This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GiveLifeMoreFlavor #CollectiveBias
Chicago Style Italian Smoked Sausage Sliders: Your Ultimate Grilling Companion
As the lazy days of summer slowly begin to fade and the thought of school looms, there’s a unique opportunity to savor those remaining warm evenings. For us, summer is far from over when it comes to firing up the grill! We believe in maximizing every moment outdoors, and that means keeping our grilling recipes plentiful and delicious. These Chicago Style Italian Smoked Sausage Sliders are the perfect embodiment of summer’s joy – quick to prepare, bursting with flavor, and ideal for enjoying with family and friends.
Embracing the Flavors of Summer with Effortless Grilling
Our days are best spent under the sun, whether we’re lounging by the pool or simply enjoying the great outdoors. When hunger inevitably strikes after a day of fun, the last thing we want is to be stuck indoors, waiting for something to bake in the oven. That’s precisely why we turn to the incredible convenience and robust flavor of Eckrich Smoked Sausage. These links are a game-changer for busy households; they go straight from the package to the grill, delivering a mouthwatering meal in mere minutes. Forget complicated recipes that demand hours in the kitchen – with Eckrich, you can have a satisfying and delicious dinner on the table almost instantly, like these fantastic Chicago Style Italian Smoked Sausage Sliders.
The beauty of Eckrich Smoked Sausage lies in its inherent flavor. It’s naturally hardwood smoked, meaning much of the delicious work is already done for you. This makes it an ideal choice for grilling, as the smoke flavor only intensifies, creating a truly irresistible aroma and taste. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting, preparing Eckrich sausage is incredibly straightforward, allowing you to spend less time cooking and more time making memories.
A Culinary Twist: From Classic Chicago Beef to Smoked Sausage Sliders
There’s a special kind of joy in taking a beloved classic and giving it a fresh, personal spin. That’s exactly what we’ve done with these Chicago Style Italian Smoked Sausage Sliders. While they might be a mouthful to say, they are undeniably delicious and incredibly satisfying. Our inspiration stems from the iconic Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich, a staple known for its thinly sliced, juicy beef, often dipped in au jus, and piled high with zesty giardiniera on a crusty roll.
The moment we spotted Eckrich Original Smoked Sausage Links at Meijer, a new vision for a Chicago-inspired sandwich began to form. We envisioned these flavorful sausages on soft slider rolls, layered with smoky provolone cheese and that essential Chicago condiment, giardiniera. And let me tell you, the result exceeded all expectations! This bite-sized version captures the essence of the classic sandwich, but with the added convenience and distinct smoky flavor of Eckrich sausage, making it perfect for parties, appetizers, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Why Eckrich Smoked Sausage is a Timeless Family Favorite
Eckrich products have been a consistent presence in our kitchen for generations. From my parents’ cooking to my own, this brand has always stood for quality and flavor. Their Polska Kielbasa, for instance, is a longtime favorite in our family, bringing smiles to every meal. What truly sets Eckrich apart is its unwavering commitment to quality, the authentic naturally hardwood smoked flavor that permeates every bite, and its reputation as a consistent and trustworthy brand. You know you’re getting a reliable and delicious product every time you choose Eckrich.
Beyond the products themselves, Eckrich also offers a wealth of inspiration. Their website is a fantastic resource, packed with an array of delicious recipes that showcase the versatility of their smoked sausages. From simple weeknight dinners to impressive party dishes, you’ll find plenty of creative ideas to incorporate Eckrich into your meal planning. It’s more than just sausage; it’s a tradition of flavor and convenience that makes cooking enjoyable.
No Chicago-style sandwich would be complete without the distinctive kick of giardiniera. If you’re unfamiliar, giardiniera is a vibrant mix of pickled vegetables – typically celery, carrots, cauliflower, and bell peppers – preserved in oil and vinegar with a medley of spices. It adds a crucial briny, slightly spicy, and tangy counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the sausage and cheese. You can easily purchase giardiniera at most grocery stores; look for “Chicago style” or a smaller dice for the best experience on sliders. Alternatively, you can craft your own if you’re feeling adventurous. Whatever you do, this ingredient is non-negotiable for achieving that authentic Chicago flavor profile. It truly elevates the sliders from good to absolutely phenomenal.
