Green onion sausage is a flavorful type of pork sausage that is seasoned with fresh green onions. Its savory and aromatic qualities make it a scrumptious addition to various dishes. If you want to unlock the secrets to cooking perfect green onion sausage at home, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process.

Choosing High-Quality Sausage

The first step is selecting high-quality green onion sausage Check the ingredients list and aim for sausages containing pork, green onions, and basic seasonings like salt, pepper, sage, and garlic Avoid sausages with excessive fillers, preservatives or artificial flavors. Savoie’s smoked green onion pork sausage is a top choice in Louisiana where this type of sausage originates. Other reputable brands or local butcher sausages also work beautifully.

Helpful Tools and Equipment

Having the right tools will make cooking green onion sausage easier, A heavy skillet or grill pan allows you to brown the sausages properly Metal tongs let you easily flip and maneuver them, An instant-read thermometer helps check internal temperature, You’ll also need paper towels for draining excess grease, Optional items include a wire rack for cooling cooked sausages and a baking sheet if oven roasting,

Prepping the Sausages

Before cooking, remove green onion sausage from packaging and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps them brown better by removing excess moisture on the exterior. If oven roasting, arrange sausages on a baking sheet with space between each one. For stovetop cooking have a clean plate ready nearby to transfer the cooked sausages to afterwards.

Cooking Methods

There are several easy methods for cooking green onion sausage. Choosing between pan frying, oven roasting or grilling depends on your time availability, what equipment you have, and personal preference regarding texture.

Pan Frying

This stovetop method delivers delicious browned sausage in about 10 minutes. Heat a skillet over medium high. Swirl in 1 tsp oil or butter. Add sausage links in a single uncrowded layer. Cook 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Flip sausages with tongs to evenly brown. Internal temperature should reach 160°F.

Oven Roasting

For hands-off cooking, oven roasting works great. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place sausages on a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until browned and 160°F internally. The gentler heat helps keep interior moist.

Grilling

During warmer months, firing up the grill is an easy and flavorful option. Preheat grill to medium high heat. Place sausages directly onto oiled grates. Grill for 12-15 minutes total, rotating every few minutes to prevent burning. Char marks add nice flavor.

Safety Tips

Properly cooking green onion sausage all the way through is vital to prevent bacterial growth. Use an instant read thermometer to check internal temperature, which should reach 160°F. Visually, sausage should be evenly browned on all sides with a firm texture when fully cooked. Discard any sausages that appear shriveled or dried out.

Serving Suggestions

The versatility of green onion sausage makes it suitable for breakfast, lunch or dinner recipes. Here are tasty ways to serve it:

• On sandwiches with melted cheese
• Chopped in red beans and rice
• Alongside eggs and hashbrowns
• In jambalaya or gumbo
• On pizza or flatbread
• Tossed with roasted veggies
• Skewered for appetizers
• In pasta dishes or risottos

With endless options, let your creativity run wild! Green onion sausage partners beautifully with many flavors and ingredients.

Storage Tips

Properly stored, cooked green onion sausage will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated. Let sausage cool slightly before storing to prevent condensation buildup in the refrigerator. Place in an airtight container or resealable plastic bags. For longer freezer storage up to 2-3 months, wrap cooked sausage tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.

Cooking Up My Family’s Favorite Recipe

Growing up, my family often enjoyed green onion sausage for weekend breakfasts. The smoky, savory sausage links were a hit paired with fluffy eggs and crispy hashbrowns. My dad would whip up a batch in the skillet while my siblings and I eagerly awaited the sizzling sausage straight from the stovetop.

Now that I’m older, I still frequently cook green onion sausage. Its nostalgic childhood memories blend wonderfully with the sausage’s robust onion and garlic notes. I’ve experimented with various cooking techniques, but pan frying remains my favorite for weeknight dinners.

My Ideal Pan Fried Sausages

I like to use a heavy cast iron or nonstick skillet that distributes heat evenly. A little canola oil helps brown the sausages nicely without sticking. My timing is about 4-5 minutes per side over medium high heat. Frequently rotating the links with tongs results in an even golden crust. A quick temperature check with an instant read thermometer confirms they’re cooked through at 160°F.

Seasoning and Serving

Right after cooking, I lightly season the sausages with a bit of salt, pepper and Cajun seasoning blend. The spices complement the existing green onion and pork flavors. We enjoy the sausage sliced on sandwiches, chopped in red beans and rice, or paired with cheesy grits. The possibilities are endless!

Tailoring to Personal Tastes

Part of the fun with green onion sausage is adjusting recipes to suit your tastes. Add sliced bell peppers for a pop of color. Use chicken broth when making sausage gravy. Try different beers or wines when braising it. Mix up the spices like oregano, cayenne, or smoked paprika. The versatile sausage welcomes creativity.

At my family’s gatherings, green onion sausage often makes an appearance. It’s easy for a weeknight, yet special enough for a cookout or holiday. Tangy, savory and comforting, the flavorful sausage satisfies. I look forward to cooking up this south Louisiana specialty for many more meals to come.