage pairs beautifully with peppers.

• Turkey sausage: Lean and flavorful, great for a healthier option.

• Beef sausage: Offers a robust, meaty flavor that stands up well to bold seasonings.

• Vegetarian or vegan sausage: Plant-based options are great if you want to cater to all guests.

Make sure to check labels carefully to ensure they contain no pork, no bacon, and no alcohol in the casing or seasoning.

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Perfect Peppers for Skewers

Bell peppers come in red, green, yellow, and orange varieties, each bringing a slightly different flavor and sweetness:

• Red peppers: Sweet and fully ripe, they caramelize beautifully on the grill.

• Green peppers: Slightly bitter but crisp and refreshing.

• Yellow and orange peppers: Sweet and bright, adding lovely color contrast.

You can mix and match these for the perfect visual and taste combo!

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Ingredients & Equipment

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken or turkey sausage (pre-cooked or fresh, sliced into 1-inch pieces)

• 3 large bell peppers (mix of red, yellow, green), cut into 1.5-inch pieces

• 1 large red onion, cut into chunks (optional)

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Bamboo or metal skewers (if bamboo, soak in water 30 minutes prior)

• Grill (charcoal or gas)

• Large mixing bowl

• Tongs

• Basting brush (optional)

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Step-by-Step Recipe for Grilled Sausage & Peppers Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

Step 2: Marinate Sausage and Veggies

Add the sliced sausage, bell peppers, and onion chunks to the marinade. Toss well to coat evenly. Let sit for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the sausage pieces, peppers, and onion alternately onto the skewers. Aim for a colorful mix on each skewer.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high heat (~400°F). Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Grill the Skewers

Place skewers on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes to get an even char and cook through. The sausage should be fully cooked (internal temp 165°F for poultry sausages).

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Remove skewers from the grill, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

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Marinade and Seasoning Tips

• For extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.

• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary also complement the smoky sausage and sweet peppers.

• For a tangier twist, add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the marinade (alcohol content evaporates in cooking).

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Grilling Techniques for Perfect Skewers

• Avoid flare-ups: Fat from the sausage can drip and cause flames. Grill over indirect heat or move skewers around if flames flare.

• Don’t overcrowd: Leave space between skewers so heat circulates and the edges char nicely.

• Use tongs, not forks: To turn skewers without piercing the sausage, which lets juices escape.

• Keep the lid closed: For even cooking and smoky flavor.

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Serving Suggestions for Your Tailgate

• Serve with warm pita bread or crusty rolls for a handheld sandwich option.

• Offer sides like grilled corn, potato salad, or coleslaw for a full meal.

• Pair with a non-alcoholic sangria or sparkling lemonade for a refreshing beverage.

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Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Prep skewers in advance: Assemble the skewers and store them covered in the fridge for up to 4 hours before grilling.

• Marinate overnight: For even deeper flavor, marinate the sausage and veggies overnight.

• Leftovers: Store grilled skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or on the grill.

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FAQs

Can I use fresh sausage or must it be pre-cooked?

You can use either! If fresh, ensure they reach the proper internal temperature of 165°F. Pre-cooked sausages just need to be heated through and charred.

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Are metal skewers better than bamboo?

Metal skewers are reusable and conduct heat for faster cooking, but bamboo skewers are inexpensive and easy to dispose of. Just remember to soak bamboo skewers beforehand!

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Can I grill these indoors on a grill pan?

Yes, a grill pan will work in a pinch. You may miss some smoky flavor but still get great char marks.

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What if I want to make this vegan?

Use plant-based sausages that comply with your dietary needs and substitute the marinade if needed. Grilled vegetables still shine!

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How many skewers should I plan per person?

Plan on 2-3 skewers per adult depending on party size and other food available.

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Conclusion: Your Next Tailgate MVP

Grilled Sausage & Peppers Skewers are a colorful, flavorful, and fuss-free addition to your tailgate lineup. Juicy sausage combined with smoky, sweet peppers is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re easy to eat on the go, customizable, and quick to prepare.

Bring these skewers to your next game day event and watch them disappear fast. The combination of vibrant veggies and savory sausage will have fans cheering before kickoff!