Crafting Your Perfect Smoked Sausage Sliders: A Simple Guide
Making these Chicago Style Italian Smoked Sausage Sliders is wonderfully straightforward, ensuring you spend more time enjoying and less time stressing. The key starts with grilling the Eckrich Original Smoked Sausage Links to perfection. Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, and place the sausages directly on the grates. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are heated through and boast a beautiful, smoky char on all sides. This brief grilling time is enough to bring out their rich, hardwood-smoked flavor and give them a delightful texture.
Once the sausages are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a moment. To prepare them for the slider rolls, slice each link in half horizontally, and then slice each half lengthwise. This innovative cutting method yields four perfectly sized pieces from each original sausage link, ideal for nestling onto smaller slider buns. Next, place a sliced sausage piece onto each slider roll. While the sausage is still warm, immediately top it with a slice of provolone cheese. The residual heat will gently melt the cheese, creating a gooey, irresistible layer. Finish each slider with a generous spoonful of giardiniera, adding that signature Chicago zest. If you like an extra kick, a few sliced banana peppers can be a welcome addition.
These Chicago Style Italian Smoked Sausage Sliders have quickly become our go-to summertime staple, and the best part is, the fun doesn’t have to end with the season! Even when winter blankets the ground with two feet of snow, you can easily prepare these savory sliders indoors. Simply pan-fry or oven-bake your Eckrich Smoked Sausage links until heated through and lightly browned, then assemble as directed. This ensures that the delicious flavor of Chicago is always within reach, no matter the weather outside. They are fantastic as a main course for a casual dinner, or serve them as an impressive, easy-to-eat appetizer worthy of any party or game day gathering.
9 votes
Chicago Style Italian Smoked Sausage Sliders
Cook
Total
Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 12 sliders
These Chicago Style Italian Smoked Sausage Sliders feature delicious Eckrich Smoked Sausage, melted provolone cheese, and zesty giardiniera, all nestled in a soft slider roll. A mouthwatering twist on the classic sandwich, you’ll find this bite-sized version to be incredibly satisfying and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 package Eckrich Original Smoked Sausage Links
- 12 slider rolls
- 12 slices provolone cheese
- 3/4 cup giardiniera (Chicago style or finely diced recommended)
- Sliced banana peppers, optional, for an extra kick
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the Eckrich Original Smoked Sausage Links on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and have a nice char.
- Once cooked, remove the sausage links from the grill. Slice each link in half horizontally, and then slice each half lengthwise. This creates four smaller pieces from each original link, perfect for sliders.
- Carefully place one sliced sausage piece onto each slider roll. Top immediately with a slice of provolone cheese, allowing it to slightly melt from the warmth of the sausage. Finish with a generous spoonful of giardiniera and any optional banana peppers. Serve warm and enjoy!
Courses Dinner, Appetizer, Snack
Why These Sliders Will Be Your New Go-To Recipe
These Chicago Style Italian Smoked Sausage Sliders are nothing short of absolute perfection, largely thanks to the unparalleled quality and flavor of Eckrich Smoked Sausages. The deep, smoky notes of the sausage pair exquisitely with the creamy, slightly sharp provolone cheese and the vibrant, zesty punch of the giardiniera. This combination creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is truly unforgettable.
Whether you’re looking for an effortless weeknight dinner, a quick and satisfying snack, or an impressive appetizer to serve at your next party, these sliders tick all the boxes. They are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a fantastic option for busy hosts who want to spend more time enjoying their guests and less time in the kitchen. Serve them up for your next gathering, and get ready for your guests to beg you for this quick, simple, and incredibly delicious recipe!
Consider pairing these sliders with classic American sides like creamy potato salad, a fresh coleslaw, or grilled corn on the cob for a complete meal. Their versatility also means you can customize them to your liking; try adding grilled onions, different types of cheese like Swiss or cheddar, or even a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce for a unique twist. No matter how you serve them, these Chicago-inspired sliders are guaranteed to be a hit and become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire.
