Can’t decide on what type of sausage to use in your recipe? Here’s the difference between Italian Sausage vs Breakfast Sausage and when to use them.
When it comes to sausages, there is a wide array of varieties that you can find in your local grocery stores. Two popular choices are Italian sausage and breakfast sausage. Though they share are both made from deliciously seasoned meat encased in a casing, these sausages differ significantly in their ingredients, flavors, and regional origins.
The term sausage is generally referring to ground or finely minced meat (pork, beef, poultry, lamb or other types of meat) that has been mixed with spices, salt, fat and possibly some type of grain (breadcrumbs, oatmeal, etc). The sausage meat might be stuffed into a casing and shaped into links or ropes. It might also be found loose and not in a casing so it can be formed into other shapes such as a patty. It’s not the shape that makes a sausage but the ingredients.
Italian sausage, tomatoes, kale, and spinach all come together in one skillet. A delicious breakfast scramble only requires adding wholesome ingredients together for a tasty meal to start your day. The key components are eggs, another protein source, vegetables, and cheese.
What is Breakfast Sausage made of?
On the other hand, breakfast sausage, as the name implies, is flavored to complement morning meals. It is commonly associated with American breakfasts and has its roots in the Southern United States. Unlike Italian sausage, breakfast sausage often combines ground pork with ground beef to achieve a milder and more versatile flavor.
Breakfast sausage is also seasoned differently than Italian sausage. It usually contains a blend of herbs such as sage, thyme, and rosemary, along with salt and pepper. The spices in breakfast sausage lend a delicate and savory taste, making a delicious side dish for your favorite breakfast foods such as eggs, pancakes, waffles, toast and bagels.
What is Italian Sausage made of?
Originating from Italy, as the name suggests, Italian sausage embodies the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean country. It is typically a pork sausage and is commonly made from ground pork but can be made of other meats such as beef or a combination of different meats.
Traditional Italian sausage is known for its robust flavor profile, typically infused with an assortment of aromatic spices such as fennel seeds, garlic, paprika, pepper (black pepper or white pepper). The spices not only enhance the taste but also provide a distinctive aroma and flavor that is enjoyed in so many different recipes.
You can easily make your own seasoning to flavor ground pork by using store bought or homemade Italian Seasoning mix. Simply use 1 tablespoon of Italian Seasoning mix with the addition of 1/2 teaspoon of fennel seeds and 1/2 teaspoon paprika per pound of ground pork.
You can often find Italian sausage being sold in two forms – sweet Italian sausage or a slightly spicier version with a medium heat known as hot Italian sausage. The main difference between the two is the hot sausage will have some type of red pepper added to it such as red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper or red chili peppers.
Cooking Sweet Italian Sausage | Breakfast Sausage I Cooked For Our Last Breakfast Episode!
FAQ
Can Italian sausage be breakfast sausage?
What kind of sausage for breakfast?
Is there a difference between breakfast sausage and regular?
Can we eat sausage for breakfast?
What is homemade Italian breakfast sausage?
Homemade Italian Breakfast Sausage is a combination of breakfast sausage and Italian sausage. It’s the perfect side dish for brunch! When I was dreaming up an Italian-themed brunch, I knew Italian sausage had to be on the menu. But I wanted to make it a little more breakfast-worthy.
What is the purpose of using fennel in Italian sausage?
The fennel in the sausage is just for flavor. But Fennel is widely used to combat gastrointestinal problems, helps digestion, fights flatulence and diarrhea, can help fight anxiety, stress and insomnia, helps release excess fluid in the body, can reduce menstrual pain, prevents bad breath and heartburn, in addition to other benefits.
What to serve with Italian sausage breakfast casserole?
Remember the Sides: Consider serving the casserole with a fresh fruit salad or a light green salad to balance the dish’s richness. Coffee and juice are also nice. Fridge: Allow this easy Italian sausage breakfast casserole recipe to cool to room temperature.
Can you make Italian sausage breakfast casserole ahead of time?
This Italian sausage breakfast casserole is just what you need to kickstart your morning. Delicious and easy to make, it’s perfect for Christmas morning or weekends with the family! A mix of Italian sausage, potatoes, eggs, broccoli, and cheese, it’s a full breakfast in one dish. Plus, you can make it ahead of time. WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?