Cevapcici or Cevapi Recipe Authentic Balkan Grilled Sausages

If you've ever wondered what is cevapcici, you’re in for a savory surprise! Known as cevapi or cevapcici, these juicy, skinless sausages are one of the staples in Croatian, Serbian, and Bosnian cuisine. They’re a beloved part of Leskovacki rostilj—the famous Serbian BBQ tradition—and now, we’re bringing this Balkan cevapcici recipe straight to your keto grill or your carnivore grill!

This recipe for cevapcici Croatian-style is easy to make, keto-friendly, and perfect for summer cookouts. Whether you're exploring international flavors or just need a new high-protein meal idea, this (also known as the Serbian cevapcici recipe) will satisfy.

Ingredients 

Here is a list of ingredients with U.S. measures, grams, and ounces. You can find most of these at your local grocery store or butcher. For high-quality ground beef, ask the butcher for beef neck (chuck) or 80/20 ground beef. 

PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD IS BELOW THE ARTICLE.

Core Ingredients:

• 2.2 lbs (1 kg) ground beef (preferably beef neck, double ground)

• 1 tablespoon (20 g / 0.7 oz) salt

• ⅓ cup (100 ml / 3.4 fl oz) cold water

• 3 tablespoon (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) olive oil

Optional Add-ins (for more flavor):

• 1 teaspoon (4 g / 0.14 oz) sweet paprika

• ½ teaspoon (2 g / 0.07 oz) garlic powder

• 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) vinegar (white or apple cider)

• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (for spicy version)

🛒 Tips to find ingredients:

• Look for sweet paprika in the spice aisle.

• Garlic powder is common in any U.S. grocery.

• Ask your butcher to double-grind the meat for better texture.

• Use filtered cold water to ensure a clean taste.

🔥 How to Make Cevapcici (Step-by-Step)

1. Mix the Meat: In a large bowl, combine the beef with salt and cold water. Mix very well using clean hands or a stand mixer for 5 minutes. Add olive oil last and blend it in.

2. Optional Flavor Boost: For a spiced-up version, mix in paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes, parsley, and vinegar.

3. Rest the Mixture: Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 60 hours (2.5 days). Stir the mixture every 12 hours for optimal texture. (You can skip this part if you're hungry). 🙂

4. Shape the Cevapi: After resting, shape into small sausages (about 3-4 inches long). You can use a piping bag or improvise with a cut plastic bottle.

5. Grill: Let them rest at room temperature for 1 hour before grilling. Cook on medium-high heat on the grill for 6–8 minutes, turning until browned. You can make it on a pan too. Or in the oven. 

💡 Tip: Serve with chopped onions, sour cream, kajmak, or low-carb flatbread for a true Leskovacki cevapi experience.

This entire recipe makes about 25 cevapcici sausages (serves 5).

Whether you call them Croatian sausages, Serbian sausages, Balkan cevapi, or Bosnian-style cevapi, this dish is packed with flavor and perfect for keto lovers. Bookmark this cevapcici recipe for your next grill night.

Want to master the cevapcici pronunciation? It’s “cheh-vap-chee-chee.” Try saying that as you take your first bite

Cevapcici or Cevapi Recipe Authentic Balkan Grilled Sausages

Prep Time: 3 days

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 3 days 15 minutes

Cevapi or cevapcici - juicy, skinless Balkan-style sausages are a staple in Croatian, Serbian, and Bosnian cuisine. They’re a beloved part of Leskovacki rostilj too - the famous Serbian BBQ tradition—and now, we’re bringing this Balkan cevapcici recipe straight to your keto grill! Or carnivore!

Print

Ingredients

• Core Ingredients:
• 2.2 lbs (1 kg) ground beef (preferably beef neck, double ground)
• 1 tablespoon (20 g / 0.7 oz) salt
• ⅓ cup (100 ml / 3.4 fl oz) cold water
• 3 tablespoon (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) olive oil
• Optional Add-ins (for more flavor):
• 1 teaspoon (4 g / 0.14 oz) sweet paprika
• ½ teaspoon (2 g / 0.07 oz) garlic powder
• 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) vinegar (white or apple cider)
• 1 teaspoon (4g / 0.14 oz) chili flakes (for spicy version)

Instructions

1. Mix the Meat: In a large bowl, combine the beef with salt and cold water. Mix very well using clean hands or a stand mixer for 5 minutes.

2. Add olive oil last and blend it in.
3. Optional Flavor Boost: For a spiced-up version, mix in paprika, chili flakes, garlic powder, parsley, and vinegar.


4. Rest the Mixture: Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 60 hours (2.5 days).

5. Stir the mixture every 12 hours for optimal texture.
6. Shape the Cevapi: After resting, shape into small sausages (about 3-4 inches long). You can use a piping bag or improvise with a cut plastic bottle.


7. Grill: Let them rest at room temperature for 1 hour before grilling.

8. Cook on medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes, turning until browned.

Notes

Shape 25 pieces of cevapi.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 5 Serving Size: 5 pcs
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 456Total Fat: 34gNet Carbohydrates: 0.6gFiber: 0gProtein: 36g

Calculated for your information only. Please, calculate your own macros with ingredients you use.