Sausage Kabobs: The Ultimate Easy & Flavorful Grilled Dinner

There’s nothing quite like the sizzle of food on the grill during a warm summer evening, and these Sausage Kabobs are the epitome of simple, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful outdoor cooking. Combining hearty smoked sausage with a vibrant medley of crisp bell peppers, pungent red onion, earthy baby bella mushrooms, and a delicious blend of seasonings, this recipe promises a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Grilling transforms ingredients, imparting a smoky char and tender texture that’s hard to resist. If you’re looking to expand your summer grilling repertoire beyond these amazing kabobs, you’ll love exploring other popular options. Our practically famous grilled chicken marinade ensures juicy, tender chicken every time. For burger enthusiasts, this show-stopping burger recipe with corn salsa offers a delightful twist on a classic. And for a fuss-free camping or backyard meal, these fan-favorite Hobo foil packets are an absolute must-try. But for now, let’s dive into the magic of sausage kabobs!

Why Sausage Kabobs Are a Family Favorite

In our household, dinner on a stick is celebrated as perhaps the greatest culinary invention! There’s an undeniable charm for kids (and adults!) when food is skewered. While my boys often find sword-fighting with their kabobs more appealing than eating them initially, these particular sausage kabobs have always been the hands-down favorite for both playful enjoyment and enthusiastic consumption!

After experiencing the fun of kabob meals over the past few weeks, my kids have been begging for *everything* to be served on a skewer. This recipe delivers not just on taste and convenience, but also on that element of fun that makes mealtime memorable. They’re perfect for encouraging picky eaters to try new vegetables, and the interactive aspect of eating off a skewer adds an exciting touch to any dinner.

Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight meal or hosting a backyard barbecue, grilled sausage and vegetable kabobs offer a balanced, vibrant, and incredibly tasty solution. They’re quick to assemble, cook in minutes, and clean-up is a breeze, making them ideal for busy schedules.

Sausage Kabobs: Essential Ingredients for Flavor & Health

Crafting the perfect sausage kabob starts with selecting quality ingredients that complement each other both in flavor and grilling characteristics. Here’s a breakdown of what makes our sausage kabobs so exceptional:

• Smoked Sausage: The Foundation of Flavor. We highly recommend using smoked sausage for this recipe. Our preference often leans towards hardwood smoked turkey sausage, not just for its rich flavor, but also to keep the dish on the healthier side without sacrificing taste. However, any type of smoked sausage – be it pork, beef, or chicken – will work wonderfully. The beauty of smoked sausage is that it grills up incredibly quickly and safely. Since it’s already fully cooked, you don’t need to worry about it reaching a specific internal temperature for food safety; it’s perfectly safe to eat right out of the package. We grill it primarily to develop that irresistible browning and char, which adds layers of smoky depth and texture, making the cooking process much simpler and more enjoyable.
• Vibrant Veggies: A Medley of Goodness. The right combination of vegetables is key to a balanced and flavorful kabob. We find a mix of sweet bell peppers (red, orange, and green for visual appeal and varied sweetness), crisp red onion, and tender baby bella mushrooms to be ideal. These vegetables not only add essential nutrients and fiber but also hold up beautifully on the grill, softening slightly while developing a delightful char. The different colors make the kabobs visually appealing, and their distinct flavors contribute to a rich, complex taste experience.
• Olive Oil: The Flavor Enhancer and Protector. A generous coating of olive oil serves multiple crucial roles. Firstly, it acts as insurance, protecting the vegetables from burning too quickly and ensuring they cook evenly. More importantly, it infuses the kabobs with a wonderful, rich flavor and provides healthy monounsaturated fats. This not only makes the vegetables and sausage incredibly tasty but also aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, boosting the overall nutritional value of your meal.
• Aromatic Seasonings: The Secret to Irresistible Taste. Our quick yet powerful seasoning blend is what truly elevates these kabobs. It features dried oregano for its classic Mediterranean notes, dried parsley flakes for fresh herbaceousness, garlic powder for an aromatic punch, vibrant paprika for color and a touch of sweetness, and, of course, salt and pepper to enhance all the natural flavors. This carefully balanced mix creates a savory, enticing aroma and a mouthwatering taste that will have everyone reaching for more.

