Sausage

N/A Processed Meat

Sausage Processed Meat

At a Glance

  • Category Processed Meat

The Forktionary Angle

"A culinary chameleon, sausage adapts its flavor profile from mild and savory breakfast links to fiery chorizo, reflecting regional tastes and traditions."

Definition

Ground meat, often pork, beef, or poultry, mixed with fat, salt, herbs, and spices, encased or formed into patties, then cooked or cured.

Global Varieties Over 1,000 distinct types globally.
Preservation Method Historically a key method for meat preservation.
Protein Content Excellent source of high-quality protein.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Sausage are:

Savory Umami Salty Spicy (if seasoned) Fatty

Chef’s Secret

For perfectly browned sausage with minimal sticking, sear it first in a hot pan, then add a splash of water and cover to steam-cook through before uncovering to finish browning.

Best Substitutes

Ground Meat

seasoned
Ratio 1:1

Vegetarian Sausage

Ratio 1:1

Bacon

sliced, for flavor, not bulk

Buying Guide

Choose sausages that are firm to the touch, with a fresh appearance. Check for expiration dates and refrigeration if uncooked.

Recipes Using Sausage

Southern United States Main Dish Peppers Corn

Aunt Nancy's Cajun Rice And Beans

Discover Aunt Nancy's secret recipe for Cajun Rice and Beans! This nourishing and flavorful dish is surprisingly quick to make (ready in just 40 minutes!), perfect for a weeknight meal. Get ready for a taste of authentic Cajun cuisine that's both comforting and incredibly delicious. This recipe is a family favorite, passed down through generations – and now it can be yours!

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Stove Top Potluck Preparation Dinner Party

Apple Cabbage Skillet Dinner

A quick and easy 35-minute skillet meal! Sweet apples and savory cabbage combine with juicy sausages for a comforting and flavorful dinner. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal and is easily customizable to your taste.

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Pasta Pasta Rice And Grains 60 Minutes Or Less Beginner Cook

Baked Rigatoni Sausage Tuscan Style

A hearty and flavorful twist on classic baked pasta! This Tuscan-inspired recipe features savory Italian sausage, creamy cannellini beans, and perfectly cooked rigatoni, all baked to bubbly perfection under a blanket of melted mozzarella and Romano cheese. Inspired by a classic Italian cooking show (possibly Ciao Italia!), this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality taste in under an hour. The cannellini beans add a delightful creaminess and heartiness that elevates this dish to the next level. Serve with crusty garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Time To Make Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

A Different Pizza

Get ready to revolutionize pizza night! This unique recipe, passed down from a friend, uses a simple batter to create a surprisingly crispy and delicious pizza crust. Forget everything you thought you knew about pizza dough – this batter method is quick, easy, and yields a perfectly baked crust every time. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this innovative and flavorful pizza!

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Gumbo American Equipment Easy

Ali's Chicken And Sausage Gumbo

This slow-simmered Chicken and Sausage Gumbo is a family favorite, bursting with rich Cajun flavors! Customize the spice level to your liking and enjoy this comforting classic served over fluffy white rice. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.

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Low Carb Main Ingredient Breakfast 60 Minutes Or Less

Baked Sausage And Eggs

A delightful twist on Eggs Lorraine, this classic brunch casserole features savory sausage and creamy eggs baked to perfection. This recipe, originally from Wilma Lulowss and shared at a Ladies Aid brunch in 1986, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish for your next weekend breakfast or holiday gathering.

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Occasion Beginner Cook Preparation Pacific Northwest

All In One Breakfast

This incredible All-in-One Giant Breakfast Bake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! A hearty and delicious baked omelette packed with crispy bacon, savory sausage, fluffy hash browns, and melty cheese. Perfect for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. Save time and impress your friends with this easy-to-make, one-pan wonder!

