Last Updated on August 26, 2024 by Carne Diem
Protein: 
Method: Grill
Grilled German Knockwurst, AKA Knackwurst, are one of our favorite German sausage varieties. Typically made with pork, beef and garlic, these northern German sausages are perfect for throwing on a hot grill and make for an easy and delicious Oktoberfest food. We serve these grilled knockwurst sausages with seasoned and butter braised onions for a meal that will knock your Lederhosen off.
The humble hot dog holds a special place in our hearts (and stomachs) – but for the adventurous griller, there’s a whole world of sausages waiting to be explored. Enter the knockwurst, a German sausage with a rich history and a delectable taste that will tantalize even the most discerning palates.
I have been fortunate enough to travel to Germany several times and have tried a variety of old-world sausages during our travels. The simple but delicious Knockwurst remains one of my favorites. While the German sausage can be enjoyed on a bun, like a hot dog, our favorite versions were served grilled and sliced with seasoned and cooked onions.
Knockwurst vs. Hot Dog: A World of Difference
While knockwurst might appear similar to a hot dog at first glance, this thick sausage boasts a unique flavor profile. Unlike hot dogs, which are typically made with a blend of meats, knockwurst is traditionally crafted with veal or pork, sometimes even featuring a touch of wild boar and garlic for an extra-savory depth. These German sausages also typically have a crispier casing, giving them that satisfying snap when you bite into them.
Grilling Up Knockwurst
The beauty of knockwurst lies in its versatility. It can be enjoyed in various ways, but today, we’re focusing on the timeless technique of grilling. Here’s how to elevate your next cookout with this old-world sausage. We serve these grilled German sausages with beer braised onions, which makes for the perfect recipe for Oktoberfest or a quick and easy summer meal.
Find all of the best recipes for Oktoberfest right here.
What You’ll Need to Make Grilled Knockwursts
Knockwurst sausages: (choose high-quality brands for the best flavor). We have had good luck with Knackwurst from Wild Fork.
Making the Seasoned Onions
To make the seasoned onions you will just need an onion, thinly sliced, and an assortment of spices and seasonings. White or yellow onions work well in the recipe. We seasoned the German style onions with paprika, mustard powder, caraway seed, Juniper berries, salt, and marjoram. You will also need some butter to help braise the onions.
Place the sliced onions on top of a medium sheet of foil, then top with the pats of butter and the seasoning mix. Wrap the seasoned onions up tight and they are ready to hit the grill along with the knockwurst sausages.
Grilling the German Sausages
Heat Up the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or about 350-400 degrees. Let the grill preheat for about 10-15 minutes with the lid closed. The German sausages can be made on a charcoal grill, gas grill, of wood-fired grill.
The Sear: Place the knockwurst sausage and foil packet of onions on the preheated grill and cook, flipping about every 4-5 minutes. Continue to cook until browned and cooked through. If desired, you can also increase the heat to high for the last minute of cooking to achieve a nice char. Knockwurst sausages are precooked so they really just need to be warmed through, but we find them the most delicious when cooked to an internal temperature of 140-150 degrees.
Assemble and Enjoy! Once the knockwurst is cooked through, remove it from the grill and top with the seasoned onions. Serve with a stein of beer and your favorite German side dishes like potato salad, German Kasespätzle with Bacon, or Bavarian pretzels and beer cheese.
What to do with leftover German sausages
Leftover grilled knockwurst should be stored in the refrigerator, where you can enjoy them for the next 2-3 days. Leftovers go great in a number of dishes. Here are a few ideas for inspiration.
Hearty Soup: Add sliced knockwurst to your favorite potato soup or lentil soup for a protein boost.
Savory Skillet: Sauté sliced knockwurst with peppers, onions, and your favorite spices for a quick and easy skillet dinner.
Pizza: Make a German inspired pizza with grilled Knockwurst, sauerkraut, and Munster cheese.
So, ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary! With its rich flavor and grilling versatility, knockwurst is sure to become a new favorite for you and your family.
Looking for more great sausage and encased meats recipes then be sure to try more of our great recipes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Knockwursts are typically precooked so they just need to be heated through to your desired serving temperature.
While both knockwurst and bratwurst are sausages, they have some key differences. Knockwurst is generally shorter, thicker, and has a more pronounced casing snap. Bratwurst, on the other hand, is often longer, thinner, and has a softer casing.
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📖 Recipe
Grilled German Knockwurst with Seasoned Onions
German Knockwurst sausages are grilled to crispy perfection and served with butter braised, seasoned onions. They are a quick and easy German recipe just in time for Oktoberfest.
Ingredients
Seasoned Onions
- 1 Yellow Onion thinly sliced
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- ¼ teaspoon Caraway Seeds
- ¼ teaspoon Paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Mustard Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Juniper Berries
- ¼ teaspoon Marjoram
Instructions
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Preheat your grill to medium heat, or about 350-400 degrees.
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Place the thinly sliced onion on a sheet of foil and top with the spices and seasoning and the butter. Wrap up tightly in the foil.
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Grill the knockwurst to desired doneness, flipping about every 3-5 minutes. Cook the foil packet onions for about 10-15 minutes over direct heat, until softened.
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Serve the grilled sausages with the seasoned onions. The grilled knockwurst can be served whole or sliced.
Nutrition
Calories: 284kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 8gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 861mgPotassium: 188mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 186IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 1mg
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