Expert Tips for Perfect Sausage Kabobs Every Time

Achieving perfectly grilled kabobs is simple with a few insider tricks. Follow these guidelines to ensure your sausage and veggie kabobs are a resounding success:

• Uniform Cuts for Even Cooking. This is perhaps the most critical tip. To ensure that all your ingredients — both veggies and sausage — cook evenly and finish at the same time, it’s vital to cut them into similar-sized pieces. Aim for approximately 1 to 1.5-inch chunks. If pieces are too small, they might overcook or fall off the skewer. If they’re too large, they won’t cook through in time, leaving some components raw while others are perfectly done.
• Mind Your Seasoning (Especially Salt!). While our recipe provides a precise salting recommendation, remember that not all salts are created equal. We typically use fine sea salt, which has a stronger salting power than coarser salts like kosher salt, and less than table salt. If you’re using table salt, you’ll want to use slightly less than indicated. Always season to your personal preference, and a quick taste test before grilling can help you adjust.
• Generously Oil Your Grill Grates. This step is non-negotiable for achieving that beautiful char and preventing sticking. The best method is to roll up a few paper towels, drench them thoroughly in a high smoke-point oil (like canola or vegetable oil), and using long-handled tongs, rub the oiled paper towels along the cleaned, hot grill grates. This creates a non-stick surface and contributes significantly to a gorgeous sear and delicious charred flavor. Without this step, you risk losing precious pieces of your kabobs to the grill!
• Preheat Your Grill Thoroughly. Patience is a virtue when it comes to grilling. Always wait for your grill to be fully preheated to medium-high heat (around 450–500°F) before placing the loaded skewers on the grates. An adequately heated grill is essential for getting that desirable char and preventing the kabobs from cooking unevenly or drying out. If added too early, your kabobs will miss out on that flavorful browning.
• Soak Wooden Skewers to Prevent Burning. If you opt for wooden or bamboo skewers, soaking them in warm water for at least 20-30 minutes before threading is a must. This simple step saturates the wood with moisture, preventing the skewers from burning or catching fire over the hot grill. Metal skewers are an excellent, reusable alternative that requires no soaking. For more in-depth details on how to properly soak bamboo skewers, you can read this helpful guide.

Creative Sausage Kabobs Variation Ideas

One of the best things about kabobs is their versatility. Feel free to get creative and customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some variation ideas:

• Explore Different Veggie Combinations. The beauty of veggie kabobs lies in the endless possibilities! While our classic mix is superb, don’t hesitate to use your favorite vegetables. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes to allow for even cooking. Excellent additions that grill well at similar rates include thin coins of corn on the cob, vibrant cherry tomatoes (which burst with flavor), thinly sliced zucchini or yellow squash, and cubed eggplant. For a touch of sweetness and char, pineapple chunks or peach wedges can also be fantastic.
• Switch Up Your Smoked Sausage. While turkey sausage offers a lighter option, the world of smoked sausage is vast! Experiment with different varieties to find your favorite. Try a robust beef smoked sausage, a classic pork smoked sausage, or even a flavorful chicken sausage. You can also mix and match different types of sausage for an even more dynamic flavor profile. If you’re aiming for a Whole30 compliant meal, rest assured there are options available; this listing provides an excellent starting point for compliant sausages.
• Customize the Seasoning Blend. Our seasoning blend is a beloved classic, but the grill is your canvas! Feel free to play around with different herbs and spices. For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Enhance the savory depth with some onion powder. If you’re leaning towards an Italian-inspired flavor, incorporate dried basil and/or dried thyme. A dash of smoked paprika can further amplify the smoky notes from the grill, while a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning can give them a zesty kick.
• Add a Marinade or Glaze. For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating your vegetables (and even the sausage) for 30 minutes before skewering. A simple balsamic vinaigrette or a lemon-herb marinade works wonders. Alternatively, brush the kabobs with a sweet and savory glaze, like a teriyaki or BBQ sauce, during the last few minutes of grilling for a beautiful caramelized finish.

Delicious Serving Suggestions for Sausage Kabobs

Sausage Kabobs are undeniably delicious hot off the grill, offering a complete meal on a stick. However, they become even more irresistible when paired with a flavorful dipping sauce or a refreshing side dish. Please note that while our kabobs can be Whole30 friendly, some of the sauces suggested below may not be.

Creamy & Tangy Sauces:

• Classic Ketchup: Sometimes, simplicity is best! My kids are absolutely obsessed with pairing these kabobs with good old Heinz® ketchup, and I must admit, I love it too. It adds a familiar tangy sweetness that complements the smoky sausage beautifully.
• Homemade Dijonnaise: For a sophisticated yet easy option, a tangy Dijonnaise is a fantastic complement to the robust flavor of the sausage. To whip up a quick batch, simply whisk together 1/3 cup of your favorite Dijon-style mustard, 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl until smooth.
• Sweet & Savory Honey Mustard Sauce: This sauce offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes that pairs wonderfully with both the sausage and the charred vegetables. Our favorite quick honey mustard sauce recipe involves whisking together 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1-1/2 teaspoons of yellow mustard, 3/4 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1-1/2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon of honey BBQ sauce. Finish with salt and pepper to taste for the perfect dip.
• Creamy Garlic Herb Dip: Blend Greek yogurt or sour cream with fresh minced garlic, chives, dill, and a squeeze of lemon for a bright, refreshing dip.

