Can I make this recipe without a smoker?

Absolutely! While you'll miss some of the smoky depth, you can still achieve great results by starting the kielbasa in a 275°F oven for about 45 minutes before finishing on the grill with the BBQ sauce. Alternatively, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to your BBQ sauce mixture for a hint of that smoky flavor.

What's the best way to know when the kielbasa is done?

Since kielbasa comes fully cooked, you're really just heating it through and adding flavor. Look for splitting in the casing and a nice brown color during the smoking phase. When grilling, you're aiming for caramelization of the BBQ sauce and a desired level of char – anywhere from golden brown to darker char marks, depending on your preference.

Can I use turkey or chicken kielbasa for a lighter option?

Definitely! Poultry-based kielbasa works wonderfully with this method, though you'll want to be even more vigilant during grilling as they tend to dry out faster. Consider reducing the initial smoking time to 45 minutes and watch carefully during the grilling phase.

My BBQ sauce burns quickly on the grill. What am I doing wrong?

If your sauce is burning rather than caramelizing, your grill is likely too hot. Lower the temperature and move the kielbasa to a cooler part of the grill. Also, make sure you're turning the pieces frequently, and consider adding a bit more water to your BBQ sauce mixture to prevent it from setting too quickly.

Smoked Kielbasa Recipe

Description

Smoked Kielbasa is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines the rich, smoky essence of kielbasa with a tangy sweet BBQ glaze. With just a few ingredients and steps, this recipe is perfect for a quick snack, party appetizer, or even a hearty main dish. The added smoky and grilled char elevates the flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients:

14 ounces kielbasa
1/2 cup sweet BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon water

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Instructions

Prepare the Smoker:
Preheat your smoker to the smoke setting. This will create the low and slow heat needed to infuse the kielbasa with a rich, smoky flavor.
Smoke the Kielbasa:
Place the kielbasa directly onto the smoker rack. Let it smoke for about 1 hour to absorb the flavors.
Increase the Heat:
Turn the heat of the smoker up to 300°F. Continue to cook the kielbasa for an additional 30–40 minutes. You’ll notice the sausage turning golden-brown and splitting slightly in some areas. Be cautious to ensure it doesn’t burn or turn black.
Prepare for Grilling:
Preheat your grill (charcoal or gas) to medium heat. While the grill is heating, cut the smoked kielbasa into 3–4 inch pieces and place them into a large mixing bowl.
Coat with Sauce:
Mix the BBQ sauce and water in a small bowl. Pour the mixture over the kielbasa pieces and toss until they’re fully coated with the sauce.
Grill the Kielbasa:
Using the heated grill, place the coated kielbasa pieces on the grates. Turn them frequently to prevent burning while achieving an ideal char. Brush the pieces with the remaining BBQ sauce as you grill. Cook for about 10–15 minutes or until the desired level of char is achieved.
Serve:
Remove from the grill and serve immediately while still hot. Enjoy the smoky, tangy, and slightly charred flavors!

Notes

This recipe can easily be doubled without altering the method or cooking time.
For a spicy twist, consider adding a spicy BBQ sauce or mixing in cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
While this recipe is specifically designed for kielbasa, you can experiment with other sausages, but results may vary.
If your BBQ sauce is thin, you can skip adding water to the mixture.
This smoked kielbasa can be stored in the freezer. For freezing instructions, ensure you wrap them tightly and store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 940
Fat: 26
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 11 g
Cholesterol: 57