Easy & Flavorful Grilled Polish Sausage and Vegetable Kebobs for Summer Gatherings
Sizzle up your summer with these irresistible Grilled Polish Sausage and Vegetable Kebobs! Perfect for effortless dinners or lively get-togethers, these vibrant skewers combine the rich taste of Klement’s Polish Sausage with a colorful array of fresh vegetables, all cooked to perfection on the grill.
As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, there’s nothing quite as inviting as the scent of a backyard grill. Grilling is more than just a cooking method; it’s a cherished summer tradition, bringing people together for memorable meals and relaxed evenings. This season, we’re simplifying outdoor entertaining with a recipe that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying: Grilled Polish Sausage and Vegetable Kebobs. These vibrant skewers, featuring robust Klement’s Polish Sausage and an assortment of fresh, crisp vegetables, are destined to become a staple at your summer celebrations.
My collaboration with Klement’s Sausage has always been a delightful experience, yielding some truly popular recipes. Last year, my One Pan Cheesy Sausage Pasta became one of the most frequently visited posts on my site, a testament to the versatility and deliciousness of Klement’s products. And for game days, the Cheddar Brat Cheese Dip was an undeniable crowd-pleaser. I am thrilled to continue working with them, showcasing more fantastic recipes that highlight their exceptional quality. Today, we’re putting these grilled sausage and vegetable kebobs on the menu, a perfect example of how Klement’s sausage elevates simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
Summer is a season of constant celebration. We’ve already enjoyed Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, and ahead lie numerous graduation parties, Father’s Day, and countless excuses for backyard BBQs. Each occasion presents a wonderful opportunity to fire up the grill and create delicious food without the fuss. These kebobs embody the spirit of easy, joyful summer cooking, allowing you to focus on making memories rather than spending hours in the kitchen.
Klement’s Sausage: A Legacy of Old World Flavor and Quality
Klement’s Sausage boasts a rich history dating back to 1956. Originating from Milwaukee, Wisconsin – a fact that brings a smile to this Wisconsin girl’s face – Klement’s has grown to become one of the largest producers of “old world” sausage products. This commitment to tradition means that for over three generations, they have maintained the same time-honored sausage-making techniques. This dedication guarantees that every Klement’s product you pick up delivers the highest quality, consistent flavor, and a truly authentic taste experience.
Choosing the right sausage is crucial for exceptional kebobs, and Klement’s Polish Sausage is an outstanding choice. Its pre-cooked nature ensures convenience, while its robust, savory flavor profile stands up beautifully to the smoky char of the grill. The sausage develops a lovely browning on the exterior, creating a desirable texture and enhancing its already rich taste, all while remaining wonderfully juicy inside. Unlike some meats that require extensive marinating, Klement’s Polish Sausage offers incredible flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for quick yet impressive meals. Its firm structure also means it threads onto skewers perfectly and holds its shape throughout the grilling process, ensuring a satisfying bite every time.
Crafting Delicious Kebobs: The Perfect Pairing of Sausage and Fresh Veggies
For Father’s Day this year, as with many years past, our celebration will center around the grill. My husband is a huge enthusiast of sausages and brats, so these Grilled Polish Sausage and Vegetable Kebobs are a perfect fit for our festive menu. I’ve specifically selected Klement’s Polish Sausage, knowing its reliability and incredible taste when grilled. I then thoughtfully combined it with a colorful assortment of our family’s favorite vegetables. Red bell peppers are a particular favorite of my husband, so you can be sure there are plenty of those sweet, vibrant pieces threaded generously onto the skewers for him to enjoy.
Selecting Your Vegetable Medley for Optimal Flavor and Texture
The beauty of kebobs lies in their adaptability, allowing you to truly customize them to your preferences and what’s fresh and in season. Beyond the specified ingredients in the recipe card, here are some insights into selecting and preparing your vegetable companions:
- Red Onion: When grilled, red onions transform, losing their raw pungency and becoming wonderfully sweet and slightly caramelized. Cutting them into substantial cubes prevents them from falling apart and ensures they cook evenly.
