Grilled Sausage and Jalapeño Skewers with Smoky BBQ Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Spicy jalapeños and smoky sausages threaded on skewers, grilled and brushed with a sweet and smoky barbecue glaze. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs smoked sausage links, fresh jalapeños, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 8 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 8 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. Step 2: Cut 1.5 pounds smoked sausage links into 1-inch pieces and slice 6 fresh jalapeños into 1/2-inch rounds, removing seeds for less heat.
  3. Step 3: Thread sausage pieces and jalapeño slices alternately onto the soaked skewers.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to make a glaze.
  5. Step 5: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  6. Step 6: Place skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, brushing generously with the BBQ glaze each time until edges are slightly charred and glaze is caramelized.
  7. Step 7: Remove skewers from grill and serve immediately for a smoky, spicy appetizer or main.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Sausage and Jalapeño Skewers with Smoky BBQ Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Sausage and Jalapeño Skewers with Smoky BBQ Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep smoked sausage links from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Sausage and Jalapeño Skewers with Smoky BBQ Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Sausage and Jalapeño Skewers with Smoky BBQ Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Sausage and Jalapeño Skewers with Smoky BBQ Glaze?

American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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