When compared, bratwurst vs Italian sausage, the differences can be difficult to spot. Both are made primarily from pork, have added seasonings and are packed in casings. Both are typically sold raw and must be cooked at home. Are bratwurst and Italian sausage the same? Lets explore the similarities and differences of bratwurst vs Italian sausage.
My family likes Italian sausage and bratwurst. As a matter of fact, they also like Polish kielbasa and smoked sausages. Is there a big difference? Yes and no. Lets learn all about the different types of sausages.
If youre a meat lover, youre probably familiar with sausage. Sausage is made with ground meat (usually pork or beef but also another type of meat like chicken or turkey) mixed with spices and other flavorings. It can be made into patties or formed into a tube using natural casings.
Italian sausage, hot dogs, kielbasa, bratwurst, and Mexican chorizo are all different kinds of sausages. The primary differences are usually found in the base meat, the seasonings and the cooking process. For Italian sausage, the difference is usually the addition of fennel and other mild spices.
You can cook it in a bunch of different ways. Whether youre grilling, frying, or boiling, sausage is a versatile ingredient that can add tons of flavor to your favorite dishes. From sweet breakfast links to spicy andouille sausage, there are so many different types of sausage to try from around the world.
Fresh Sausage – Sausages such as Italian sausage, fresh bratwurst and breakfast links are usually fresh, meaning they havent been precooked.
Smoked sausage – Smoked sausages such as Polish sausage and kielbasa have been cooked using smoke which gives the sausage a nice flavor.
Precooked and cured sausage – Precooked sausages include hot dogs and some types of breakfast sausage. Pepperoni, salami and Spanish chorizo are popular sausages that are cured with salt, sugar and spices. They are fully cooked and ready to eat. This type of sausage is often sliced and served on a charcuterie board.
Bratwurst is a type of German sausage. While it originated in Germany, its enjoyed around the world and is especially popular in the midwestern part of the United States. Bratwurst is made from a mixture of ground pork, beef, or veal, combined with spices such as sea salt, black pepper, nutmeg, ginger, or caraway then stuffed into synthetic or natural casing.
Traditionally, bratwurst is cooked by grilling, pan-frying or baking in an oven. These methods give bratwurst a slightly crispy exterior while retaining its juicy and flavorful interior. It is often served on a bun or roll and accompanied by mustard, sauerkraut, grilled onions and pepper, or other condiments. I love serving grilled Bratwurst sausages with a homemade potato salad. Its perfect for a backyard barbecue.
So, while brats and kielbasa are both kinds of sausage, they are distinctly different from one another in the seasonings used to make them. For instance, brats are often seasoned with nutmeg, ginger, caraway and sage, while people quite often infuse kielbasa with garlic.
Is Italian sausage and bratwurst the same?
At first glance, Italian sausage links and bratwurst look very similar. Both are primarily a pork sausage that can be found in grocery stores and butcher shops. They can also be cooked using the same methods but thats where the similarities end.
Italian sausage is typically seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, such as fennel seed, garlic, sweet paprika, and sometimes hot red pepper flakes. There are a variety of Italian sausage flavors which include sweet Italian sausage (or mild Italian sausage) and hot Italian sausage which usually includes a variety of spices. This delicious sausage can be cooked a variety of ways but I especially like them grilled with peppers and onions, used as pizza toppings or cooked in pasta sauces. I also will add ground spicy Italian sausage along with ground beef to make an incredible Italian Meat Sauce.
Bratwurst is made with a blend of spices like salt, pepper, nutmeg, and other regional seasonings. Its mild in flavor and usually associated with grilling. Bratwurst is sometimes flavored with apples, cheese and beer.
12 Typical German Sausages Compared – Traditional German Sausages
FAQ
Are kielbasa and Polish sausage the same thing?
What is the Polish equivalent of bratwurst?
Are brats and bratwurst the same thing?
Is Polish sausage and Italian sausage the same?