Grilled Ohio Amish Sausage with Applesauce

Introduction

If you're looking for a classic Midwestern dish with bold flavor and authenticity, this Grilled Ohio Amish Sausage with Applesauce recipe is exactly what you need. Using the Arteflame Grill, we’re creating a perfectly seared, juicy sausage alongside caramelized homemade applesauce, all made outdoors over wood fire, without using any pans. The reverse sear gives the sausage an unforgettable crust while preserving that tender, flavorful interior you crave.

Ingredients

• 6 hand-crafted Ohio Amish sausage links
• 4 large apples (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• Vegetable oil (for lighting the grill)
• 3 paper napkins
• Firewood for grilling

The Sear Makes the Steak, And Arteflame Makes the Sear

Why settle for low-temperature searing when you can achieve steakhouse-quality results with an Arteflame? Gas grills take longer, drying out your steak, while the Arteflame sears at 1000°F in just one minute, locking in juices for perfection.

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Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a little vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them at the bottom of your Arteflame Grill.
2. Stack firewood on top of the oiled napkins.
3. Light the napkins and let the fire develop. The grill will be ready in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Applesauce

1. Slide the apple slices onto the flat cooktop griddle closer to the center for higher heat.
2. Add butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt next to the apples on the cooktop.
3. Mix everything gently using a metal spatula and let the apples caramelize slowly, stirring occasionally. Move them to a cooler zone if needed.

Step 3: Sear the Amish Sausage Links

1. Place the sausage links on the center grill grate over 1,000°F heat.
2. Let them sear for about 2–3 minutes per side until beautifully browned to lock in the juices.

Step 4: Finish Cooking via Reverse Sear

1. Transfer the seared sausages to the flat cooktop griddle, placing them in a medium-heat zone.
2. Cook slowly, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 150°F.
3. Remove sausages when they’re 15°F shy of your desired doneness (165°F), as the carryover heat completes the cooking off-grill.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate the juicy sausages alongside a scoop of the caramelized applesauce straight off the Arteflame.

Tips

• Always use a thermometer to get precise doneness on sausages.
• Move food around the cooktop to control heat zones — center for high, edge for low.
• Use unsalted butter for better control of seasoning.
• Don't overcrowd your cooking space — give ingredients room to caramelize instead of steam.
• Let the fire burn down after cooking for easy cleanup.

Variations

1. Spicy Amish Sausage: Add sliced jalapeños and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper while searing sausages for a spicy kick.
2. Maple Glazed Sausage: Brush sausages with real Ohio maple syrup while finishing them on the flat cooktop.
3. Bacon-Wrapped Sausage: Wrap each Amish sausage with a strip of bacon before searing for extra smokiness and crunch.
4. Apple & Onion Duo: Add sliced sweet onions with the apples to enhance sweetness and depth.
5. German-Inspired: Toss the apples with a splash of apple cider vinegar and whole grain mustard for a tangy contrast.

Best Pairings

• Butter-grilled corn on the cob
• Skillet-style grilled potatoes with rosemary
• Chilled hard cider or a German wheat beer
• Rustic sourdough bread slices, toasted lightly on the cooktop griddle
• Sharp cheddar cheese cubes or aged gouda

Conclusion

Cooking Ohio Amish sausage and applesauce on the Arteflame Grill brings authenticity, flavor, and a sense of tradition to your plate. With minimal cleanup and perfectly seared meat, your outdoor cooking just got elevated. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, sparking conversation with every bite of juicy sausage and rich applesauce.