Summer Sausage with Apple-Cabbage Slaw

If you're looking to upgrade your classic sausage-in-a-bun experience, this is it. These Italian sausages in buns are piled high with a crunchy, tangy apple-cabbage slaw and finished with a silky, mustard aioli that ties everything together with creamy heat and brightness.

This recipe blends backyard cookout vibes with elevated flavor — the slaw adds crunch and sweetness, the aioli adds depth, and the juicy sausages bring it all home. Serve these at your next barbecue, game day gathering, or weeknight dinner when you want bold flavors and minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

A fresh, gourmet twist on a cookout classic

1. Sweet and tangy slaw adds brightness and crunch

2. Mustard aioli brings bold, creamy flavor

3. Easy to prep ahead and assemble when ready

4. Great for feeding a crowd or casual weekend meals

Final Thoughts:

These Italian Sausages with Apple-Cabbage Slaw and Mustard Aioli are juicy, crunchy, and packed with flavor — the kind of meal that turns simple ingredients into something memorable. Whether you're grilling on the patio or cooking on the stove, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Yield: 4 servings

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Summer Sausage with Apple-Cabbage Slaw

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 12 MinTotal time: 27 Min

If you're looking to upgrade your classic sausage-in-a-bun experience, this is it. These Italian sausages in buns are piled high with a crunchy, tangy apple-cabbage slaw and finished with a silky, mustard aioli that ties everything together with creamy heat and brightness.

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Ingredients

For the Sausages

• 4 Italian sausages (mild or hot, your choice)
• 4 brioche, hoagie, or hot dog buns
• Olive oil, for grilling or pan-searing

For the Apple-Cabbage Slaw

• 1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 crisp apple (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), julienned or thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Mustard Aioli

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp whole grain mustard (optional, for texture)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ garlic clove, finely grated
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, toss together green and red cabbage, apple, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and honey. Season with salt and pepper. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to lightly soften and develop flavor.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard (if using), lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Grill or pan-sear sausages over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through (internal temp should reach 160°F/71°C).
4. Lightly toast the buns on the grill or in a skillet for 1–2 minutes, until golden and warm.
5. Place cooked sausage into each bun. Top with a generous scoop of apple-cabbage slaw and a drizzle (or dollop) of mustard aioli. Garnish with fresh herbs or pickled onions if you like.

Notes

Make it spicy: Use hot Italian sausages or add a dash of sriracha to the aioli

Add cheese: Melt provolone or mozzarella into the bun before adding sausage

No mayo? Greek yogurt works as a lighter aioli base

Make it vegetarian: Sub in grilled plant-based sausages

Nutrition Facts

Calories

701

Sugar

10 g

Protein

21 g

Fat

54 g

Carbs

31 g

Sat. Fat

16 g

Cholesterol

91 mg

Fiber

3 g

Net carbs

29 g

Sodium

1235 mg

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.