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Memphis Style Cheese Sausage Plate

Memphis Style Cheese Sausage Plate

Let me take you on a flavorful journey that starts in Memphis and ends at your dinner table. The Memphis Style Cheese Sausage Plate is not just a dish; it’s an experience. Growing up in a food-loving family, I spent countless summer afternoons assembling plates of delicious goodies. 
Among those standout treats was the cheesed sausage plate, combining the smoky richness of sausage with the creamy goodness of cheese. So, strip away any notions of mundane meals! This plate is about to add some zest to your life.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 11-2 cups of your favorite bold BBQ sauce smoky or sweet
  • 1 tablespoon honey for a touch of sweetness
  • 1-2 teaspoons all-purpose dry rub seasoning blend optional but recommended
  • 2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeños for a slight kick
  • Links of high-quality smoked sausage kielbasa or another favorite, sliced
  • Cheddar cheese extra sharp white cheddar is highly recommended

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
  1. First, I always start by choosing quality sausage. This is key! Slice your smoked sausage into ½-inch pieces. Since I love my flavors bold, I go for a traditional kielbasa that pairs perfectly with the cheese. Next, preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat; this will give the sausage a nice char.
Step 2: Grill the Sausage
  1. Once preheated, add the sausage slices in a single layer on the grill. Allow them to cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until a golden-brown hue appears. The sizzling sound always brings a smile to my face—it’s like music!
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
  1. While the sausage is cooking, take a bowl and mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, and dry rub seasoning (if using). Stir it well. The honey will balance any bitterness from the BBQ sauce and make it pop!
Step 4: Combine Sausage and Sauce
  1. When your sausage is grilled to perfection, pour the sauce mix over the top. Make sure every piece is well-coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Serve with Cheese
  1. Transfer the sauced sausage onto a serving platter and top with generous slices of cheddar cheese. I let the cheese melt slightly from the warmth of the sausage. This creates a lovely blend of textures and flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy!
  1. Finally, sprinkle your finely diced jalapeños on top. This adds a splash of color and spice. Now it’s time to dig in! Whether you’re munching on this alone or serving it to friends, the compliments are sure to pour in.

Notes

Here are some valuable nuggets of advice that I’ve discovered along the way:
  • Choose Quality Ingredients: The flavor hinges on the quality of your sausage and cheese. Don’t skimp here.
  • Customize Your BBQ Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different sauces. A sweet sauce complements the flavors nicely but a spicy version adds a delightful kick!
  • Jalapeño Alternatives: Not everyone loves heat. Substitute with finely chopped bell peppers for a sweeter crunch.
  • Make Ahead: This dish is easily prepped in advance. Just store the components separately and combine before serving.
Presentation Counts: Use a nice platter. Garnishing with fresh herbs, like parsley, can elevate the visual appeal.