- Mushrooms: Whole button or cremini mushrooms are fantastic on kebobs. They soften and absorb the smoky flavors of the grill, adding an earthy, umami depth that complements the sausage beautifully.
- Zucchini: Sliced zucchini quickly becomes tender-crisp, with delicate char marks adding a delightful texture. Its mild flavor makes it a versatile addition to any skewer.
- Red Bell Pepper: These vibrant peppers add sweetness and a lovely crunch. Cut them into 1-inch squares for optimal grilling and easy threading.
- Other Excellent Choices: Feel free to get creative! Cherry tomatoes, yellow bell peppers, green bell peppers, pineapple chunks (for a sweet and savory contrast), or even par-boiled new potatoes can make wonderful additions. The key is to ensure all vegetable pieces are cut to a similar size to promote uniform cooking.
Aim for bite-sized pieces that are robust enough to remain on the skewer but not so large that they require excessive cooking time. A little olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper before threading can enhance their natural flavors even further.
Streamlined Preparation for Effortless Enjoyment
One of the most appealing aspects of making kebobs is the ability to prepare them ahead of time. This invaluable convenience allows you to assemble your entire meal hours before grilling, making dinner time wonderfully easy and stress-free. For families, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to get everyone involved in the kitchen. My son loves helping to thread the ingredients onto the skewers, a simple yet engaging task that fosters culinary curiosity and helps build confidence. Once assembled, these colorful skewers can simply wait patiently in the fridge until you’re ready to fire up the grill, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Expert Tips for Assembling Your Perfect Kebobs:
- Pre-Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re opting for wooden skewers, don’t skip this critical step! Submerging them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading prevents them from igniting or burning excessively on the hot grill, ensuring your kebobs stay intact.
- Strategic Threading: For both aesthetic appeal and even heat distribution, alternate pieces of sausage with different vegetables. This ensures each bite offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
- Avoid Overcrowding: It might be tempting to pack as many ingredients as possible onto each skewer, but leaving a small gap between each piece is essential. This allows hot air to circulate freely around all components, promoting even cooking and that desirable grilled char rather than steaming the ingredients.
- Family Collaboration: Turn kebob assembly into a fun, interactive activity. Assign different vegetables to family members to cut and thread. It’s a great way to involve children and encourage them to try new foods.
Whether it’s a special Father’s Day meal, a lively graduation party, a casual summer BBQ, or simply a desire for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, these grilled sausage and vegetable kebobs are a guaranteed hit. Head to the store, grab some delicious Klement’s Polish Sausage, and experience how incredibly easy and satisfying this recipe can be. Your family and guests will absolutely adore the vibrant flavors and the joyful ease of this classic summer dish!
Grilling to Perfection: Achieving that Signature Char and Juiciness
Mastering the grill for kebobs is simpler than you might think, and a few key steps will ensure your sausage and vegetables are cooked perfectly – tender, juicy, and with those irresistible char marks. The aim is to create a delightful caramelization on the exterior of your ingredients while ensuring they are cooked through without becoming dry.
Your Step-by-Step Grilling Guide:
- Preheat Your Grill to High: A hot grill is crucial for searing and achieving those beautiful char marks. Allow your grill to preheat thoroughly. This intense initial heat will quickly caramelize the sugars in your vegetables and brown the sausage, locking in moisture and flavor.
- Prepare the Grates: To prevent your precious kebobs from sticking, lightly oil your grill grates. A simple trick is to fold a paper towel, dip it in a high-smoke-point oil (like canola or vegetable oil), and, using tongs, carefully wipe it over the hot grates.
- Arrange and Cook: Carefully place the assembled skewers directly onto the preheated, oiled grates. Grill for approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Keep a close eye on them and rotate the skewers every few minutes.
