Save to Pinterest This dish features tender beef sausage pieces and vibrant bell peppers threaded onto skewers, marinated with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and spices. Grilled over medium-high heat until beautifully charred, the skewers offer a smoky, juicy bite perfect for summer gatherings or simple weeknight meals. Garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, it pairs well with rice, flatbread, or salads for a balanced, flavorful experience.
The smoke was already curling up from our apartment complex grill when I realized I'd forgotten to buy anything fancy for our impromptu rooftop gathering. What I did have were those sturdy beef sausages from the butcher and a bag of mixed peppers from the discount bin. Sometimes the simplest ingredients end up stealing the entire show.
My neighbor leaned over the balcony railing and asked what smelled so incredible. By the time I carried that platter up stairs, three other apartments had contributed drinks and sides. There's something about food on sticks that makes people gather around.
Ingredients
- Beef sausages: The rich fatty content keeps everything moist while grilling and holds up beautifully to skewering
- Bell peppers: Red and yellow varieties become sweeter and more tender than green ones over high heat
- Red onion: Cut into substantial wedges rather than thin rings so they dont fall apart during threading
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory beef perfectly
- Smoked paprika: This is the secret ingredient that makes people ask what your special spice blend is
- Olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to every surface and prevents sticking on the grill
Instructions
- Whisk together the marinade:
- Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until fully emulsified
- Coat everything generously:
- Add sausage pieces, bell pepper chunks, and onion wedges to the bowl then toss with your hands to ensure every surface gets covered in that flavorful mixture
- Let it soak up goodness:
- Set aside for 10 to 15 minutes while you preheat the grill to medium high heat
- Build your skewers:
- Thread sausage, peppers, and onion alternately onto metal skewers or soaked wooden ones, leaving a tiny bit of space between pieces for even cooking
- Get that perfect char:
- Grill for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every few minutes, until sausages are cooked through and vegetables have those gorgeous charred edges
- Finish with freshness:
- Transfer to a serving platter, scatter fresh parsley over top if you like, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing
Save to Pinterest My youngest daughter usually picks onions off everything but she ate every single piece from these skewers. Now whenever peppers go on sale, she asks if were making the stick dinner.
Making Ahead for Grilling
You can prep these skewers up to 4 hours before cooking and keep them covered in the refrigerator. The extra marinating time only makes them more flavorful. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before hitting the grill for more even cooking.
Grill Versus Oven
When winter keeps us inside, I bake these at 400F for 20 to 25 minutes instead. They wont get quite the same charred exterior, but broiling them for the last 2 minutes helps fake that grilled flavor pretty convincingly.
Serving Suggestions That Work
These skewers are surprisingly versatile alongside whatever you have on hand. The bright acid from a simple cucumber salad cuts through the richness beautifully, and warm flatbread is perfect for catching all those flavorful juices that accumulate on the plate.
- Rice pilaf with toasted almonds adds nice texture contrast
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette keeps the meal feeling light
- Grilled zucchini rounds make an excellent vegetarian side dish
Save to Pinterest Theres something uniquely satisfying about food you can eat with your hands. These skewers turn an ordinary Tuesday into something that feels like a tiny celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long should I marinate the skewers?
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For best flavor, marinate the sausage and vegetables for 10–15 minutes to allow the spices and vinegar to infuse.
- → What type of skewers should I use?
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Metal skewers are ideal, but wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes also work well to prevent burning.
- → Can I add other vegetables to the skewers?
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Yes, chunks of zucchini or mushrooms can be added for extra texture and flavor diversity.
- → How do I know when the skewers are cooked?
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Grill for 12–15 minutes, turning frequently until sausages are cooked through and vegetables are tender with charred edges.
- → What sides complement these skewers?
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Serve alongside rice, flatbread, or a crisp green salad to balance the smoky and savory notes.
