A classic Aussie favorite, the sausage sizzle is a simple yet delicious street-style meal that brings people together. Featuring grilled sausages served in a soft bun or white sandwich bread, topped with caramelized onions and barbecue sauce, this iconic dish is perfect for backyard barbecues, community events, or a quick family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal ingredients.
- Authentic Australian street food – A staple at fundraisers, hardware stores, and backyard barbecues.
- Customizable – Try different sausages, toppings, or condiments.
- Perfect for gatherings – A crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare in large batches.
- Great balance of flavors – Smoky grilled sausage, sweet caramelized onions, and tangy barbecue sauce.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 6 beef or pork sausages
- 6 hot dog buns or white sandwich bread
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the grill: Heat a barbecue or grill over medium heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the sausages: Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and cooked through.
- Caramelize the onions: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toast the bread: Lightly toast the hot dog buns or sandwich bread on the grill for 1-2 minutes until warm and slightly crispy.
- Assemble the sausage sizzle: Place a grilled sausage in each bun, top with caramelized onions, and drizzle with barbecue sauce.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Classic Tomato Sauce Version: Swap barbecue sauce for traditional tomato sauce (ketchup).
- Cheesy Twist: Add a slice of cheddar or melted cheese on top of the sausage.
- Spicy Kick: Drizzle with hot sauce or add sliced jalapeños.
- Gourmet Style: Use artisan sausages, toasted brioche buns, and Dijon mustard for a fancier version.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace sausages with plant-based alternatives.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover sausages in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm sausages in a pan over medium heat for 5 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds before serving.
- Freezing: Cooked sausages can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I cook the sausages in a pan instead of a grill?
Yes! Cook them in a skillet over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
2. What’s the best type of sausage for a sausage sizzle?
Beef or pork sausages are the most traditional, but chicken or plant-based sausages work well too.
3. Can I use different bread?
Absolutely! While white sandwich bread is the classic choice, you can use brioche buns, hot dog rolls, or sourdough.
4. How do I prevent the sausages from burning?
Cook them over medium heat and turn them frequently to ensure even cooking.
5. What condiments go well with a sausage sizzle?
Barbecue sauce, tomato sauce (ketchup), mustard, and even aioli are great choices.
6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free sausages and gluten-free bread or buns.
7. How do I caramelize onions faster?
Adding a teaspoon of sugar or balsamic vinegar can speed up the caramelization process.
8. Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes! It’s a kid-friendly meal, and you can adjust toppings to suit their taste.
9. Can I make this for a large crowd?
Definitely! Grill multiple sausages at once and set up a toppings station for easy serving.
10. What sides go well with a sausage sizzle?
Serve with potato salad, coleslaw, chips, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
The Australian Sausage Sizzle is a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just craving a quick, comforting meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, it’s the ultimate no-fuss meal that brings people together. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Australia!
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PrintAustralian Sausage Sizzle
A classic Aussie favorite, the sausage sizzle is a simple yet delicious street-style meal featuring grilled sausages in a soft bun, topped with caramelized onions and barbecue sauce. Perfect for backyard barbecues, fundraisers, or a quick family dinner!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Australian
Ingredients
- 6 beef or pork sausages
- 6 hot dog buns or white sandwich bread
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Heat a barbecue or grill over medium heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Cook the sausages: Grill the sausages for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and cooked through.
- Caramelize the onions: In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toast the bread: Lightly toast the hot dog buns or sandwich bread on the grill for 1-2 minutes until warm and slightly crispy.
- Assemble: Place a sausage in each bun, top with caramelized onions, and drizzle with barbecue sauce.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap barbecue sauce for tomato sauce (ketchup) or mustard for a different flavor.
- Use chicken or plant-based sausages for a lighter option.
- For an authentic Aussie touch, serve with a side of crispy chips or a simple salad.
- No buns? No problem—traditional sausage sizzles are often served in folded white sandwich bread!