Grilled Sausages with Sauerkraut
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These Grilled Sausages with Sauerkraut are one of the easiest grill party dishes you can make. Juicy, succulent sausages with tangy sauerkraut and spicy German mustard are a three-ingredient, 15-minute or less party food you’ll love!
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email, and we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get delicious new recipes from us every Friday!
The tantalizing aroma of grilled smoked sausage will set the tone for any outdoor grilling party or holiday. Add crusty buns or sub rolls and sauerkraut and it’s definitely a party everyone will remember!
In 15 minutes or less, you’ll have delicious food your friends and family will love. Add spicy mustard for heat and sauerkraut for a cool, pickled crunch. Delicious!
Ingredients
- Smoked Sausages: Use your favorite smoked German sausages like Bratwurst or even Polish sausages.
- Sauerkraut: I love German Sauerkraut in jars, but if you’re a sauerkraut fan, use your favorite or even make your own!
- Mustard: Mustard is essential. For drizzling, use a spicy German mustard or any country-style or seedy Dijon mustard.
- Rolls or Buns: A quality bun for this simple dish is a must. Hoagie rolls, German brötchen, pretzel buns, or torpedo rolls are great choices.
Best Tips for Grilling Sausages
When grilling sausages, begin with indirect heat and finish over direct, hotter heat for a delicious sear. This helps prevent the casings from bursting and ensures even cooking.
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium-low heat (around 300-350°F).
- Grill the sausage: Place the sausages on the grill with even spacing for air flow.
- Cook time: Depending on the size of the sausages, grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through and the internal temperature with a probe meat thermometer reaches 160°F.
- Rest and serve: Let the sausage rest briefly before slicing and serving.
Tips for Grilling Smoked Sausages
- Use grilling tongs: To avoid letting out juices, turn the sausages with tongs instead of a fork for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Try a two-zone method: Indirect heat will cook sausages evenly. To set up two zones on a grill, heat half of it to medium-low and the other half to a higher temperature. Begin with the low zone and finish the sausages on the high zone for a nice char.
Topping Ideas
If sauerkraut isn’t your thing, or you want to add something extra to these grilled sausages, here are a few ideas:
- Chopped onions: Red, yellow, or white
- Sliced or chopped apples
- Currywurst sauce
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme
FAQs
Bratwurst is the classic choice, but any fully cooked sausage, like kielbasa, smoked sausage, or even chicken apple sausage, works beautifully. Choose a variety that balances well with the tangy sauerkraut.
It depends on your taste preference. Rinsing sauerkraut reduces its sourness and saltiness. Use it straight from the jar or pouch for a more robust flavor. For a milder taste, give it a quick rinse and drain.
More Grilling Recipes to Try Next
If you enjoyed this grilled sausage and sauerkraut recipe, here are more easy and flavorful dishes to try next:
- Sheet Pan Sausages with Vegetables – A weeknight favorite with roasted veggies and juicy sausage links.
- German Krautstrudel – Simple side or main with rich, savory flavors and flaky crust.
- Oktoberfest-Inspired Dinner Ideas – Celebrate the season with more German-inspired recipes, from spaetzle to apple strudel.
- Easy Cabbage Recipes – From sautéed to slaw, these cabbage recipes pair perfectly with sausages.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your comments and consider giving it a 5-star rating. Explore the recipe index for more easy, delicious ideas, and stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!
Grilled Sausages with Sauerkraut
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked sausages Polish, Kielbasa or Bratwurst
- 2-3 cups sauerkraut drained
- salt and pepper to taste
- Hoagie rolls for serving
- German mustard or a seedy Dijon mustard for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium-low heat (around 300-350°F).
- Grill the sausage: Place the sausages on the grill with even spacing for air flow.
- Cook time: Depending on the size of the sausages, grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through and the internal temperature with a probe meat thermometer reaches 160°F.
- Rest and serve: Let the sausage rest briefly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Cooking Utensils: To prevent juices from escaping, turn the sausages with tongs instead of a fork for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Grilling Tip: Try a two-zone method: Indirect heat will cook sausages evenly. To set up two zones on a grill, heat half of it to medium-low and the other half to a higher temperature. Begin with the low zone and finish the sausages on the high zone for a nice char.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
When it’s summer cookout time or I’m looking for a quick and easy addition to a grilling party, this is always a favorite. Or, when it’s Oktoberfest, I often make this three-ingredient recipe, and everyone loves it!