Swedish Grilled Sausage with Tangy Winter Slaw

Introduction

Embracing the chill of the season requires a meal that warms the soul and delights the palate. This recipe for Swedish Grilled Sausage paired with a crisp, tangy Winter Slaw is the epitome of comfort food reimagined for the outdoor chef. Utilizing the Arteflame grill transforms this traditional dish; the center heat provides a perfect sear on the sausages, while the flat cooktop gently warms the slaw components, releasing sweet and savory aromatics that you simply cannot achieve in a kitchen.

The magic of this dish lies in the contrast. The sausages, known for their rich, slightly acidic, and savory profile—reminiscent of traditional Swedish Isterband—develop a beautiful, snap-tight crust when grilled over open wood fire. Paired with a winter slaw that combines the crunch of cabbage with the sweetness of apples and a mustard vinaigrette, every bite offers a symphony of textures. Whether you are hosting a snowy backyard gathering or just craving something hearty, this recipe brings the rustic elegance of Scandinavian cuisine right to your griddle.

Ingredients

For the Sausage

• 4-6 Large Swedish-style sausages (Isterband, Weisswurst, or coarse-ground pork sausage)
• 1 tbsp Unsalted butter (for searing)
• Fresh Dill sprigs for garnish

For the Winter Slaw

• 2 cups Red cabbage, thinly shredded
• 2 cups Green cabbage, thinly shredded
• 1 Large Granny Smith apple, julienned
• 1 Medium carrot, grated
• 1/4 Red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing

• 3 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp Swedish mustard (or grainy Dijon mustard)
• 1 tbsp Honey or maple syrup
• 1/3 cup Canola or mild olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp Caraway seeds (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Slaw Base

1. Begin by washing and thoroughly drying the red and green cabbage. Shred them thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline for uniform texture.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbages, grated carrot, and thinly sliced red onion.
3. Slice the Granny Smith apple into matchsticks. To prevent browning, toss them lightly in a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar before adding them to the cabbage mixture.

Step 2: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a medium-sized fire in the center of your Arteflame grill using hardwood charcoal or dry wood. Allow the grill to heat up for about 15–20 minutes.
2. The center grill grate will be used for searing the sausages at high heat, while the outer flat top griddle is perfect for toasting the caraway seeds and keeping the sausages warm after searing.
3. Clean the cooktop with a scraper and apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to season the surface.

Step 3: Grill the Sausages

1. Place a dab of butter on the medium-hot zone of the flat cooktop. Place the sausages on the cooktop first to heat them through gently, rolling them occasionally for even cooking.
2. Once the sausages are warmed through, move them to the center grill grate directly over the fire. Sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until the casing is crisp, blistered, and golden brown.
3. Move the sausages back to the cooler outer edge of the cooktop to rest while you finish the dressing.

Step 4: Make the Dressing and Serve

1. On a cooler part of the flat cooktop, briefly toast the caraway seeds for 30 seconds to release their oils.
2. In a small jar, whisk together the mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, oil, toasted caraway seeds, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
3. Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss well to coat.
4. Plate the fresh slaw generously and top with the hot, grilled sausages. Garnish with fresh dill and serve immediately.

Tips

Mastering this dish on the Arteflame is all about heat management. Because Swedish-style sausages often have a higher fat content or a coarser texture, you want to avoid bursting the casings with sudden, extreme heat. Start them on the flat top ring (the plancha style surface) to render some fat slowly before moving them to the center grate for that signature wood-fired char. This ensures the inside is juicy while the outside has that irresistible snap.

For the slaw, time is your friend. If you prefer a softer slaw, toss it with the dressing about 20 minutes before serving; the vinegar will slightly break down the cabbage fibers. However, for this recipe, serving it immediately keeps the vegetables crunchy, providing a necessary texture contrast to the soft, rich sausage. Also, keep your ingredients cold until the moment you plate—the contrast between the hot, smoky meat and the cold, crisp salad is what makes this dish exceptional.

Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable to suit different dietary preferences or flavor profiles. While the traditional Swedish route uses tangy Isterband, you can easily swap the protein or tweak the slaw to keep things exciting. Here are a few ways to mix it up:

• Spicy Kick: Add chopped fresh jalapeños to the slaw or swap the sweet mustard for a spicy brown mustard to add heat that cuts through the fat.
• Vegetarian Option: Use high-quality plant-based sausages. The Arteflame’s smoky flavor adds a depth to veggie links that standard gas grills can't replicate.
• Warm Slaw: Instead of serving the slaw raw, sauté the cabbage and onions on the flat top for 3-4 minutes until wilted and caramelized, adding the apples at the very end.
• Creamy Slaw: For a richer side, whisk a tablespoon of mayonnaise or sour cream into the vinaigrette.
• Bacon Boost: Fry a few slices of bacon on the Arteflame flat top, crumble them, and toss them into the slaw for added saltiness and crunch.

Best pairings

To round out this Scandinavian-inspired meal, choose sides and drinks that complement the rich, smoky flavors of the sausage and the acidity of the slaw. The goal is balance—cleansing the palate between bites of the savory meat.

• Boiled Potatoes with Dill: A classic Swedish side. The mild, buttery potatoes act as a perfect neutral base against the tangy slaw.
• Knäckebröd (Crispbread): Serve with distinctively crisp rye bread and high-quality butter for an authentic texture.
• Pickled Beets: The earthy sweetness of beets pairs beautifully with the mustard notes in the sausage.
• Beer: A crisp Pilsner or a light Lager is ideal to cut through the richness of the sausage.
• Aquavit: For a truly traditional experience, serve a small glass of chilled Aquavit as a digestif.

Conclusion

Cooking Swedish Grilled Sausage with Winter Slaw on the Arteflame grill transforms a simple rustic meal into a gourmet outdoor dining experience. The unique combination of the smoky, wood-fired sear on the sausage and the bright, zesty crunch of the slaw creates a balanced profile that is perfect for cold-weather grilling. It is a dish that celebrates hearty ingredients and simple preparation methods, proving that winter grilling can be just as vibrant and flavorful as summer barbecues.

Gather your friends, light the fire, and enjoy the process. The aroma of sizzling sausage and toasted spices in the fresh air is unbeatable. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with our variations, this dish is sure to become a staple in your outdoor cooking repertoire.