Italian Sausage

N/A (Processed Meat Product) Meat, Pork, Processed

Italian Sausage Meat, Pork, Processed

At a Glance

  • Category Meat, Pork, Processed

The Forktionary Angle

"The quintessential savory backbone for Italian-American cuisine."

Definition

A seasoned pork sausage, typically flavored with fennel or anise, garlic, and other spices, available in mild, sweet, or hot varieties.

Common Pairing Over 70% of Italian sausage sales are for use in pasta dishes.
Cooking Versatility Can be grilled, pan-fried, baked, or crumbled into sauces.
Flavor Profile Origin Fennel seed is the signature spice, providing its distinctive sweet-anise flavor.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Italian Sausage are:

Savory Umami Spicy (if hot) Anise/Fennel Garlicky

Chef’s Secret

Brown crumbled Italian sausage until well-caramelized before adding to sauces; the fond (browned bits) adds immense depth of flavor.

Best Substitutes

Chorizo

different spice profile) (); Ground Pork + Fennel/Spices (); Turkey Sausage (leaner) (
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Check for "sweet," "mild," or "hot." Look for plump, well-packaged links or ground sausage.

Recipes Using Italian Sausage

North American Savory Holiday Event Pasta Rice And Grains

Beef And Italian Sausage Casserole

This hearty and flavorful Beef and Spicy Italian Sausage Casserole is a crowd-pleaser! Inspired by our friend Joe's recipe, this dish features savory beef and spicy Italian sausage (feel free to experiment with different varieties!), simmered in a rich tomato sauce with kidney beans and then baked to bubbly perfection with melted cheese. Get ready for a comforting and delicious meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

See Complete Recipe
Main Ingredient Pork Course Cheese

Cheddar Cheese Quesadilla Torte

This cheesy masterpiece elevates the humble quesadilla to new heights! A layered torte bursting with savory sausage, vibrant peppers, spinach, and melty cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection. This impressive dish is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a crowd-pleasing dinner or game-day feast.

See Complete Recipe
Winter Dietary Course Fall

Bean Sausage And Sweet Potato Soup

Warm up with this hearty and flavorful Bean Sausage & Sweet Potato Soup! Perfect for chilly autumn and winter evenings, this recipe is packed with protein and nutrients. Enjoy the delicious blend of savory sausage, sweet potatoes, and hearty beans in a comforting broth. Easy to make and even easier to devour!

See Complete Recipe
Equipment Equipment Pasta Pasta Rice And Grains

Baked Ziti

Indulge in this irresistible Baked Ziti recipe – a classic Italian comfort food! Creamy ricotta, savory sausage, and perfectly baked pasta smothered in rich marinara and melted mozzarella. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Get ready for a taste of Italy!

See Complete Recipe
Easy European Peppers Pork

Spicy Sausage Alfredo

Warm up your taste buds with this Spicy Sausage Alfredo Pasta! A quick and easy semi-homemade recipe perfect for a cozy night in or a family feast. Customize the heat with your favorite hot sauce and peppers – the perfect comforting meal any time of year.

See Complete Recipe
Potluck Dietary Meat European

Sausage Scaloppine

This easy Sausage Scaloppine recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or your next party, this dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it on toasted Italian rolls for a delicious sandwich, or over your favorite pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal. The savory sausage, sweet peppers, and onions simmered in a rich sauce create a flavor explosion that your family and friends will adore. Get ready for rave reviews!

See Complete Recipe
Crock Pot Slow Cooker Preparation Equipment Crock Pot Slow Cooker

16 Bean Soup Crockpot

This hearty 16 bean soup, slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot, is the ultimate comfort food! Imagine a rich and flavorful broth brimming with sixteen different kinds of beans, savory Italian sausage (spicy or mild!), and tender potatoes. This easy recipe requires minimal prep time and delivers maximum flavor, perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying soup that's sure to become a family favorite!

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Time To Make Pork Sausage Main Ingredient

Al Roker's Spicy Beef Chili

Spice up your weeknights with this fiery Al Roker-inspired chili! Packed with tender chuck roast, savory Italian sausage, and hearty kidney beans, this recipe delivers a delicious kick that's surprisingly addictive. Inspired by a morning show segment, this chili is perfect for chili lovers who want a more intense flavor profile than your average mild chili. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's perfect for game day, a cozy night in, or impressing your friends. Don't worry, even if you're not a spice fiend, you can easily adjust the heat! This recipe is so good, you might find yourself eating multiple bowls – just like I did!

