Virginia Spicy Andouille Sausage Skewers

Introduction

Fire up your Arteflame grill and bring the bold flavors of the South to your backyard with these Spicy Andouille Grilled Sausage Skewers. This recipe features juicy chunks of andouille sausage paired with colorful bell peppers and onions, grilled to perfection using Arteflame’s unique center grate and flat cooktop. We take advantage of the high-heat reverse sear technique to lock in flavor and achieve the perfect texture. Easy to make, visually stunning, and bursting with smoky, spicy flavor—this dish is perfect for summer cookouts or weekday grilling!

Ingredients

• 1 lb andouille sausage, cut into 1 1/2 inch chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Metal or soaked bamboo skewers

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Place three paper napkins in the base of the grill and pour a bit of vegetable oil over them.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper with a match.
3. Let the fire get going for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop and center grill grate are hot and ready—center grate will reach 1,000°F for searing.

Step 2: Prep the skewers

1. In a mixing bowl, combine sausage, peppers, and onion. Drizzle with melted butter, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
2. Assemble skewers by alternating sausage chunks, bell pepper pieces, and onion wedges.

Step 3: Sear on the center grill grate

1. Place the skewers over the center grate for 1 to 2 minutes per side to get that high-heat steakhouse sear and lock in juices.
2. Watch closely to avoid over-searing.

Step 4: Move to the flat cooktop

1. Transfer the skewers to the flat top cooktop closer to the outer edge for lower heat cooking.
2. Continue grilling for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables soften and internal sausage temperature is 160°F.
3. Remove skewers when sausage reaches 145°F. They’ll continue cooking off the grill to optimum doneness.

Step 5: Serve hot

1. Let the skewers rest for 3 minutes before serving. Serve directly from the flat top griddle or present on a vibrant platter with grilled lemon wedges, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Tips

• Butter adds richness and helps veggies caramelize beautifully on the flat cooktop.
• Always use the reverse sear method: sear hot, finish slow.
• Use different heat zones on the Arteflame cooktop to manage cooking times for each ingredient.
• Keep a spray bottle with water ready—not to douse flames, but to manage flare-ups smoothly.
• Let meats rest after grilling to retain juices.

Variations

1. Cajun Shrimp Skewers: Replace sausage with large shrimp dredged in Cajun seasoning for a seafood twist.
2. Smoky Chicken Skewers: Substitute sausage with smoked chicken chunks for a leaner protein and earthy flavor.
3. Vegan Skewers: Use plant-based sausage and add mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty meatless version.
4. Tropical Pineapple Skewers: Add chunks of fresh pineapple for a sweet and spicy balance.
5. Italian Sausage Skewers: Use mild or hot Italian sausage with roasted garlic butter for a Mediterranean variation.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter
• Skillet potatoes with rosemary (right on the flat top)
• Fresh cucumber and tomato salad with dill vinaigrette
• Cold Virginia hard cider or a light IPA
• Grilled peach slices with honey and mint for dessert

Conclusion

This Virginia Spicy Andouille Sausage Skewers recipe harnesses the full power and precision of your Arteflame grill. It’s quick, delicious, and loaded with bold roasted flavors. Grilling becomes an art when you use reverse sear and let every ingredient shine using butter, high-heat zones, and smoke. Gather your friends, pour some cold drinks, and serve up impressive grilled skewers that are as memorable as the grilling experience itself.