8 Ways to Use Sausage in Your Dishes

Are you tired of the same old sausage recipes? Feeling a craving for something different and exciting? Look no further! Whether you’re looking to spice up breakfast, impress with appetizers, or take dinner in a bold new direction, these creative sausage recipes are here to inspire you. From mouthwatering sausage kebabs to flavorful southern-style sausage gravy, your sausage adventures are about to reach new heights. So grab some sausage and let your culinary experience begin!

Make a Hearty Breakfast Hash

A hearty breakfast hash is the perfect way to start your day.

  • Dice 2-3 potatoes and 1 onion. Saute in a skillet with oil until the potatoes are tender and browned, about 15-20 minutes.
  • Add 1/2 to 1 pound of sausage (like Italian or breakfast), crumbling it as you add it to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sausage is browned.
  • Push the potatoes and sausage to the side and scramble 2-3 eggs in the center of the skillet. Mix the eggs into the hash.
  • Add extras like bell peppers, spinach, or cheese. Mix in fresh or frozen veggies during the last few minutes of cooking. Grated cheese will melt right in.
  • Season generously with salt and pepper. Add rosemary, thyme, oregano, or red pepper flakes.
  • Serve your hash with toast, English muffins, or biscuits.

Make a Southern-style sausage gravy

This dish features a delicious combination of crumbled sausage and a luscious, creamy gravy that will leave you craving more. To make this culinary masterpiece, follow the classic  Southern style sausage gravy recipe and enjoy the results.

Start by browning the crumbled sausage in a skillet until it’s nice and crispy. Then add some flour and cook it for a minute or two to create a golden roux for the gravy base. Slowly pour milk while whisking continuously to achieve a smooth, velvety texture. As the gravy simmers, the flavors meld together, resulting in a rich sauce perfect for drizzling over biscuits or mashed potatoes. So go ahead, give this epic dish a try, and savor every spoonful! 

Bell Peppers with Stuffed Sausage

Stuffing bell peppers with sausage is a very creative way to make tasty and versatile meat. 

To make it, 

  • First, pick out some bell peppers – red, green, and yellow all work great. Core and deseed them, and boil in salted water until slightly softened about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • Next, cook 1 pound of your favorite sausage. Italian sweet or hot sausage pairs perfectly. Sauté in a pan over medium heat until browned, then drain excess grease.
  • Mix in 1 cup cooked rice or bread crumbs, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil and parsley, salt, and pepper.
  • Spoon the mixture into your bell peppers and place in a baking dish. Top with more cheese and bread crumbs or crushed crackers.
  • Bake at 350 F for 20-25 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes, then serve and enjoy your stuffed bell peppers!
  • Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option, or add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.

Toss the Sausage In Pasta

Tossing cooked sausage into pasta is an easy way to transform a basic dish into a hearty, satisfying meal.

Add to Tomato Sauce

Simmer Italian sausage, chopped tomatoes, basil, garlic, and red wine to make a simple tomato sauce. Toss with your favorite pasta like penne or ziti, and top with parmesan cheese. The savory sausage complements the tangy tomato sauce perfectly.  

Add to Primavera 

For a yummy veggie pasta, sauté sausage with bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and zucchini. Toss the sausage and veggies with pasta, olive oil, parmesan, and fresh herbs. The sausage balances the lighter primavera vegetables perfectly for a satisfying meal.

Layer the Sausage Into Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes and sausages make a perfect combination dish that is simple and easy to make. 

Start by taking your baked russet potato and split it open. Mash up the insides with a fork, then layer in cooked sausage, cheese, and any other toppings you like. Some other mix-ins to consider include: 

  • Sautéed bell peppers and onions
  • Barbeque sauce
  • Ranch dressing 
  • Chili 
  • Salsa

This loaded baked potato dish makes a satisfying meal on its own. You can also serve it as a side to balance out a salad or steamed vegetables.

Make a Chicken and Smoked-Sausage Gumbo 

A scrumptious gumbo is a perfect dish for friends or family dinners. To make a chicken and smoked sausage gumbo, follow these instructions:

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the celery, onion, and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, and cayenne (if using) and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add the chicken and sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the tomatoes, broth, and bay leaves and boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through about 10 minutes.

In a small bowl, whisk the flour and add water until it forms a smooth batter. Then add it to the pot and stir from time to time until the sauce thickens slightly. Lastly, discard the bay leaves before serving over rice. Enjoy your delicious gumbo!

Make Braised Sausage and Fennel with Toasted Spices

To add warm, savory flavors to the delicious sausage, braise it with aromatic fennel and a blend of toasted spices. 

Here’s the recipe,

Heat some olive oil in a Dutch oven and brown 1 pound sausage on all sides. After it’s browned, transfer it to a plate and set aside.

Add 1 sliced fennel bulb, 1 chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon each of crushed red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, and cumin seeds in the pot. Then stir it occasionally for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.  

Add 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup white wine, and the sausage. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes until the sausage is heated through. Uncover, increase the heat to medium-high, and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the liquid has reduced by about half. 

Season the dish with salt and black pepper. Garnish it with parsley, fennel fronds, or lemon zest. Finally, serve the sausage and vegetables with crusty bread to soak the flavorful sauce. 

Conclusion

You now have some fantastic new recipes to add to your sausage-cooking repertoire. Whether you want to impress guests at your next dinner party or spice up a weeknight meal, sausage can be an easy and affordable ingredient to work with. So fire up the stove, preheat the oven, or get the grill going — it’s time to start cooking beyond the bun. Sausage has so much flavor and versatility, so explore all the options and find your new favorite way to cook with sausage.