Step into the vibrant culinary scene of Memphis, Tennessee, and you’ll quickly discover that barbecue isn’t just food; it’s a way of life. From the smoky aroma drifting through Beale Street to the legendary pitmasters perfecting their craft, Memphis BBQ holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Among the many iconic dishes that define this rich tradition, one appetizer consistently stands out as a true crowd-pleaser: the Memphis Sausage and Cheese Platter. More than just a simple snack, this platter is a quintessential start to any BBQ meal, offering a delightful medley of savory smoked sausage, sharp cheeses, and tangy accompaniments that perfectly embody the spirit of Southern hospitality.
My journeys to Memphis are always marked by a pilgrimage to my favorite BBQ joints, and it simply wouldn’t be a complete experience without indulging in this legendary appetizer. Paired with crispy fried green tomatoes or enjoyed on its own, the Memphis Sausage and Cheese Platter is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most delicious dishes are also the most straightforward. It’s a culinary tradition that perfectly sets the stage for the hearty BBQ feast to come, awakening your palate with its harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Why the Memphis Sausage and Cheese Platter is a Must-Try Appetizer
What makes this humble platter so captivating? Its charm lies in its elegant simplicity and the superb quality of its components. Imagine a rustic charcuterie-style board, but infused with the unmistakable soul of Southern barbecue. It’s built around succulent, smoky BBQ sausage, often paired with generously cubed cheddar and a kick of pepper jack cheese. Complementing these savory stars are crisp dill pickle spears and bright, zesty pepperoncini peppers, all brought together with a side of authentic Memphis BBQ sauce, a dollop of spicy mustard, or even a creamy ranch dressing for dipping. This isn’t just an appetizer; it’s a mini-meal in itself, so satisfying that you might find yourself ordering it as your main course, just like I often do.
This platter isn’t merely a collection of ingredients; it’s an experience. It’s the ideal choice for summer barbecues, tailgate parties, or any gathering where good food and good company are paramount. Its ease of preparation makes it a host’s dream, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests. The combination of smoky, savory, tangy, and subtly spicy elements creates a flavor profile that is both complex and incredibly approachable, ensuring that every bite is a memorable one. It’s an appetizer that tells a story of Southern comfort, casual elegance, and the timeless appeal of great barbecue.
Essential Ingredients for Your Authentic Memphis Platter
The beauty of the Memphis Sausage and Cheese Platter lies in its straightforward ingredient list, where each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Quality is key here, so choose your ingredients with care to truly capture the authentic Memphis taste.
- Smoked Sausage or Polka Kielbasa: The Foundation of Flavor – The heart of this platter is undoubtedly the sausage. Opt for a high-quality, fully cooked smoked sausage or polka kielbasa. The fact that these sausages are already cooked is what makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy. The goal isn’t to cook the sausage through from raw, but rather to heat it gently, infuse it with BBQ sauce, and achieve a beautiful caramelized char on the exterior. This process enhances its inherent smokiness and adds an irresistible texture that contrasts wonderfully with the smooth cheese. Look for a brand known for its robust flavor to ensure your platter truly shines.
- Memphis BBQ Sauce: The Sweet and Tangy Glaze – No Memphis-style dish would be complete without its signature BBQ sauce. Our homemade Memphis BBQ sauce, with its perfect harmony of sweet and tangy notes, is our top recommendation. However, feel free to use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce. The key is to find a sauce that complements the sausage without overpowering it, adding a glossy finish and a depth of flavor that caramelizes beautifully during the cooking process. Whether it’s a vinegar-based, tomato-based, or mustard-based sauce, ensure it has that quintessential Southern zest.
- Premium Cheeses: The Creamy Counterpoint – Traditionally, a Memphis sausage and cheese platter features two main types of cheese: sharp cheddar and a creamy Colby Jack or the slightly spicier pepper jack. Cubing the cheese allows for easy grabbing and ensures a good cheese-to-sausage ratio in every bite. The robust flavor of cheddar stands up well to the smoked sausage, while pepper jack introduces a mild, creamy heat that elevates the overall profile without being too intense. The contrast in color and texture also adds to the visual appeal of the platter.
- Dill Pickles: The Essential Tangy Crunch – Dill pickle spears are an absolute must. Their crisp texture and bright, briny tang cut through the richness of the sausage and cheese, providing a refreshing counterpoint. While spears are ideal for picking up and dipping, pickle slices can also work if you prefer a smaller bite. The tartness of the dill pickle is crucial for balancing the flavors and cleansing the palate.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: A Burst of Zesty Spice – Whole pepperoncini peppers add a delightful, mild heat and a vibrant splash of color to the platter. These pickled peppers offer a subtle tang and a slight brininess that complements the other ingredients beautifully. They are less spicy than jalapeños, making them accessible to a wider range of palates, and their soft texture provides another interesting dimension to the board.
Crafting Your Memphis Sausage and Cheese Platter: A Simple Guide
One of the most appealing aspects of this Memphis classic is how effortlessly it comes together in your own kitchen. Unlike many traditional BBQ recipes that demand hours of slow cooking to achieve tender, juicy perfection (a wait that is absolutely worth it for certain dishes!), this sausage platter is designed for quick enjoyment. All you need to do is prepare the sausage and arrange your accompaniments, and you’re ready to delight your guests. This makes it an ideal appetizer for spontaneous get-togethers or when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
- Preheat Your Preferred Cooking Method: The versatility of the smoked sausage means you have several excellent options for heating and glazing it. Choose the method that best suits your equipment and preference for a slightly crispy, caramelized exterior.
- Grill: For that authentic smoky flavor and perfect char marks, preheat your grill to a steady 400°F (200°C).
