Grilled North Dakota Knoephla Sausages

Introduction

Inspired by the comforting flavors of North Dakota's famous knoephla soup, these Grilled Knoephla Sausages bring hearty Midwestern flavor straight to your backyard. Using the Arteflame grill for precise control and unbeatable flavor, we sear the sausages on the center grill grate and finish cooking them over the flat cooktop to bring out maximum juiciness and mouthwatering texture. Served with tangy mustard and smoky sauerkraut, this dish is rustic, satisfying, and perfect for any season.

Ingredients

• 6 knoephla-style sausages (pork-based with potato and onion)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for cooktop)
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
• 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
• 1 tablespoon yellow or Dijon mustard (per serving)
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Place three paper napkins soaked in vegetable oil in the center of your Arteflame grill.
2. Stack quality firewood over the napkins.
3. Light the napkins and let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prep the Sausages and Sauerkraut

1. While the grill is heating, remove sausages from the fridge to bring to room temperature.
2. In a bowl, mix sauerkraut with caraway seeds and a pinch of black pepper.

Step 3: Sear the Sausages

1. Place sausages on the center grill grate when it reaches over 1,000°F.
2. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side to lock in the juices and get grill marks.
3. Once seared, move sausages to the hotter zone of the flat cooktop near the center.

Step 4: Cook to Desired Doneness

1. Let sausages cook slowly on the flat top, rotating occasionally for even cooking.
2. Cook until internal temp reaches 165°F. Remove sausages at 150°F to allow carryover cooking.

Step 5: Grill the Sauerkraut

1. Add a pat of butter onto a medium-heat zone of the cooktop.
2. Place the sauerkraut mixture onto the buttered surface and let it heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly browned and aromatic.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve grilled sausages with warm sauerkraut and a side of mustard.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips

• Bring sausages to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.
• Use the reverse sear method with the Arteflame: sear on the center grate, finish on the hot flat top.
• Butter adds richness and prevents sticking on the cooktop—avoid olive oil here!
• Keep a thermometer handy to avoid overcooking. Remove meat when it's 15°F below the target.
• The Arteflame’s different heat zones let you cook everything perfectly at once.

Variations

1. Spicy Knoephla Sausages: Add crushed red chili flakes to the sauerkraut and serve with spicy brown mustard.
2. Cheddar-Stuffed Knoephla Sausages: Use sausages mixed with cheddar cheese for an extra creamy bite.
3. Apple & Sauerkraut Blend: Add thinly sliced apples to the sauerkraut for a sweet-tart contrast.
4. Beer-Basted Knoephla Sausages: Splash lager beer on the sausages during the final minutes of cooking for added depth.
5. Smoked Paprika Variation: Mix smoked paprika and garlic into the sauerkraut for a smoky twist.

Best pairings

• Chilled German-style lager or pilsner
• Rustic potato salad with dill
• Char-grilled veggies like onions and peppers
• Grilled rye bread with garlic butter
• Pickled cucumbers or red onions for contrast

Conclusion

This Grilled North Dakota Knoephla Sausage recipe is a tribute to tradition and flavor. The Arteflame grill enhances every bite with perfectly controlled heat and that unmistakable grilled flavor. A breeze to light and clean up, it makes gourmet grilling ridiculously simple. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or savoring a weekend cookout, this dish delivers bold taste and rustic comfort.