See Complete Recipe
Weeknight Low In Something Heirloom Historical Course

Killer Lasagna

This lasagna recipe, a family favorite passed down through generations, delivers a killer combination of rich meat sauce and creamy cheese. Get ready to experience a taste of nostalgia and pure comfort food! Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a deliciously satisfying lasagna that will have everyone asking for seconds.

See Complete Recipe
4 Hours Or Less 4 Hours Or Less Pasta Eggs Dairy

Another Baked Ziti

This baked ziti recipe is a family pleaser! Forget ricotta – this comforting Italian classic features a rich meat sauce and layers of perfectly cooked pasta, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. It's so good, your family will beg you to make it every week! Get ready for cheesy, bubbly goodness.

See Complete Recipe
Course Taste Mood Comfort Food European

3 Pepper Pasta

This family-favorite 3 Pepper Pasta recipe is a delicious and versatile dish! Inspired by an old college roommate, this recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences – vegetarian or with savory Italian sausage. Enjoy tender peppers, sautéed mushrooms, and aromatic garlic tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. A touch of red wine vinegar adds brightness, while parmesan cheese provides a delightful finishing touch. Get ready to savor this quick and flavorful weeknight meal!

See Complete Recipe
Cuisine Dietary 4 Hours Or Less Seasonal

Winter Risotto Spicy

Cozy up with this hearty and flavorful Winter Risotto! Featuring sweet roasted butternut squash, spicy Italian sausage, and creamy Arborio rice, this recipe is perfect for a chilly evening. It's surprisingly easy to make, yet impressive enough for a dinner party. This budget-friendly recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering warmth, comfort, and a delicious explosion of flavors in every bite. Get ready to savor the autumnal goodness!

See Complete Recipe
Low Cholesterol Vegetables 60 Minutes Or Less Healthy

Aunt Aileen's Ratatouille

Transport yourself back to heartwarming family gatherings with Aunt Aileen's Ratatouille! This classic recipe, a cherished memory from weekly 'Gramma Day' lunches, is bursting with fresh vegetables and savory Italian sausage. Easily adaptable for one large skillet or individual casseroles, this dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a special occasion. Get ready to savor the taste of tradition!

See Complete Recipe
Meat Eggs Dairy Side Dishes Pork Sausage

Baked Ziti With Sausage

This baked ziti recipe is a flavor explosion! Juicy Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and perfectly cooked ziti are smothered in a rich tomato sauce and baked to bubbly perfection. Easy to customize with your favorite meats and veggies, this recipe is a guaranteed weeknight winner (and rarely leaves any leftovers!).

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make Time To Make 3 Steps Or Less Main Dish

Barbecue Sausage Skillet

This sizzling Barbecue Sausage Skillet is a quick and easy weeknight meal! Tender sausage, vibrant veggies, and a tangy barbecue sauce create a flavor explosion. Serve this hearty dish over rice (white or wild rice works perfectly!) for a complete and satisfying dinner. Adapted from a Taste of Home recipe.

See Complete Recipe
Southwestern United States Dietary Southwestern United States Main Dish

Bean Soup With Sausage And More Southwest Flavors Nutritious

Experience the vibrant flavors of Arizona with this hearty Southwest bean soup! Made with tender dried beans (soaked for speed!), savory sausage, and the unique taste of Hatch green chiles (or jalapeños for a fiery kick!), this recipe is a comforting classic. Learn how to quickly soak dried beans for restaurant-quality results in under 3 hours. This recipe is perfect for a chilly evening and freezes beautifully (omit potatoes before freezing). Serve with warm corn tortillas or cornbread for a complete Southwestern feast!

See Complete Recipe
Low In Something Main Ingredient Easy Pork Sausage

Barbara's Famous Chili

This award-winning chili recipe took home second place and a 2-foot trophy at a chili cook-off! A rich and savory blend of beef, sausage, and beans, simmered to perfection. Elevate your taste buds with this crowd-pleasing recipe. For an extra special treat, top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and a dollop of sour cream.

See Complete Recipe
Main Dish High Calcium Pasta European

Baked Rigatoni With Four Cheeses

This decadent Baked Rigatoni with Four Cheeses is a family-friendly twist on Giada De Laurentiis's famous Farmer's Pasta! Creamy four-cheese sauce, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and crispy breadcrumbs create a dish that's both comforting and impressive. Easily adaptable and perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

See Complete Recipe