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Preparation Dietary Main Dish Course

American Country Fare

A nostalgic family favorite! This recipe recreates the classic cheesy macaroni and cheese from the iconic short, fat box, elevated with savory sausage and tender vegetables. Get ready for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that's perfect for weeknights or family gatherings. Easy to make and even easier to love – just like Mom used to make!

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Holiday Event Inexpensive American Course

Awesome Red Beans And Rice

Authentic New Orleans Red Beans and Rice recipe! This foolproof recipe delivers the creamy, flavorful red beans you crave. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this recipe is a taste of Nawlins you won't forget. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Meat 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make Easy

All In One Breakfast Casserole

This incredibly easy breakfast casserole recipe is perfect for busy mornings! No overnight soak required – get a delicious, hearty breakfast on the table in under 2 hours. This recipe is packed with flavor, combining savory bacon/sausage, fluffy eggs, crispy hash browns, and cheesy goodness. Impress your family with minimal effort!

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Course Equipment Course Main Dish

Beans Greens And Sausage Crock Pot

Comfort food at its finest! This hearty Beans, Greens, and Sausage Crock-Pot recipe is perfect for chilly evenings or a quick weeknight meal. Tender greens, savory sausage, and creamy polenta create a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Easy to make and even easier to clean up – get ready for a delicious and satisfying experience!

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Occasion Potluck One Dish Meal Course

Beans Sausage Crock Pot

This slow cooker recipe delivers a flavorful and satisfying meal of beans and sausage! Using two types of beans (try great northern and kidney beans!) and your choice of fresh or pre-cooked sausage, this recipe is incredibly versatile and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The rich flavors develop beautifully in the slow cooker, creating a tender and delicious dish the whole family will love. Easily customizable to your taste!

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Main Ingredient Creole Poultry Stove Top

1 2 3 Jambalaya

Craving authentic Louisiana flavor without the fuss? This 1-2-3 Jambalaya recipe from Southern Living (December 1997) delivers incredible taste in just 50 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy jambalaya recipe requires minimal stovetop time and boasts a rich, savory flavor that will impress your family and friends. Get ready for a delicious, one-pot meal!

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Time To Make Weeknight Winter Oven

Baked Sausage Potatoes And Cheese

Warm up on a chilly evening with this comforting Baked Sausage, Potatoes, and Cheese casserole! This family recipe, passed down through generations, delivers cheesy goodness in every bite. Perfectly browned sausage and tender potatoes are topped with melted cheese for a dish that's both easy and incredibly satisfying. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Meat Main Ingredient Preparation Dietary

Aussie Sausage Roll

Indulge in the classic Aussie Sausage Roll recipe! Flaky, golden pastry encases savory seasoned sausage meat for a delightful treat. Perfect for a casual lunch, picnic, or game day snack, these rolls are best served with tomato sauce. This recipe yields 18 generous sausage rolls.

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Occasion Spicy Valentines Day Potatoes

Breakfast Hash

Start your day with this hearty and flavorful Breakfast Hash! Crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and fluffy eggs make this the perfect satisfying morning meal. Easy to customize with your favorite veggies!

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Cuisine Onions Presentation From Scratch

Basque Potato Soup

Warm up your soul with this hearty Basque Potato Soup, a traditional recipe from the sun-drenched hills of northeastern Spain and southwestern France! Perfect for chilly evenings, this rich and flavorful soup boasts tender potatoes, savory sausage, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a fragrant broth. A taste of the Basque Country awaits – try it today!

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Italian Cuisine European Beef

Baked Manicotti

This decadent Baked Manicotti recipe elevates the classic Italian dish with flavorful ground sausage, creamy white sauce, and a touch of fresh herbs. A simplified, make-ahead stuffing method saves time, while the blend of rich sausage and ricotta filling, layered with vibrant red and white sauces, creates a symphony of flavors. Perfectly paired with garlic artichokes (recipe #61210) and a crisp garden salad for a complete and unforgettable Italian feast!

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