Smoked Hot Link Sausage with Charred Onions and Jalapeño Relish

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Spicy smoked hot link sausages paired with sweet charred onions and a fresh jalapeño relish for a bold and balanced barbecue bite. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 75 minutes pairs olive oil, seeded and finely chopped jalapeños, finely diced red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, 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: 60 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill or smoker to 275°F. Place 6 smoked hot link sausages on the grill and smoke for 45 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through and smoky.
  2. Step 2: While sausages smoke, toss 2 large sliced yellow onions with 2 tbsp olive oil. Place onions in a cast iron skillet or on a grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until onions are deeply browned and charred on the edges.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine 3 finely chopped seeded jalapeños, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tsp granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir well to make a bright, tangy jalapeño relish.
  4. Step 4: Toast 6 hamburger buns lightly on the grill. Place one smoked hot link sausage in each bun, top with a generous spoonful of charred onions and a dollop of jalapeño relish for a spicy, smoky sandwich.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Hot Link Sausage with Charred Onions and Jalapeño Relish take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 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 Smoked Hot Link Sausage with Charred Onions and Jalapeño Relish?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Hot Link Sausage with Charred Onions and Jalapeño Relish?

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 Smoked Hot Link Sausage with Charred Onions and Jalapeño Relish for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Smoked Hot Link Sausage with Charred Onions and Jalapeño Relish?

American bbq & smoked 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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