The Best Smoked Sausage Recipe (3 Easy Steps!) (2024)

One of the best parts of having a smoker is making smoked sausage.

There is nothing quite like biting into a fresh smoked sausage on game day or during a family get-together, and this recipe is so easy, why not make it for both occasions?

Let’s dig in!

What is Smoked Sausage?

Smoked sausage is any sort of pre-made sausage you have purchased at the grocery store that you leave in your smoker for a few hours. Because the sausage is soft, it will absorb all the amazing flavors of the woods in your smoker.

Smoked sausage isn’t always just made from pork. It can also be made from beef, chicken, turkey, venison, or even vegan ingredients like grains and fruits. No matter what your diet is like, putting your sausage on the smoker will increase its flavor tenfold.

Different Types of Sausage to Smoke

Sausage doesn’t have to be a basic pork sausage, in fact, there are so many choices in this area we suggest trying different types using this recipe until you find your favorite!

Here are some different types of sausage you can smoke:

• Kielbasa
• Chorizo
• Turkey sausage
• Italian sausage
• Chicken sausage
• Breakfast sausage
• Pork sausage
• Vegetarian sausage

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How to Make Smoked Sausage

Making smoked sausage is incredibly easy, just follow these steps. We recommend making extra to save for lunches or snacks later in the week.

Ingredients

• Sausage of your choice (or make your own)
• Hickory, Pecan, or Apple wood chips/pellets for your smoker

Step 1: Preheat Your Smoker

Preheat your smoker to 225° and if your smoker doesn’t have one, add a water pan beneath the meat.

Step 2: Arrange the Sausages

Put your sausages directly on the grate, and ensure they don’t touch.

Step 3: Wait

Wait patiently for about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Then, check your sausage with a temperature probe. They need to reach an internal temperature of 165°F before they are safe to eat.

If they aren’t ready after 2.5 hours, check back every 10-15 minutes until they are, keeping the smoker door closed as much as possible.

And just like that, you’ve got some tasty smoked sausage to enjoy!

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Smoked Sausage Tips and Variations

• Feel free to try marinating your sausage overnight before smoking. We recommend marinating in Worcestershire sauce
• Don’t be afraid to soak your wood chips, either. Hickory wood chips smoked in whiskey will make some delicious smoked sausage.
• If you are making your own sausage (rather than buying a package from the store), mix in some cheddar cheese with the meat. This will make some unforgettable smoked cheese sausages.

How to Serve Smoked Sausage

Our favorite way to serve smoked sausage is in a bun with a little pickle relish and sauerkraut. But you can also serve it on a plate with some mashed potatoes and spinach or sliced on a pasta.

You can also add smoked sausage to any gumbo or stew you might be making!

How to Store Smoked Sausage

Place any leftover smoked sausage in an air-tight container or Ziploc bag and store it in the fridge. It should stay good for about 5 days.

You can also freeze smoked sausage, simply put them in a Ziploc bag and put them in the freezer. They will stay good frozen for about 2 months.

Best Wood Pellets to Use for Smoked Sausage

For smoked sausage, we recommend using lighter to medium wood pellets for smoking, such as apple or maple. But mesquite wood also pairs well with sausage if you are feeling adventurous.

Either way, you know your pellet grill will create some great smoked sausage.

How Long Does it Take to Smoke Sausage?

It will take you anywhere from two to three hours to smoke sausage. It is important to always check the temperature of the sausage before you remove it from the grill to ensure it is completely done.

What to Serve With Smoked Sausage

Smoked sausage is best when severed with toppings and buns. We also recommend setting out some chips, potato salad, and cole slaw and you’ll have a full meal to enjoy!

Smoked Sausage FAQ

Can You Cold Smoke Sausage?

Sausage can indeed be cold smoked, but you must actually cook the meat to 165°F before serving.

Is Smoked Sausage Healthy?

Smoked sausage isn’t the healthiest meat out there, but one every now and then won’t hurt you, especially if you are using it to top a salad or throw it into a split pea soup. Turkey and chicken sausage are healthier alternatives to beef and pork sausage.

How Do You Tell if Smoked Sausage is Done?

Smoked sausage is done when it is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Is Sausage Healthier than a Hot Dog?

Sausage is healthier than a hot dog as it contains more vitamins and minerals and is generally less processed.

Final Thoughts on Smoked Sausage

Overall, smoked sausage is one of the easiest smoked dishes to make. If you are new to smoking, we absolutely recommend grabbing a few packages of premade sausages and seeing which combination of wood and marinade makes them taste best!

Just be sure you make extra because your family will definitely love these sausages as well!