Serbian Cevapcici Sausages Recipe: When we think about Serbian food, one dish that truly stands out is Cevapcici. These delicious, hand-shaped sausages are loved not just in Serbia but also throughout the Balkans.
Cevapcici are easy to make at home and pack a flavorful punch that brings a taste of Serbia right to our kitchen.
During our travels, we’ve tasted countless versions of this dish. We’ve learned that they are traditionally made from minced meat, seasoned simply with spices, and then grilled to perfection.
Paired with fresh bread, creamy sauces, and crunchy vegetables, Cevapcici offers a delightful meal that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Join us as we share our favorite recipe for Serbian Cevapcici sausages, along with tips and tricks we’ve gathered from local chefs.
Let’s take a culinary trip to Serbia together and create a meal that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
We absolutely adore this Serbian Cevapcici recipe. It’s simple and brings classic flavors right to our kitchen.
These sausages are not only delicious but also fun to make. We can shape them into finger-length pieces, which is great for kids’ involvement.
Enjoying these sausages with warm pita bread and fresh veggies makes for a fantastic meal. The combination of textures and flavors is delightful.
Key Benefits:
- Great Flavor: The blend of spices like paprika and garlic makes every bite tasty.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve with raw onions, tomatoes, or a creamy spread like Kajmak.
- Perfect for Gatherings: These sausages are a hit at family events or casual get-togethers.
Once we cook them on the grill, the aroma fills our space, bringing everyone to the table. It’s a dish that creates memories while deliciously satisfying our hunger.
With easy preparation and a quick grilling time, we can enjoy this hearty meal in no time. Try this recipe, and we think you’ll love it just as much as we do!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Our Serbian Cevapcici sausages stand out for several reasons. First, they are made with a mix of meats like pork, beef, and lamb. This blend gives them a rich flavor that is both unique and delicious.
The seasoning plays a big role too. We use garlic, black pepper, and cayenne, which add a perfect kick to each bite. Each ingredient is chosen to highlight the natural flavors of the meat.
Another special aspect is the cooking method. Traditionally, we grill them over an open fire, which adds a smoky taste that makes them even more enjoyable. If grilling isn’t possible, we can also pan-fry or broil them to achieve great results.
Serving our Cevapcici with some simple sides enhances the whole experience. We often serve them with:
- Chopped raw onion
- Spicy red pepper dip (Ajvar)
- Warm lepinje or pita bread
This combination makes each meal feel like a special occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering or a holiday celebration, our Cevapcici bring everyone together with their delightful taste and aroma.
Cooking Equipment Needed
When making Serbian Cevapcici, having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s a list of what we need.
- Large Bowl: For mixing the meat and spices together.
- Grater: Useful for shredding garlic or other ingredients.
- Meat Grinder: If we prefer freshly ground meat, this is a great option.
- Grill or Grill Pan: This is essential for cooking the sausages. We can use an outdoor grill or a stovetop grill pan.
- Instant-Read Thermometer: This helps us check that the sausages are cooked properly. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C).
If we plan to pan-fry, a large skillet with cooking spray will also work well.
Other handy items include:
- Spatula: For flipping the sausages.
- Cutting Board: To prepare ingredients safely.
- Knife: For chopping herbs, like parsley.
Having these items on hand will help us create delicious Cevapcici with ease.
Cooking Instructions
Let’s gather our ingredients first. We’ll need:
- Ground pork
- Ground beef
- Ground lamb
- Garlic
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt
Now, let’s get cooking!
- Mix the Meats: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, beef, and lamb. Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Use our hands to mix until everything is blended well.
- Shape the Sausages: Take a handful of the meat mixture and form it into small, finger-sized sausages. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat the grill on medium heat. We can lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Sausages: Place the formed sausages on the hot grill. Cook them for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are no longer pink inside.
- Check the Temperature: To ensure they are fully cooked, use an instant-read thermometer. The center should reach at least 160°F (71°C).
