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Easy Sausage and Pepper Skewers: Best Tailgate Recipe

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These Easy Sausage and Pepper Tailgate Skewers are a happy accident turned game day staple. Juicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and red onion threaded onto skewers and grilled to smoky perfection—no buns needed, just pure flavor on a stick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) Italian sausage links (sweet or hot)
  • 3 large bell peppers (mixed colors: red, yellow, orange)
  • 1 large red onion
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 12–15 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 20 minutes)

Instructions

  1. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning. If using metal skewers, skip this step.
  2. Cut each sausage link into 4-5 bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch thick, on a slight angle for more surface area. Set aside.
  3. Core and seed the bell peppers, then cut into 1-inch squares. Slice the red onion into 1-inch chunks, separating layers into individual pieces.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped peppers and onions. Drizzle with olive oil, then add garlic powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss with hands until evenly coated.
  5. Thread ingredients onto skewers in an alternating pattern, starting and ending with a pepper piece. Aim for 4-5 sausage pieces per skewer with peppers and onions in between. Leave a small gap between pieces for heat circulation. You should get about 12-15 skewers.
  6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Clean grates with a wire brush and lightly oil them.
  7. Place skewers directly on grill grates. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once with tongs, until sausage is browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F / 71°C) and peppers have nice grill marks and slight char. Total cooking time: about 10-12 minutes.
  8. Transfer skewers to a serving platter and let rest for 3 minutes. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, let sausages come to room temperature 15 minutes before grilling. If peppers char too fast, move skewers to indirect heat and close grill lid. Use two parallel skewers per row for stability when flipping. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on grill or in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes; avoid microwave. Assemble uncooked skewers and freeze for up to 3 months; grill straight from frozen, adding 3-4 minutes to cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage and pepper skewers, tailgate recipe, grilled skewers, easy appetizer, game day food, Italian sausage, bell peppers, summer grilling

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/easy-sausage-and-pepper-skewers-best-tailgate-recipe/