Memphis-Style Cheese & Sausage Plate

This Memphis-Style Cheese & Sausage Plate is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for any gathering. Featuring smoky grilled smoked sausage, tangy BBQ sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and a variety of cheeses, pickles, and pepperoncinis, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for game days, parties, or casual meals. The combination of savory sausage, sharp cheeses, and zesty flavors makes this grazing board a must-try for any BBQ lover. Serve it with crackers for a complete snack or appetizer.

Ingredients:

For the Smoked Sausage:

• 1 pound smoked sausage (pork preferred, but turkey works too)
• BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade, plus extra for serving)
• Ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 12-16 ounces cubed cheese (see Notes)
• Dill pickle spears
• Whole pepperoncinis
• Crackers
• BBQ dry rub (store-bought or homemade, to taste)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Smoked Sausage:
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, between 375°F and 400°F.
   • Place the smoked sausage directly on the grill. Brush the sausage generously with BBQ sauce, turning it over to coat the other side. Continue basting and turning the sausage every 2 to 3 minutes for about 10 minutes until the casing splits or just before it does.
   • Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the grill and slice it into 1-inch thick pieces.
2. Assemble the Grazing Board:
   • On a large grazing board or platter, arrange small ramekins or bowls of BBQ sauce and ranch dressing.
   • Surround the bowls with the grilled sausage slices, cubed cheese, dill pickle spears, pepperoncinis, and crackers.
   • Sprinkle BBQ dry rub over the sausage, cheese, pickles, and pepperoncinis for added flavor.
3. Serve:
   • Once the board is arranged to your liking, serve immediately and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Memphis-Style Cheese & Sausage Plate is a perfect combination of smoky sausage, tangy pickles, creamy cheese, and zesty BBQ sauce. It’s an easy-to-assemble dish that’s full of bold flavors and makes for an excellent appetizer or grazing board for gatherings. With minimal prep and tons of flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with a cold drink.

Tips

• Grilling Tip: For the best flavor, use a medium-high heat to grill the sausage, ensuring that the casing gets crispy while keeping the inside juicy.
• Flavor Boost: If you love extra spice, consider adding a few jalapeño slices to the platter for a little heat.
• Cheese Options: Go for a variety of cheese textures and flavors like sharp cheddar, gouda, or smoked mozzarella to complement the sausage and BBQ sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

• Sausage Variety: If you prefer turkey sausage, it works well in this recipe, offering a leaner alternative while still maintaining a smoky flavor.
• Cheese Choices: You can switch up the cheese based on personal preferences—try soft cheeses like brie or harder cheeses like parmesan for different textures.
• Sauces: Swap out BBQ sauce for mustard-based sauce or hot sauce for a spicier alternative. For a creamy option, ranch can be replaced with a blue cheese dressing.

FAQs

Can I prepare this plate ahead of time?
Yes, you can slice the sausage and prepare the cheese, pickles, and pepperoncinis ahead of time. Just assemble the board shortly before serving for the freshest presentation.

What other sides can I add to the grazing board?
Add some fresh fruit like grapes or apple slices for a sweet contrast, or include nuts and olives for extra variety.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
While pre-cooked sausage can be used, grilling adds a layer of smoky flavor and a crispy texture to the sausage that really elevates the dish.

Serving and Suggestions

This Memphis-Style Cheese & Sausage Plate is ideal for entertaining—perfect for parties, game days, or casual get-togethers. Serve with chilled drinks like beer, iced tea, or a light white wine. You can also pair it with potato chips, slaw, or cornbread for a more substantial meal. Whether you’re grazing or sharing, this plate is a fun and flavorful addition to any gathering!