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Easy Smoked Sausage and Pepper Skewers: Best Game Day Appetizer

Smoked Sausage and Pepper Skewers - featured image

These smoked sausage and pepper skewers are a quick and easy game day appetizer that comes together in under 25 minutes. Smoky sausage, charred bell peppers, and caramelized onion on a stick make for a crowd-pleasing, portable snack that holds up well on a buffet table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or andouille)
  • 2 large bell peppers (any colors), cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes (skip if using metal skewers).
  2. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C).
  3. Slice smoked sausage into 1-inch thick rounds.
  4. Cut bell peppers and red onion into 1-inch chunks.
  5. In a large bowl, combine sausage, peppers, and onion. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
  6. Thread sausage and vegetables onto skewers, alternating pieces. Leave a small gap between pieces for even cooking.
  7. Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until sausage is crispy and peppers have char marks.
  8. Total cooking time is about 8-10 minutes. Peppers should be tender but still have a bite.
  9. Transfer to a platter, let rest 2-3 minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
  10. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t walk away from the skewers while cooking; high heat can cause burning quickly. Cut all ingredients to the same size for even cooking. For best results, preheat the grill fully before adding skewers. Make extra as they disappear fast.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked sausage, pepper skewers, game day appetizer, easy appetizer, grilled skewers, low-carb, gluten-free