BLACKSTONE GRILLED KIELBASA ULTIMATE RECIPE

Imagine the smoky char of perfectly grilled sausage, the juicy snap of the casing, and the savory, garlicky flavor exploding in your mouth – that’s what awaits you with this Blackstone Grilled Kielbasa recipe. Tired of boring dinners? Fire up your Blackstone and get ready to transform ordinary kielbasa into a culinary masterpiece that’s ready in minutes – I promise, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients

What You’ll Need:

• Kielbasa: 1-2 pounds, your favorite variety (I love Polish or smoked)
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (for prepping the griddle)
• Optional Toppings:
  • Sauerkraut
  • Onions (sliced)
  • Peppers (sliced – bell peppers or hot peppers)
  • Mustard (yellow, brown, or spicy)
  • Relish
  • Your favorite BBQ sauce
  • Pickles
  • Jalapenos
• Optional Buns: Hot dog or hoagie buns for serving

Essential Tools for Griddle Domination

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Having the right tools can make or break your Blackstone grilling experience.

• Blackstone Griddle: Obviously! Make sure it’s clean and seasoned.
• Spatula: A wide, flat spatula is your best friend for flipping and moving the kielbasa and toppings.
• Tongs: For grabbing and arranging toppings.
• Oil Dispenser: For controlled oil application.
• Paper Towels: For quick cleanups.
• Thermometer (Optional): If you want to be absolutely sure your kielbasa is heated through (160°F internal temperature is recommended).

Prepping Your Blackstone and Your Kielbasa

Preparation is key to a successful Blackstone grilling session! This step sets you up for juicy, flavorful kielbasa.

• Clean Your Griddle: Scrape off any debris with your spatula and wipe it down with a paper towel. A clean griddle ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
• Preheat: Turn your Blackstone to medium heat. You want the surface hot enough to sear the kielbasa but not so hot that it burns. About 350-400°F is ideal.
• Lightly Oil: Drizzle about a tablespoon of olive oil onto the griddle surface and spread it evenly with your spatula. This creates a non-stick surface.
• Kielbasa Prep (Optional): You can leave the kielbasa whole, slice it in half lengthwise, or cut it into smaller pieces. Slicing it in half lengthwise allows for more surface area to get that delicious grill char. Scoring the kielbasa (making shallow cuts along the surface) can also help prevent it from bursting during cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Blackstone Grilled Kielbasa Perfection

Let’s Get Grilling!

1. Place the Kielbasa: Carefully place the kielbasa onto the preheated, oiled griddle. Make sure there’s enough space between each piece for even cooking.
2. Grill the Kielbasa: Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the kielbasa is nicely browned and has grill marks. Use your spatula to flip the kielbasa occasionally to ensure even cooking on all sides. You’re looking for that beautiful caramelized color.
3. Add Toppings (Optional): If you’re using toppings like onions and peppers, add them to the griddle alongside the kielbasa during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking. Stir them occasionally to prevent burning. A little browning is good – it adds flavor! If you’re feeling like a really quick meal, remember you can always try Sheet Pan Sausage Perfection!
4. Warm the Buns (Optional): If you’re serving the kielbasa in buns, you can lightly toast the buns on the griddle during the last minute or two of cooking. Just be careful not to burn them!
5. Serve and Enjoy!: Remove the kielbasa and toppings from the griddle. Serve the kielbasa in buns with your favorite toppings, or slice it up and serve it as part of a larger meal.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Blackstone Grilled Kielbasa

Want to take your Blackstone grilling game to the next level? Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Griddle: Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the griddle and result in uneven cooking. Work in batches if necessary.
• Control the Heat: If the kielbasa is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. You want to cook it through without burning the outside.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re unsure whether the kielbasa is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and sauces. Try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
• Griddle Seasoning is Key: A well-seasoned Blackstone griddle is essential for preventing sticking and achieving that perfect sear. After each use, clean your griddle and apply a thin layer of oil.

Kielbasa Variations and Serving Suggestions

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Here are some ideas to spark your culinary creativity:

• Kielbasa and Pierogies: Grill the kielbasa alongside pierogies for a classic Polish-inspired meal.
• Kielbasa Kabobs: Cut the kielbasa into chunks and thread it onto skewers with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
• Kielbasa Hash: Dice the grilled kielbasa and add it to a hash with potatoes, onions, and peppers.
• Kielbasa with Spicy Rice: Serve your grilled Kielbasa on top of Spicy Sausage Black Bean Rice for an added kick.
• Kielbasa and Sauerkraut: A simple yet satisfying combination. Serve the grilled kielbasa with a generous helping of sauerkraut and a dollop of mustard.
• Kielbasa Pasta: Slice the grilled kielbasa and add it to your favorite pasta dish. It pairs well with tomato sauce, cream sauce, or pesto. You may even consider adding this Kielbasa to the Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe!
• Kielbasa with Potatoes: Much like with the pasta, kielbasa makes a great addition to your potatos. You can use a recipe like Ranchy Sausage Potato Perfection!
• Kielbasa Salad: You can even chop up your Kielbasa and add it to a salad such as the Fresh & Zesty Tortellini Pasta Salad.
• Kielbasa Stromboli: If you’re looking for a filling bread, you can consider adding kielbasa to Homemade Stromboli Recipe!

Troubleshooting Common Grilling Issues

Even the most experienced grillers encounter occasional hiccups. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common problems:

• Kielbasa is sticking to the griddle: Make sure your griddle is properly seasoned and oiled. You may also need to increase the heat slightly.
• Kielbasa is burning on the outside but still raw inside: Reduce the heat and cook the kielbasa for a longer period of time. You can also try scoring the kielbasa to help it cook more evenly.
• Toppings are burning before the kielbasa is cooked: Add the toppings later in the cooking process, or move them to a cooler part of the griddle.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Blackstone Griddle

Proper cleaning and maintenance will extend the life of your Blackstone griddle and ensure optimal performance.

• After Each Use: Scrape off any food debris with your spatula while the griddle is still warm. Then, pour a small amount of water onto the griddle and use your spatula to scrub it clean. Wipe dry with a paper towel and apply a thin layer of oil.
• Deep Cleaning (Occasionally): If your griddle is heavily soiled, you may need to perform a deep cleaning. Use a griddle cleaner and a scouring pad to remove stubborn residue. Be sure to re-season the griddle after deep cleaning.
• Protect Your Griddle: When not in use, cover your Blackstone griddle with a lid or a grill cover to protect it from the elements.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Blackstone Grilled Kielbasa!

Blackstone Grilled Kielbasa is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the sizzle of the sausage, the aroma of grilled onions, and the satisfaction of creating a delicious meal outdoors. So fire up your Blackstone, gather your favorite toppings, and get ready to enjoy the best kielbasa you’ve ever tasted!