Ultimate BBQ Smoked Sausage Sandwiches: Easy Grilled Recipe with Frank’s Sweet & Smoky Kraut
BBQ Smoked Sausage Sandwiches offer an incredibly easy and flavor-packed meal that your entire family will absolutely adore! Imagine tender, smoky sausage drenched in a rich barbecue sauce, served on perfectly buttery toasted buns, and crowned with a generous helping of Frank’s Sweet & Smoky BBQ Kraut. These irresistible sandwiches are fantastic when prepared on your outdoor grill or smoker, delivering that authentic char and smoky depth. However, their versatility means you can enjoy them year-round, preparing them with ease on your stovetop, in your oven, or even in a slow cooker!
These BBQ Smoked Sausage Sandwiches are so straightforward to prepare, they’ll quickly become a staple in your regular meal rotation. They are particularly ideal for grilling season, as cooking them outdoors infuses them with that coveted smoky flavor that everyone craves. We take succulent, pre-cooked smoked sausage, slice it into perfect bite-sized rounds, lavishly slather each piece in a vibrant, spicy barbecue sauce, and cook it until it’s wonderfully bubbly and caramelized. This process transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish.
To assemble, simply pile the richly coated sausage onto warm, buttery toasted buns. The final touch? A generous scoop of Frank’s Sweet BBQ Kraut, which adds a delightful tangy-sweet contrast that elevates the entire sandwich. Be sure to grab plenty of napkins – these delicious BBQ smoked sausage sandwiches are truly a messy, mouth-watering delight! Dig in and enjoy every flavorful bite.
This post is proudly sponsored by Frank’s Kraut. While the sponsorship supports this content, the enthusiasm and lifelong affection for their incredible sauerkraut are entirely my own!
The Joy of Grilled Smoked Sausage
As grilling season unfolds, my excitement is palpable! While we certainly cherish our tried-and-true favorites like this amazing Smoked Turkey and these irresistibly sweet and spicy Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Pork Ribs, discovering new and exciting ways to utilize the grill is a passion. Creating fresh, innovative recipes for both my family and my wonderful readers is truly one of my favorite culinary pursuits.
Living here in Nebraska, we experience distinct seasons, and there are certain times of the year when outdoor grilling or smoking simply isn’t an option due to the weather. So, when the conditions are perfect, you can bet we make the most of every opportunity to fire up the grill! This grilled smoked sausage recipe is a testament to those cherished grilling days, offering a quick yet incredibly satisfying meal that captures the essence of outdoor cooking.
Grill Out with Frank’s Kraut: A Perfect Pairing
Each May, I eagerly anticipate the chance to collaborate with my fantastic friends at Frank’s Kraut, crafting a brand new grilling recipe to showcase their incredible product. If you’ve been following along for a while, you’ve likely noticed our profound affection for their sauerkraut, a staple in our kitchen for generations. This isn’t just an endorsement; it’s a genuine family tradition rooted in quality and taste.
But let’s be clear: Frank’s Kraut is not just for topping a hot dog! Kraut is, without a doubt, one of my absolute favorite grilling ingredients. Its tangy crunch and vibrant flavor complement so many grilled dishes. For proof, just consider my popular Sauerkraut Bacon Wrapped Brats, the savory Swiss Cheese Kraut Burgers, and the classic Grilled Polish Sausage & Sauerkraut – all guaranteed to get your taste buds tingling. And if you’re not yet a full-fledged kraut enthusiast, my Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin with Sauerkraut Stuffing will surely convert you into a believer in the incredible versatility and flavor kraut brings to the table.
Versatile Ways to Serve BBQ Smoked Sausage
Our absolute favorite way to enjoy BBQ smoked sausage is nestled within a perfectly toasted bun. A smoked sausage sandwich offers a wonderfully flavorful and satisfying twist on a traditional BBQ pulled pork sandwich, providing a unique texture and robust taste. The combination of the rich BBQ sauce, the smoky sausage, and the soft bun is simply divine. However, the beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability!
For those mindful of carb intake, you can effortlessly forgo the bun and relish the smoked sausage in BBQ sauce on its own. Served as a hearty, protein-rich main course, it’s just as delicious and equally satisfying. Beyond that, slicing the sausage into smaller, more manageable pieces and serving them as flavorful Smoked Sausage Bites makes for an excellent appetizer. Think of them as a sophisticated and incredibly tasty spin on classic Little Smokies, perfect for parties, game days, or simply as a prelude to your main meal. Their savory, sweet, and tangy profile makes them universally appealing.