- Air Fryer: For a quick and efficient way to get a crisp skin, preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C).
- Oven: A reliable option for even cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Before you begin, ensure your cheese is cubed and your pickles and pepperoncini are ready to go, as the sausage cooking process is relatively fast.
- Baste the Sausage for Maximum Flavor: This step is where the magic happens. Generously coat your smoked sausage with your chosen Memphis BBQ sauce using a pastry brush. Don’t be shy; a good coating will caramelize beautifully. For an extra layer of authentic Memphis flavor, consider sprinkling it with a light dusting of Memphis Dry Rub before basting. This creates a fantastic bark and deeper seasoning.
- Cook to Perfection: Place the basted sausage onto your preheated grill, into the air fryer basket, or on a baking sheet in the oven. Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes. During this time, it’s crucial to baste the sausage with additional BBQ sauce 2-3 times. This layering of sauce helps build that glossy, sticky, and deeply flavorful crust. You’ll know the sausage is perfectly cooked when its skin becomes taut, darkens, and just begins to split, indicating that the flavors are locked in and the exterior has developed a delightful snap.
- Rest and Slice: Once cooked, carefully remove the sausage from the heat source. Allow it to cool for a few minutes until it’s comfortable enough to handle safely. This brief resting period helps the sausage retain its juices. Then, using a sharp knife, slice the sausage into uniform, coin-sized pieces. Aim for slices that are easy to pick up and bite-sized for optimal appetizer enjoyment.
- Assemble and Serve: The final step is all about presentation. Arrange the sliced BBQ sausage artfully on a large platter or wooden board. Surround it with the vibrant pepperoncini peppers, neatly cubed cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, and crisp dill pickle spears. Provide small bowls of extra BBQ sauce, spicy mustard, and optionally, ranch dressing for dipping. This colorful array is not just inviting; it encourages guests to customize each bite to their liking.
For an interactive and fun serving experience, present your BBQ sausage and cheese platter with a handful of toothpicks. This allows guests to easily spear their desired pieces of sausage, cheese, or pickles, dip them in their favorite sauce, and enjoy a perfectly composed bite. To add another layer of texture and flavor, consider offering a side of flaky saltine crackers or buttery Club crackers. Guests can then stack pieces of sausage, cheese, and a pickle on a cracker for a delightful mini-sandwich. It’s a versatile and delicious way to enjoy this Southern classic!
Elevate Your Meal: What to Serve with a Memphis Sausage and Cheese Platter
The Memphis Sausage and Cheese Platter is a versatile appetizer that seamlessly transitions from a casual snack to the star of a larger feast. It’s the perfect starter for a quintessential BBQ spread or a fantastic contribution to any summer potluck. Its robust flavors and easy-to-eat format make it universally loved.
When planning your main course, embrace the rich traditions of Southern BBQ. This platter pairs magnificently with classic dishes that capture the essence of regional American cooking. Consider serving:
- Hearty BBQ Meats:
- St. Louis-style Ribs: Known for their meaty texture and rich flavor, ribs are a perfect match.
- Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork: Tender, shredded pork smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, ideal for sandwiches or BBQ pulled pork sliders.
- BBQ Pulled Chicken: A lighter alternative to pork, equally delicious when served in sandwiches or as BBQ chicken sliders.
- New Orleans BBQ Shrimp: For a taste of the Gulf, these zesty, buttery shrimp offer a delightful seafood option.
- Classic Southern Sides: No BBQ meal is complete without its traditional accompaniments. The tang and richness of the platter harmonize beautifully with:
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory, a staple at any BBQ.
- Creamy Coleslaw: A crisp, cool contrast to the smoky flavors.
- Hush Puppies: Golden, fried cornmeal fritters perfect for soaking up sauces.
- Collard Greens: Braised to perfection, offering a savory, slightly bitter counterpoint.
- Cornbread or Dinner Rolls: Essential for rounding out the meal and scooping up every last bit of flavor.
By pairing your Memphis Sausage and Cheese Platter with these classic dishes, you create a cohesive and deeply satisfying meal that celebrates the best of Southern culinary traditions. It’s more than just food; it’s an experience that brings people together around a table filled with robust flavors and heartfelt cooking.
We genuinely hope you find as much joy and delicious satisfaction in preparing and sharing this iconic Memphis classic as we do. It’s a dish that embodies simplicity, flavor, and the warmth of Southern hospitality.
8
15 minutes
20 minutes
35 minutes
Memphis BBQ Sausage and Cheese Platter
Kat Jeter & Melinda Machado
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Smoked Sausage or Polka Kielbasa
- 4 tablespoons BBQ Sauce + more for dipping
- 8 ounces Cheddar Cheese, cubed
- 8 ounces Pepper Jack Cheese, cubed
- 10 Dill Pickles, spears
- 1 Jar Pepperoncinis
Instructions
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You can cook the sausage any way you want but we suggest one of three ways: Grill – Preheat the grill to 400℉ (200°C), Air Fryer – Preheat to 375 – 400℉ (190-200°C), Oven – Preheat to 400℉ (200°C).
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Use a brush to coat the sausage in your Memphis BBQ sauce. If you want to add a little extra flavor you can also sprinkle it with Memphis Dry Rub.
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Place the sausage on your grill or in your air fryer or oven and cook for 15-20 minutes basting it with BBQ sauce 2-3 times during the cooking process. You will know it is done when the skin is just about ready to split (or as soon as it does split).
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Remove the sausage and let it cool enough to handle before cutting it into slices.
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Place the sausage on a platter surrounded by pepperoncini, cheese, pickles, BBQ sauce, and mustard for dipping.
Appetizer
American