Once cooked, we can serve these delicious sausages in various ways. They pair great with pita bread, raw onions, or a tasty spread like Kajmak. Enjoy our meal!
Cooking Tips
When making Serbian cevapi, we want to ensure they turn out tasty and juicy. Here are some helpful tips:
- Meat Choice: Using a mix of ground beef and pork gives great flavor. We can also add lamb for extra richness.
- Spice it Right: Adjust spices to fit our tastes. Common options include garlic, black pepper, and cayenne. We can play around with the amounts.
- Chill the Mixture: After mixing our meat and spices, chilling the mixture for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors blend.
- Forming Cevapi: Shape them into small, even sausages. This helps them cook uniformly on the grill.
- Grill Preparation: For grilling, preheat the grill to medium heat. Light oil on the grate can prevent sticking.
- Cooking Time: Grill the cevapi for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally until they are no longer pink inside.
- Temperature Check: Using a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C) for safety.
Ingredients For the Serbian Cevapcici Sausages Recipe
Pork
Beef
Lamb
Egg White
Garlic
Black Pepper
Salt
Baking Soda
Cayenne Pepper
Paprika
Cooking Instructions For the Serbian Cevapcici Sausages Recipe
Prepare the Grill
Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground pork, ground beef, ground lamb, and egg white. Add garlic, black pepper, salt, baking soda, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Mix well by hand, then shape the mixture into finger-length sausages, about 3/4-inch thick.
Grill the Cevapcici
Place the sausages on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, for about 30 minutes or until the center reaches 160°F (70°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
FAQ For the Serbian Cevapcici Sausages Recipe
Question: What ingredients are needed for the Serbian Cevapcici Sausages recipe?
A: The Serbian Cevapcici Sausages recipe requires ground beef, ground lamb or pork, garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, and baking soda. Some variations of the Serbian Cevapcici Sausages recipe may also include cayenne pepper or parsley for extra flavor.
Question: How do you shape the meat for the Serbian Cevapcici Sausages recipe?
A: To shape the meat for the Serbian Cevapcici Sausages recipe, mix the ingredients well and refrigerate the mixture for a few hours. Then, roll the meat into small, finger-shaped sausages before grilling the Serbian Cevapcici Sausages recipe to perfection.
Question: What is the best way to cook the Serbian Cevapcici Sausages recipe?
A: The Serbian Cevapcici Sausages recipe is best cooked on a grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. The Serbian Cevapcici Sausages recipe should be turned frequently to ensure even cooking and a juicy texture.
Question: What are common side dishes served with the Serbian Cevapcici Sausages recipe?
A: The Serbian Cevapcici Sausages recipe is often served with flatbread, chopped onions, ajvar, and sour cream. Some enjoy the Serbian Cevapcici Sausages recipe with fresh salads or fries on the side.
Question: Can the Serbian Cevapcici Sausages recipe be made ahead of time?
A: Yes, the Serbian Cevapcici Sausages recipe can be prepared ahead of time. The Serbian Cevapcici Sausages recipe mixture can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking or frozen for longer storage.

East Serbian Cevapcici Sausages Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb Pork ground
- 1 lb Beef lean ground
- ½ lb Lamb ground
- 1 Egg White
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tsp Black Pepper ground
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- ½ tsp Paprika
Instructions
Prepare the Grill
- Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
Prepare the Meat Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground pork, ground beef, ground lamb, and egg white. Add garlic, black pepper, salt, baking soda, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Mix well by hand, then shape the mixture into finger-length sausages, about 3/4-inch thick.
Grill the Cevapcici
- Place the sausages on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, for about 30 minutes or until the center reaches 160°F (70°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
1 comment
The sausages grilled up beautifully, developing a nice char on the outside while staying juicy inside. The seasoning was just right, with a smoky, slightly garlicky taste. Served with flatbread and ajvar, the flavors combined perfectly. Guests appreciated the firm texture and well-balanced spices.