Crafting the Perfect BBQ Sauce for Sausage
While it’s certainly convenient to use a quality bottled barbecue sauce for this recipe, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making your own Homemade BBQ Sauce. My recipe is incredibly simple to follow, and the resulting taste is genuinely next-level, far surpassing most store-bought options. Crafting your own sauce allows you to control the exact balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, tailoring it precisely to your preference.
For this particular bbq smoked sausage recipe, I added a touch of red pepper flakes to my standard homemade sauce. This small addition imparts a subtle, pleasing heat that complements the richness of the sausage beautifully, creating a more dynamic flavor profile. However, if you or your family prefer things on the milder side, these flakes are entirely optional and can be omitted without sacrificing flavor. The base sauce itself is already packed with deliciousness. The fresh ingredients and customizable spice level truly make a difference, transforming a simple meal into something truly special.
Essential Ingredients for BBQ Smoked Sausage Sandwiches
For a full, detailed list of ingredients and complete instructions, please refer to the recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this post.
The Heart of the Flavor: Homemade Barbecue Sauce Ingredients
The homemade barbecue sauce is what truly makes this smoked sausage recipe shine, offering a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Each ingredient plays a crucial role:
- Brown Sugar: This provides a deep, molasses-rich sweetness and contributes to the sauce’s beautiful caramelization. Both dark and light brown sugar work perfectly, offering slightly different nuances.
- Honey: Adding another layer of natural sweetness and a lovely stickiness, raw local honey is always my top choice for its unparalleled flavor and regional charm.
- Ketchup: The fundamental base of almost any classic BBQ sauce, your favorite brand will lend that familiar, comforting tomato tang.
- Soy Sauce: A secret weapon for umami, low-sodium soy sauce adds a fantastic savory depth without making the sauce overly salty, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Essential for that characteristic tangy bite, apple cider vinegar cuts through the richness and brightens the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
- Sriracha: For a subtle kick of heat that awakens the palate. Feel free to adjust the amount of Sriracha to match your preferred spice level – a little goes a long way, or add more if you like it really fiery!
- Worcestershire Sauce: This complex condiment is a flavor powerhouse, contributing savory, umami, and slightly acidic notes that tie all the other ingredients together harmoniously.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is indispensable, infusing the sauce with its pungent, aromatic essence, which is key to a robust BBQ flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: An optional addition, these flakes introduce a gentle warmth and a more pronounced heat. They are not strictly necessary if you prefer a milder sauce, but they do add a wonderful dimension for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
The Stars of the Sandwiches: Main Components
Beyond the amazing BBQ sauce, these are the ingredients that bring our sandwiches to life:
- Smoked Sausage Ring: The centerpiece of our sandwich. A high-quality smoked sausage ring is ideal for its rich flavor and firm texture. This recipe also works exceptionally well with other varieties like Polish sausage (Kielbasa) or even turkey kielbasa for a lighter option.
- Buns: The foundation of any great sandwich. I opted for onion buns from the bakery this time, and their extra savory flavor was a delightful addition. Ensure you have some butter on hand for toasting the buns, as this simple step adds incredible texture and flavor.
- Frank’s Sweet & Smoky BBQ Kraut: This special kraut is truly the secret ingredient that pulls everything together. Its unique blend of sweet and smoky notes means you won’t need any other condiments – it’s absolute perfection on its own!
Mastering How to Make BBQ Smoked Sausage
The following instructions detail the preferred method for grilling smoked sausage in BBQ sauce, bringing out those fantastic smoky flavors. However, for those without a grill, or who prefer alternative cooking methods, please refer to the detailed notes in the recipe card at the bottom of this post for instructions on how to prepare this delicious dish in the oven, on your stovetop, or even in a slow cooker!
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
First, get your cooking equipment ready. Preheat your outdoor grill or pellet smoker to a consistent temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures even cooking and perfect caramelization of the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Homemade Barbecue Sauce
Next, combine all the barbecue sauce ingredients: brown sugar, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Sriracha, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) into a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat on your stovetop. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the sauce begins to warm through and slightly thicken. This process melds all the flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the Smoked Sausage
Take your smoked sausage ring and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even heating. Once sliced, place all the sausage pieces into the bottom of a sturdy cast-iron skillet. The cast iron is excellent for retaining heat and distributing it evenly, especially on the grill.