- Look for Signs of Doneness: You’ll know your kebobs are ready when the vegetables are tender-crisp, displaying appealing char marks, and the Polish sausage is beautifully browned and thoroughly heated. Since Klement’s Polish Sausage is typically pre-cooked, the primary goal is to heat it through and achieve that delicious grilled exterior.
- Rotate for Evenness: Don’t hesitate to rotate your kebobs more frequently if you notice one side browning faster than others. Uniform grilling ensures a consistent texture and flavor throughout each skewer.
The Secret Weapon: A Simple Yet Flavorful Dipping Sauce
While these grilled sausage and vegetable kebobs are undoubtedly delicious on their own, a perfectly paired dipping sauce can elevate them from great to extraordinary. Our recommended pesto-sour cream dipping sauce is incredibly easy to whip up and adds a refreshing, creamy counterpoint to the smoky grilled flavors.
The Star Dipping Sauce: Pesto-Sour Cream Blend
This effortless sauce comes together with just two ingredients:
- Pesto: This vibrant Italian sauce, typically made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, brings a burst of herbaceous, garlicky, and slightly tangy flavor. It’s rich and incredibly aromatic.
- Sour Cream: The addition of sour cream lends a delightful creaminess and a subtle tanginess that expertly mellows the intensity of the pesto. This creates a smooth, luscious dip that clings beautifully to the kebobs.
To prepare, simply combine equal parts of pesto and sour cream in a small bowl and stir until you achieve a smooth, uniform consistency. You can prepare this dipping sauce while your kebobs are grilling, or make it a few hours in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. It’s a small detail that delivers a big impact on the overall enjoyment of the meal.
Creative Dipping Sauce Variations to Consider:
If you’re looking to explore other flavor profiles or want to offer a selection of dips, here are a few ideas:
- Tangy BBQ Sauce: A classic choice that pairs wonderfully with grilled sausage and charred vegetables. Choose your favorite smoky or sweet variety.
- Sweet and Zesty Honey Mustard: A blend of honey, Dijon mustard, and a touch of mayonnaise offers a delicious balance of sweet and sharp flavors.
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo: For those who appreciate a kick, simply mix mayonnaise with sriracha sauce to taste. Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra zing.
- Cool & Creamy Ranch: A versatile and family-friendly option that complements almost any grilled dish.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sauces to find your perfect match or to cater to various taste preferences at your gathering!
Grilled Sausage and Vegetable Kebobs
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Ingredients
- 1 package (14-16 oz) Klement’s Polish Sausage, cut each link into thirds
- 1/2 small red onion, cut into cubes
- 1 package (8 oz) whole button or cremini mushrooms
- 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 1 large red bell pepper, cored and cut into 1-inch squares
- 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for tossing vegetables)
Dipping Sauce
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
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If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
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Preheat your grill to high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
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Prepare your ingredients: Cut Klement’s Polish Sausage links into approximately 1-inch thick rounds. Cut the red onion into similar-sized cubes, slice the zucchini into 1/2-inch rounds, and cube the red bell pepper into 1-inch squares. Leave mushrooms whole. For extra flavor, you can toss the vegetables lightly with olive oil.
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Carefully thread the sausage and prepared vegetables onto the skewers, alternating for an appealing look and even cooking. Do not overcrowd the skewers; leave a small space between each piece to allow heat to circulate.
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Place the assembled kebobs on the preheated grill. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side, rotating frequently, until the vegetables are tender-crisp with nice char marks and the sausage is beautifully browned and heated through.
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While the kebobs are grilling, prepare the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, combine the pesto and sour cream. Stir until well mixed and smooth. Set aside until ready to serve.
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Remove the grilled skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute or two. Serve immediately with the prepared pesto-sour cream dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious and easy summer meal!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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**This post is sponsored by Klement’s. I was compensated for my time to create this recipe. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.