Perfect Side Dishes:

Beyond the sauces, these Grilled Sausage Kabobs pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to round out your meal:

• Fresh Green Salads: A simple, crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good choice. We particularly love this crunchy Cucumber Salad, a robust Healthy Italian Salad, or this irresistible Olive Garden copycat salad on the side for a refreshing contrast.
• Grain-Based Sides: Serve your kabobs over a bed of fluffy quinoa, herbed couscous, or a light rice pilaf. These grains absorb the delicious juices from the kabobs and make for a more substantial meal.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: For a quintessential summer meal, grill some corn on the cob alongside your kabobs. The smoky sweetness of grilled corn is an excellent match.
• Roasted Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes: Cubed and roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes seasoned with herbs can provide a comforting and hearty complement to the lighter kabobs.

More Irresistible Recipes for the Grill:

Don’t let your grill go to waste! If you loved these sausage kabobs, here are more fantastic grilling ideas to keep your outdoor cooking exciting and delicious:

• Tin Foil Jambalaya: A genius recipe with rice that cooks right in the foil packet, perfect for easy cleanup!
• Grilled Pineapple: A sweet treat served with ice cream and a delightful crumble topping.
• Grilled Steak Salad: Tender steak atop a fresh salad, drizzled with a sweet lemon-honey vinaigrette.
• Steak Marinade: Our go-to all-purpose marinade guarantees a flavorful steak every time.
• Grilled Fajita Chicken: Sizzling chicken with bell peppers and onions, a fiesta on your grill!

5 from 9 votes

Sausage Kabobs

By Chelsea Lords

Sausage Kabobs are easy, flavorful, and packed with goodness! Smoked sausage, bell peppers, red onion, and baby bella mushrooms are perfectly seasoned for a quick, tasty meal.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Video

Watch a video demonstration of these Sausage Kabobs:

Video Title: Sausage Kabobs

Description: Easy, flavorful, and healthy veggie and turkey sausage kabobs made with turkey sausage, peppers, red onion, mushrooms, and a delicious seasoning mix.

Equipment

• Grill
• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Large bowl
• Tongs

Ingredients

• 1 (13-ounce) package smoked sausage cut in 1-1/2 inch pieces, we use turkey sausage
• 3 bell peppers (red, green, and orange), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 of a large red onion cut into 1-inch pieces
• 10 large baby bella mushrooms (whole or halved; whole or halved mushrooms work better than thin slices)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• Vegetable oil for grilling
• Coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley optional, for garnish
• Sauce for serving optional, see note 1

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 450–500°F). If you are using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Prepare your ingredients: Cut the smoked sausage into 1 to 1-1/2 inch thick coins. Cut the bell peppers and red onion into uniform 1-inch pieces. For the baby bella mushrooms, cut larger ones in half, leaving smaller mushrooms whole.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the cut vegetables and sausage. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with dried oregano, dried parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper (adjust salt to your taste, remembering salt types vary). Gently stir until all ingredients are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
4. Carefully thread the seasoned vegetables and sausage onto the soaked skewers, alternating ingredients for an attractive and even cook.
5. Prepare your grill grates: Soak a paper towel in vegetable oil, roll it up, and using long-handled tongs, rub it along the cleaned and completely heated grill grates. Place the loaded skewers on the hot grill and close the lid. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, then flip the kabobs and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp and the sausage has developed a beautiful light char and browning.
6. Remove the cooked kabobs from the grill. If desired, sprinkle with some fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley for a burst of fresh flavor and color. Serve immediately, either as is or with your favorite dipping sauce (see note 1 for suggestions). Enjoy your delicious grilled sausage kabobs!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: While these kabobs are absolutely delicious on their own, we find they are even better with a complementary sauce! My kids are particularly fond of pairing these with good old ketchup. Below are 2 additional homemade sauce options to try:

• To make a quick tangy Dijonnaise, whisk together 1/3 cup Dijon-style mustard, 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl.
• For our favorite quick honey mustard sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1-1/2 teaspoons yellow mustard, 3/4 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1-1/2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon honey BBQ sauce, and salt and pepper to taste until smooth.

Nutrition Note: Please be aware that the nutrition information provided does not include the optional sauces.
Storage: To store any leftover kabobs, carefully remove the ingredients from the skewers and place them in an airtight container. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 458 kcal | Carbohydrates: 11 g | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 40 g | Saturated Fat: 11 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 22 g | Cholesterol: 65 mg | Sodium: 791 mg | Potassium: 575 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 5 g | Vitamin A: 2860 IU | Vitamin C: 118 mg | Calcium: 40 mg | Iron: 2 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

If you loved this recipe, we’d appreciate it if you shared your thoughts! Leave a comment below and let us know how your Sausage Kabobs turned out!