Authentic Grilled French Toulouse Sausage with Mustard Bread

Introduction

Transport your backyard to the rustic countryside of Southwest France with this classic Grilled Toulouse Sausage and Mustard Bread recipe. Known traditionally as "Saucisse de Toulouse," this distinct pork sausage is celebrated for its coarse texture, wine-infused flavor, and simple seasoning of salt and pepper. While it is the star ingredient of cassoulet, grilling it brings out a snap in the natural casing and a smoky depth that boiling simply cannot achieve.

Using an Arteflame grill elevates this dish entirely. The center grill grate provides the high-heat sear needed to caramelize the exterior, while the flat-top plancha offers the perfect surface to toast the bread in rich butter and savory juices. This isn't just a sandwich; it is a textural experience combining juicy, savory meat with the sharp, tangy bite of Dijon mustard on crunchy artisan bread. It is the ultimate comfort food for outdoor cooking enthusiasts looking for European flair.

Ingredients

The Meat & Bread

• 4 fresh Toulouse sausages (coarse ground pork sausage)
• 1 large French Baguette (or rustic sourdough loaf)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 3 tbsp high-quality Dijon mustard (or whole grain mustard for texture)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

1. Start your Arteflame grill by building a fire in the center. Allow it to burn down for about 20 minutes until the center grate is extremely hot (over 600°F) and the outer flat top plancha reaches a medium-high cooking temperature.
2. Clean the surface with a scraper to ensure a pristine cooking area for the bread.

Step 2: Sear the Sausages

1. Place the Toulouse sausages directly on the center grill grate for a quick sear. You want to achieve distinct grill marks and char the casing slightly, which adds a smoky flavor profile.
2. Sear for about 1-2 minutes per side. Be careful not to puncture the casing, as you want to keep the flavorful juices inside.

Step 3: Finish Cooking on the Plancha

1. Move the sausages from the center grate to the flat top cooktop. Place them in a zone with medium heat.
2. Continue cooking for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. This slower finish ensures the pork is cooked through without burning the exterior.

Step 4: Prepare the Mustard Bread

1. While the sausages finish, slice the baguette lengthwise into serving-sized portions.
2. Spread a generous layer of softened butter on the cut side of the bread.
3. Place the bread, butter-side down, directly onto the flat cooktop. Toast for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Remove the bread from the grill and immediately spread a thick layer of Dijon mustard over the toasted surface.
2. Place a grilled sausage on top of the mustard bread.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and a crack of black pepper. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips

Mastering the perfect grilled sausage requires patience and heat management. The most crucial tip when cooking Toulouse sausage—or any fresh pork sausage—is to avoid piercing the skin. If you poke holes in the casing, the delicious fat and wine emulsion that keeps the meat moist will escape, resulting in a dry texture and causing flare-ups on the grill. Use long tongs to turn them gently rather than a fork.

Additionally, utilize the temperature zones of your grill effectively. Because Toulouse sausages are often thicker than standard hot dogs, they require a "sear and slide" technique. Get your color on the hottest part of the fire, then move them to a cooler zone on the flat top to finish cooking the center. This ensures the casing snaps perfectly when you bite into it, without the inside remaining raw.

Variations

While the classic combination of pork and mustard is timeless, you can easily customize this recipe to suit different palates or dietary needs. The neutral, savory profile of Toulouse sausage makes it an excellent canvas for other flavors. Here are a few ways to mix up your next cookout:

• The Caramelized Onion Twist: Grill sliced onions on the flat top with a little balsamic vinegar and pile them on top of the sausage.
• Cheesy Melt: After flipping the bread, add a slice of Gruyère or Emmental cheese to the sausage during the last minute of cooking to melt it over the top.
• Spicy Kick: Swap the traditional Dijon mustard for a spicy brown mustard or mix in a teaspoon of chili flakes.
• Herbal Infusion: Brush the sausages with a rosemary and garlic infused olive oil while they cook on the flat top.
• Beer Braised: Place a small cast-iron skillet on the grill with lager and onions, par-cooking the sausages in the beer before searing them.

Best pairings

To round out this French-inspired meal, look for sides and drinks that cut through the richness of the pork sausage. Acidity and crisp textures are your best friends here. A simple green salad dressed with a sharp lemon vinaigrette acts as a perfect palate cleanser between bites of the savory meat and spicy mustard. For a heartier side, consider grilling potato wedges on the flat top using duck fat for an authentic southwestern French touch.

When it comes to beverages, you have two excellent paths. For wine lovers, a red wine from the Languedoc or a robust Côtes du Rhône pairs beautifully with the herbs and fat of the sausage. If you prefer beer, a crisp, cold pilsner or a farmhouse ale (Saison) offers a refreshing contrast to the spicy Dijon mustard and charred bread.

Conclusion

Grilled French Toulouse Sausage with Mustard Bread is a testament to the idea that the best food is often the simplest. By focusing on high-quality ingredients—fresh pork, good bread, and sharp mustard—and utilizing the versatile cooking zones of an Arteflame grill, you can create a meal that feels gourmet yet requires minimal effort. It captures the essence of French market dining right in your own backyard.

Whether you are hosting a casual summer barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn't sacrifice flavor, this recipe delivers. The combination of smoky char, juicy meat, and the nose-tingling heat of the mustard creates a bite that is unforgettable. Fire up the grill, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy the art of French grilling.