Grilled Italian Sausage Three Ways

When the warm weather arrives, there’s one thing every food lover looks forward to: firing up the grill. While burgers and hot dogs have their place, Italian sausage is the real hero of summer cookouts—especially when it’s made the traditional way.

At Durazzo’s Italian Market & Deli, our house-made sausages are crafted using time-honored recipes, premium cuts of pork, and a carefully balanced blend of herbs and spices. Whether you prefer it sweet, spicy, or somewhere in between, our sausages bring bold, savory flavor to any grill.

In this post, we’re sharing three irresistible grilled sausage recipes you can try at home—each one showcasing a different way to bring the taste of Italy to your backyard.

Why Grill Italian Sausage?

Grilling sausage does more than just cook it—it intensifies the flavor, crisps up the casing, and imparts that signature char that only an open flame can create. When made with quality ingredients like the sausage from Durazzo’s, it’s a complete meal in itself—but also versatile enough to star in sandwiches, skewers, or rustic entrées.

So grab your tongs, preheat the grill, and get ready to impress your family and friends with these three Italian sausage grilling ideas.

Recipe #1: Classic Sausage and Peppers Sandwich

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 Durazzo’s Italian sausages (sweet or spicy)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 Italian sandwich rolls or hoagie buns
• Optional: provolone cheese or giardiniera

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Grill: Heat to medium-high.
2. Grill the Sausage: Place sausages on the grill and cook for about 15–20 minutes, turning every few minutes, until browned and cooked through (internal temp of 160°F).
3. Sauté the Peppers and Onions: While the sausage grills, toss sliced peppers and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Use a grill pan or foil packet to cook over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and slightly charred.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches: Place grilled sausage in the rolls, top with sautéed peppers and onions, and add a slice of provolone if desired.
5. Serve: Wrap in foil for a picnic or serve immediately with a cold drink.

Why It Works:

This recipe is a cookout classic—simple, satisfying, and endlessly crowd-pleasing. The sweetness of the peppers complements the savory, spiced sausage, while the crusty roll brings it all together.

Recipe #2: Italian Sausage & Vegetable Skewers

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 Durazzo’s Italian sausages, pre-cooked and sliced into chunks
• 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt, pepper, dried oregano
• Optional: fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Par-cook the Sausage: Grill or pan-cook sausages until mostly cooked through, then slice into thick chunks.
2. Assemble Skewers: Thread sausage pieces and vegetables alternately on skewers. Brush lightly with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
3. Grill: Place skewers on a medium-hot grill. Cook for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until veggies are charred and sausage is fully cooked.
4. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve over couscous, rice, or grilled flatbread.

Why It Works:

Skewers are a fun and colorful way to grill, perfect for family meals or backyard parties. This recipe brings together seasonal produce and hearty sausage in a balanced, healthy dish that’s full of Italian flair.

Recipe #3: Grilled Sausage with Balsamic Glazed Onions and Polenta

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 Durazzo’s Italian sausages
• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tube of prepared polenta (or make your own), sliced into ½-inch rounds
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Grill the Sausages: Cook sausages over medium heat for 15–20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
2. Make the Glazed Onions: In a pan over medium heat, cook onions with a bit of olive oil until soft (about 10 minutes). Add balsamic vinegar and sugar, cook another 5 minutes until caramelized.
3. Grill the Polenta: Brush polenta slices with olive oil and grill 3–4 minutes per side until golden with grill marks.
4. Serve: Plate sausage over grilled polenta, top with balsamic onions.

Why It Works:

This dish is an elevated take on grilled sausage—perfect for date night or entertaining guests. The combination of sweet onions, smoky polenta, and rich sausage creates a beautiful, balanced plate.

Sausage Grilling Tips from Durazzo’s

• Don’t poke the sausage! Let the casing stay intact to keep in the juices.
• Indirect heat is your friend. Start sausages on indirect heat to cook through, then finish with a quick sear over direct heat.
• Use a meat thermometer. Aim for 160°F internal temp for pork sausage.
• Rest before serving. Let sausages sit for 5 minutes off the grill to redistribute juices.

Pair It with Durazzo’s Favorites

To complete your Italian-style grilling feast, don’t forget to stop by Durazzo’s Deli for:

• Fresh Italian rolls for sandwiches
• Marinated vegetables and antipasti for sides
• Imported Italian wines and craft sodas
• Our signature house-made sauces for dipping or drizzling

Final Thoughts

Summer is about more than sunshine and good weather—it’s about bringing people together. And there’s no better way to gather than around a grill, sharing food that’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for family or feeding a crowd, Durazzo’s house-made Italian sausage brings that unmistakable taste of tradition to your table. Try it grilled three ways this season—and stop by the deli to pick up everything you need for a delicious Italian cookout.