If you’re craving a quick yet deeply satisfying meal, the BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions Recipe is just the ticket. This vibrant dish is a perfect marriage of smoky, sweet, and tangy, where the bold flavors of the smoked sausage mingle beautifully with the charred sweetness of red bell peppers and onions. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s an ideal choice when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding a casual dinner crowd or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe delivers comfort and excitement on every plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple is the secret here. Just a few essential ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with bold character, appealing color, and perfect texture. Each component plays an important role from smoky richness to sweet crunch and that irresistible sticky glaze.
- 14 ounce smoked sausage: Provides smoky, savory flavor with a juicy, firm texture perfect for charring.
- ½ cup BBQ sauce: Adds tangy sweetness and caramelizes beautifully under the broiler.
- ½ medium sweet onion: Offers a natural sweetness that softens and chars to bring depth.
- 1 medium red bell pepper: Brings a bright pop of color and vibrant, slightly smoky sweet notes.
How to Make BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Broiler
Start by setting your oven’s broiler to high heat. This step is crucial because the intense heat will cook everything quickly, while also giving those fantastic char marks that add smoky complexity and irresistible aroma to the dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
Slice the smoked sausage into 1-inch bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and get nicely crisped. Then chop the sweet onion and red bell pepper into similar sized chunks. Matching sizes helps the onions and peppers char uniformly alongside the sausage without any ingredient burning prematurely.
Step 3: First Broil
Spread out the sausage, chopped peppers, and onions evenly on a foil-lined baking pan. Place this on the top rack of your oven and broil for about 9 minutes. Watch closely as the sausage develops a slight burn on the edges—this smoky char is exactly what we want, along with some softening and caramelizing of the veggies.
Step 4: Toss with BBQ Sauce
Carefully remove the pan and transfer everything into a large bowl. Toss all the pieces in the ½ cup of BBQ sauce until they’re entirely coated. This step ensures every bite gets that sticky, tangy sweetness that complements the smoky sausage and charred peppers perfectly.
Step 5: Broil Again
Return the sauced mixture back to the foil-lined baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Slide it under the broiler once more for 4 minutes or until the sauce bubbles and caramelizes. This final touch gives the dish a glossy finish and intensifies its layered smoky-sweet flavor profile.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Once done, take the pan out and serve your BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions Recipe immediately. It tastes best hot, fresh off the broiler, where the sausage stays juicy and the peppers and onions still have that perfect tender crunch with a hint of smoky char.
How to Serve BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro to bring a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish. A dash of sliced green onions or even a squeeze of lime zest can add a zesty contrast that livens up the smoky meats and charred veggies beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes, creamy coleslaw, or even a simple crisp garden salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with grilled corn on the cob or warm crusty bread to soak up every bit of that caramelized BBQ sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions Recipe tucked inside soft sandwich rolls for a delicious sausage sandwich. You can also use it as a flavorful filling for tacos, or toss it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a quick weeknight bowl that the whole family will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions Recipe should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy weeknights or packed lunches.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Properly stored, it can last up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop to preserve the sausage’s smoky flavor and juicy texture. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the sausage rubbery and the peppers mushy. A quick warm under the broiler or a light sauté will bring back all the original charm.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage offers the best smoky depth, you can try kielbasa, Andouille, or even spicy chorizo for a flavor twist. Just adjust your cooking time if the sausage type is thicker or thinner.
Is there a vegetarian version of this BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions Recipe?
Yes, you can swap smoked sausage for plant-based sausages or marinated tofu. The key is to ensure your vegetarian option can withstand broiling without falling apart and absorb that delicious BBQ sauce flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe without a broiler?
If your oven doesn’t have a broiler, you can use a grill pan or outdoor grill to achieve the charred effect. Alternatively, roast the ingredients at a high temperature (around 425°F) on a baking sheet until nicely browned.
How spicy is this recipe?
The original version is mild with a focus on smoky and sweet flavors. You can easily add heat by choosing a spicy BBQ sauce or adding sliced jalapeños into the mix during cooking.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just use a larger baking pan or spread the ingredients across two pans to allow even cooking and char. Keep an eye on cooking times as larger quantities can take a bit longer to broil evenly.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to crowd-pleasers because it’s fast, simple, and wildly flavorful. The magic of that smoky char mixed with sweet BBQ sauce makes every bite a little celebration. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do — it truly brings a bit of sass and comfort to any mealtime. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with a new favorite!
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BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions recipe that uses the oven broiler to create a delicious smoky char and caramelized BBQ glaze. Perfect for a satisfying meal ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 14 ounce smoked sausage
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ½ medium sweet onion
- 1 medium red bell pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler: Set your oven’s broiler to high heat to prepare for cooking the sausage and vegetables quickly and develop a nice char.
- Prepare the ingredients: Slice the smoked sausage into 1-inch pieces. Chop the half sweet onion and the medium red bell pepper into 1-inch chunks to ensure even cooking.
- First broil: Arrange the sausage, peppers, and onions evenly on a foil-lined baking pan. Place the pan on the top oven rack and broil for 9 minutes or until the sausage pieces begin to burn slightly, developing a smoky char.
- Toss with BBQ sauce: Carefully remove the pan from the oven and transfer the sausage, onions, and peppers to a large bowl. Thoroughly toss them with ½ cup BBQ sauce, coating all pieces evenly.
- Broil again: Spread the sauced mixture back onto the foil-lined baking pan evenly. Broil again for another 4 minutes until the BBQ sauce starts to bubble and caramelize, adding a rich finish.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Use a foil-lined pan for easier cleanup.
- Monitor closely during broiling to prevent burning, especially in the final step.
- Adjust BBQ sauce quantity to taste.
- Can be served with rice, bread, or salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
