Homemade Grilled Kielbasa Sausage (Printable)

Juicy homemade kielbasa, grilled for a smoky finish. Features rich pork, aromatic seasonings, and traditional Polish style.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 2 pounds pork shoulder, coarsely ground
02 - 3.5 ounces pork fatback, finely diced

→ Spices & Seasonings

03 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 2 teaspoons kosher salt
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons dried marjoram
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon sugar
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

→ Binders and Moisture

10 - 1/4 cup ice-cold water

→ Casing

11 - 6 to 7 feet natural hog casings, soaked and rinsed

# Directions:

01 - Place ground pork shoulder, pork fatback, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, marjoram, smoked paprika, sugar, and allspice into a large mixing bowl. Add ice-cold water. Mix thoroughly by hand or using a sturdy spoon until the mixture is sticky and well combined.
02 - Fill the prepared hog casings with sausage mixture using a sausage stuffer or piping attachment. Form links 6 to 8 inches long, twisting between each link. Avoid overfilling to prevent bursting.
03 - Prick any visible air pockets in the sausages with a sterilized needle. Arrange sausages on a wire rack and refrigerate uncovered for at least 2 hours to allow air-drying and flavor development.
04 - Preheat grill to medium heat, approximately 350°F. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
05 - Arrange kielbasa over indirect heat on the grill. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, turning occasionally, until sausages are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
06 - If desired, transfer sausages to direct heat for 1 to 2 minutes to crisp the casings. Remove from grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This kielbasa is packed with bold seasoning and a smoky bite you just can’t get from anything store-bought.
  • Once you taste how juicy and flavorful homemade sausage can be, grilling nights will never be the same.
02 -
  • The first time I rushed stuffing the casings, they burst on the grill and I lost half my batch — take your time and leave room for expansion.
  • Letting the stuffed sausages dry uncovered in the fridge seemed odd at first, but it made all the difference for a snappy, grill-ready skin.
03 -
  • Cold ingredients are key — chill your meat, fat, and tools before you even start the prep.
  • Adding a little extra marjoram beyond the recipe is my personal touch and draws out the old-school kielbasa aroma.
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