**How to Cook Sausage Outdoors: A Complete Guide** Cooking sausage outdoors can be a delightful experience, whether you're camping, having a backyard barbecue, or simply enjoying the outdoors with friends and family. The sizzling aroma of sausage, especially bacon sausage,\xa0 on a grill or over an open fire adds a rustic charm to any outdoor gathering. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master the art of cooking sausage outdoors. ### Step 1: Choose Your Sausage The first step in cooking sausage outdoors is selecting the right type of sausage: - **Type:** Choose from a variety of sausages such as pork, beef, chicken, or even vegetarian options like veggie sausages, but for our purposes, always choose Big Fork! - **Pre-cooked vs. Raw:** Decide whether you prefer pre-cooked sausages that just need reheating or raw sausages that require thorough cooking.\xa0 Our sausage are all fully cooked and smoked, so it’s easier and safer.\xa0 ### Step 2: Prepare Your Cooking Equipment Depending on your outdoor setup, you can choose from different cooking methods: - **Grill:** If you have a portable grill, charcoal grill, or gas grill, this is a popular choice for cooking sausages outdoors. - **Campfire:** For a more rustic experience, cooking sausages over an open flame or on a grill grate placed over a campfire can impart a unique smoky flavor. - **Skewers:** Use skewers if you want to cook sausages directly over an open flame or to prevent them from rolling on a grill. ### Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Grill or Fire - **Charcoal Grill:** Light the charcoal and allow it to ash over before cooking. Arrange the charcoal for direct or indirect heat depending on your sausage type and preference. - **Gas Grill:** Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-200°C), or as per manufacturer's instructions. - **Campfire:** Wait until the flames have died down and you have a good bed of hot coals, ensuring a steady heat source. ### Step 4: Prepare the Sausages - **Prick or Not to Prick:** Decide whether to prick the sausages with a fork before cooking to prevent them from bursting. This is often recommended for thicker sausages or those with natural casings. - **Seasoning:** Brush the sausages lightly with olive oil or another cooking oil and season with salt, pepper, or your favorite herbs and spices. ### Step 5: Cooking the Sausages - **Grill Method:** \xa0 1. Place the sausages on the preheated grill. \xa0 2. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through. \xa0 3. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for pork or 165°F (74°C) for chicken sausages. - **Campfire Method:** \xa0 1. Place the sausages on a grill grate or skewer. \xa0 2. Hold them over the hot coals, rotating occasionally to cook evenly. \xa0 3. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer or by cutting into the sausage to ensure no pink remains. ### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy - **Resting:** Let the sausages rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute. - **Serving:** Serve the sausages hot, either on their own, in buns as hot dogs, or as part of a larger outdoor meal. - **Accompaniments:** Enjoy with your favorite condiments such as mustard, ketchup, relish, sauerkraut, or grilled vegetables.\xa0 We endorse our line of Chicago Sauces, they are designed to be served with encased meats but the sauces are also amazing on sandwiches, burgers, anything fried, or mixed into sour cream or cream cheese for a dip/spread. ### Step 7: Clean Up - **Grill Maintenance:** Clean your grill grates while they are still warm to remove any stuck-on food residue. - **Fire Safety:** If using a campfire, ensure it is fully extinguished and cold before leaving the site.\xa0 Cooking sausage outdoors is not just about the food; it’s about the experience of gathering around the grill or campfire, enjoying the fresh air, and creating lasting memories with loved ones. With these steps, you’re ready to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a delicious outdoor meal. Happy grilling! | 