Generously pour your freshly made barbecue sauce over the top of the sliced sausage. Use a spoon or spatula to stir and toss the sausage pieces, ensuring they are thoroughly and evenly coated in the rich, sticky sauce. Every piece should be glistening with BBQ goodness.
Carefully place the cast-iron skillet directly onto the preheated grill grates. Cook the sausage for approximately 20-25 minutes. During this time, give the sausage a good stir about midway through to ensure all sides are coated and heated evenly. The sausage is ready when the barbecue sauce is visibly bubbling, thick, and caramelized, and the sausage pieces are piping hot throughout. Once cooked, promptly remove the skillet from the grill.
While the sausage finishes cooking, lightly butter the insides of your chosen buns. Place them cut-side down on the grill for just a minute or two, allowing them to toast until golden brown and slightly crisp. This adds an extra layer of texture and flavor that elevates the sandwich experience.
Using a large spoon or tongs, generously scoop the hot, barbecued sausage mixture onto your perfectly toasted bun. Don’t be shy – pile it high for a truly satisfying sandwich!
Finally, top each sandwich with a hearty dollop of Frank’s Sweet & Smoky BBQ Kraut. Its unique tangy-sweet profile perfectly complements the savory sausage and rich BBQ sauce, creating a balanced and incredibly flavorful bite. Serve your BBQ Smoked Sausage Sandwiches immediately while they are piping hot for the best experience.
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this fantastic BBQ Smoked Sausage Sandwich Recipe get lost in your bookmarks! Make sure to save it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board. It’s the perfect way to quickly find it again for your next family meal, game day, or backyard BBQ. Pin it now and keep the deliciousness at your fingertips!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with BBQ Smoked Sausage Sandwiches
While simply opening a bag of chips or popping some frozen French fries into the oven is always an easy option, preparing a homemade side dish truly adds that special “oomph” to your meal, doesn’t it? Elevate your BBQ smoked sausage sandwich experience with these delightful accompaniments.
For delicious homemade chips and fries that perfectly complement the savory sandwiches, consider these:
- Homemade Baked Potato Chips: Crispy, healthier, and incredibly satisfying.
- Easy Double Fried French Fries: Achieve restaurant-quality crispiness right at home.
- Baked Sweet Potato Chips: A slightly sweeter, nutritious alternative to regular potato chips.
- Italian Baked Zucchini Chips: A light, flavorful vegetable option for a fresher side.
Serving BBQ with a fresh, vibrant salad is always a fantastic idea! A cool, crisp salad offers a wonderful contrast to the rich flavors of the sausage and sauce, providing a refreshing balance.
Explore these delightful Salad Recipes to find your perfect match:
- Potato Salad (as pictured above): Creamy, classic, and always a crowd-plepleaser.
- Bacon Cashew Broccoli Salad: A crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet salad.
- Sauerkraut Salad: Double down on the kraut with a lighter, fresh salad version.
- BLT Pasta Salad: All the flavors of a classic BLT in a convenient pasta salad form.
- Mom’s Macaroni Salad: A comforting, creamy, and timeless favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips for the Best BBQ Smoked Sausage
Getting the most out of your BBQ Smoked Sausage Sandwiches is easy with a few key insights:
How long do you cook BBQ Smoked Sausage? That’s the true beauty of using smoked sausage: it’s already fully cooked! This means your primary goal is simply to heat it through and allow it to absorb the wonderful flavors of the barbecue sauce. When cooked on a smoker, this process also imparts an incredible “double-smoked” appeal, adding an extra layer of deep, rich flavor that we absolutely adore. Typically, about 20-25 minutes on a medium-hot grill or smoker is perfect for achieving this.
What is the best way to cook Smoked Sausage? Smoked sausage is incredibly versatile, making it a favorite ingredient in countless recipes! You can cook it on the grill for a smoky char, bake it in the oven for hands-off convenience, prepare it quickly in your pressure cooker or slow cooker for tender results, incorporate it into fried rice cooked in a wok or skillet on your stovetop, or simmer it in delicious soups of all kinds. Remember, since it’s pre-cooked, you’re merely heating it to your desired temperature and infusing it with flavor, not cooking it from raw.
What goes on a Smoked Sausage Sandwich? For *this* particular smoked sausage sandwich, with the robust homemade BBQ sauce and the unique Frank’s Sweet & Smoky BBQ Kraut, you genuinely don’t need much else! The flavors are perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying on their own. However, if you enjoy adding more condiments or toppings, thinly sliced red onion, crisp dill pickles, or a few hot peppers would all make excellent choices, offering additional layers of crunch and spice.
