The Off Duty 50: Summer 2012

A banger from a great butcher can be a hosts secret weapon—robust, succulent and, best of all, forgiving. Here are some of America's best wursts.

From top: Peregrino cooking chorizo: semi-cured to stay juicy on the grill, $27 for 24 ounces, tienda.com.

F. Martin Ramin for The Wall Street Journal, Food Styling by Monica Pierini, Set Styling by DSM.