Discover Two NEW Exciting Flavors of Frank’s Kraut
Exciting news for kraut lovers! Frank’s Kraut has recently introduced two fantastic new flavors to their lineup: the vibrant Mustard Kraut, infused with savory dill pickle relish, and the very kraut featured in this recipe, the irresistible Sweet and Smoky BBQ Kraut, crafted with rich brown sugar and a blend of delicious spices. You can get your hands on these incredible new products right now by ordering them online through their convenient web store. Plus, for exclusive deals and updates, make sure to sign up to receive their newsletter – you won’t want to miss out on great sales and new recipe ideas!
I recently had the pleasure of creating two delightful recipes using the new Mustard Kraut, and my family and I absolutely loved it!
The Surprising Health Benefits of Kraut
Beyond its delicious taste and incredible versatility, sauerkraut boasts an impressive array of health benefits. This fermented cabbage is packed with essential vitamins, including a significant amount of Vitamin C and Vitamin K, crucial for immune health and bone strength, respectively. It’s naturally low in sugar and remarkably high in fiber, contributing to digestive wellness and satiety. For centuries, kraut has been utilized as a traditional folk remedy for a variety of ailments, a testament to its perceived healing properties. It’s always a satisfying moment when modern science validates these age-old traditions, isn’t it? The probiotics naturally present in fermented foods like sauerkraut are known to support a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn can positively impact overall well-being, from digestion to mood and immunity. Incorporating kraut into your diet is a simple yet powerful way to boost your nutritional intake and enjoy its natural goodness.
Are you a true sauerkraut enthusiast? If so, you’ll love exploring everything there is to know about this wonderful fermented food! From its fascinating origins and traditional preparation methods to its nutritional profile and countless delicious recipes, delve into this comprehensive Ultimate Guide to Sauerkraut. It’s a treasure trove for anyone eager to learn more about kraut and discover new ways to enjoy it!
My Enduring Love Affair with Frank’s Kraut
My deep-seated affection for Frank’s Kraut doesn’t just span years; it truly goes back decades. It is, and always has been, the only sauerkraut my family has ever consumed. Coming from a heritage rich in both Polish and German culinary traditions, that statement carries significant weight, underscoring the unwavering quality and authentic taste that Frank’s Kraut consistently delivers.
You’ll discover a wealth of fantastic sauerkraut recipes right here on my blog, offering a diverse range of ways to incorporate this delicious ingredient into your meals. Additionally, the Frank’s Kraut Website is an excellent resource, brimming with creative ideas and classic preparations. For even more inspiration, I’ve curated a dedicated Pinterest Board just for sauerkraut recipes! You’re guaranteed to find exciting new dishes and seasonal favorites year-round across all these platforms. To stay fully updated on new products, special offers, and daily culinary inspiration, be sure to follow Frank’s Kraut on their social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
The next time you’re planning a backyard barbecue or simply craving a delicious and easy meal, remember to Grill Out with Frank’s Kraut! It’s an unbeatable combination.
Now, let’s get cooking and create these incredibly delicious BBQ Sausage Sandwiches! You won’t regret it. 
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Print Recipe
BBQ Smoked Sausage Sandwiches with Kraut
Equipment
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Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick 1-Quart Saucepan with Lid
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Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
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Char-Broil 4-Burner Cart Style Liquid Propane Gas Grill
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Traeger Pellet Grills Pro Series 780 Pellet Bronze Grill, Smoker
Ingredients
- 14 ounce smoked sausage
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon Sriracha
- 2 teaspoons Worchestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 onion hamburger buns
- Frank’s BBQ Kraut
Instructions
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Preheat grill or pellet smoker to 350 degrees.
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Place brown sugar, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Sriracha, Worchestershire sauce, garlic and red pepper flakes into a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
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Slice sauce into bite-sized pieces and place them into the bottom of a cast-iron skillet.
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Pour barbecue sauce over the top of the sliced sausage and stir to coat them evenly.
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Place the skillet on the grill and cook for about 20-25 minutes. When the sauce is bubbling and the sausage is hot, remove it from the grill.
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Butter the insides of the buns and pop them on the grill to toast them a bit.
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Scoop the barbecued sausage onto the toasted bun and top with Frank’s BBQ Kraut.
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Serve.
Notes
Nutrition