What is Ground Sausage Made Of? A Complete Guide to Sausage Ingredients

Ground sausage is a staple in many cuisines and recipes. From breakfast sandwiches to pasta dishes, this flavored meat adds deliciousness and protein. But have you ever wondered exactly what gives sausage its distinctive taste and texture?

In this article, we’ll explore what ground sausage is made of, the different types, and how to make your own from scratch.

The Main Ingredients

The base of most sausages is ground pork. Pork has the right balance of fat to lean meat that makes for a juicy, rich sausage when cooked. The pork used can come from different cuts:

• Pork shoulder – Also called pork butt, this is the most common cut used. It has good marbling which provides flavor.

• Pork belly – Fattier than other cuts but provides a soft, tender texture.

• Pork trimmings – Scraps of meat leftover from cutting pork chops and roasts. Utilizes waste and keeps costs down.

While pork is standard, other ground meats may also be used like chicken, turkey, or beef Vegetarian sausage substitutes soy protein or seitan

Seasonings

The seasonings added are what give sausage its signature taste. These vary widely between styles and regions, but often include:

• Spices like black pepper, paprika, cayenne
• Herbs such as sage, oregano, parsley
• Aromatics like garlic, onion, shallots
• Sweeteners like sugar or maple syrup
• Curing salts for preservation like sodium nitrite

Italian sausage typically contains fennel, anise, and red pepper flakes. Breakfast sausage uses more sage. Spicy chorizo is loaded with paprika and chili powders. Play around with seasonings to create your own signature flavor.

Binders and Fillers

A small amount of binders and fillers are also commonly added to ground sausage. These help retain moisture and bind the meat together.

• Breadcrumbs or oats – Absorb juices released during cooking so sausage stays moist. Also provide texture.

• Non-fat dry milk powder – Adds a creamy note while absorbing moisture.

• Vegetable gums – Bind all the ingredients together into a firm, sliceable sausage. Includes guar gum or carrageenan.

While not traditional, many commercial sausages also contain preservatives and anti-caking agents to extend shelf life. Read labels to know exactly what’s included.

The Different Types of Sausage

There are many varieties of sausage across cuisines. Here are some of the most popular:

Italian – Flavored with garlic, anise, oregano and fennel seeds. Used in pasta sauces, soups, and sandwiches.

Breakfast – Sage and other savory spices give a hearty flavor. Often formed into patties and served with eggs.

Bratwurst – Originating in Germany, these contain veal, marjoram, caraway. Grilled or added to soups.

Chorizo – A spicy Spanish sausage with smoked paprika and garlic. Used in tacos, empanadas, eggs.

Andouille – Creole smoked sausage with intense garlic notes. Key in jambalaya and gumbos.

Kielbasa – Polish sausage seasoned with cloves, garlic, and marjoram. Eaten grilled, in stews and sandwiches.

Boudin – Cajun blood sausage containing pork, rice, onions, and spices. Often stuffed into casings.

How to Make Homemade Sausage

You can easily make sausage at home with ground pork and your favorite seasonings. Here are the basic steps:

1. Choose your main meat. Go with 80% lean ground pork, or experiment with part chicken or beef.

2. Select seasonings. Use suggested spice blends or create your own. Go for 1-2 teaspoons of spices per pound of meat.

3. Mix everything together. Combine the ground meat and seasoning thoroughly but avoid over-mixing to keep a tender texture.

4. Chill before using. Let the sausage chill for a few hours for the best flavor.

5. Form into patties or cook in recipes. Sausage can be shaped into patties and links or used loose in soups, skillets and more.

6. Cook to 160°F internal temperature. Always cook thoroughly. Ground pork should reach 160°F.

With a quality meat base and your favorite herbs and spices, it’s easy to whip up flavorful homemade sausage. Experiment with recipes until you craft your signature blend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between ground pork and sausage?

Ground pork is pure pork meat without any seasonings added. Sausage has spices, herbs, and other flavorings mixed into the ground pork before cooking.

Is it safe to eat raw sausage?

No, raw sausage meat and patties should always be fully cooked before eating to kill any potential bacteria from the raw pork. Cook to an internal temperature of 160°F.

How long does fresh sausage last?

In the fridge, fresh sausage should keep 1-2 days. For longer storage, freeze sausage patties or links for 2-3 months. Use within 1-2 days after thawing.

Can you substitute Italian sausage for breakfast sausage?

You can, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. Breakfast sausage uses more sage while Italian has spices like fennel, anise, and garlic. Adjust any other seasonings to compensate.

What’s the healthiest sausage?

Turkey or chicken sausage will be lower in fat and calories than traditional pork sausage. Look for varieties without a lot of added sugars or sodium.

So there you have it – everything that goes into making flavorful, juicy ground sausage! With the right blend of quality pork, fresh spices, and seasonings, you can easily recreate this versatile staple at home. Now that you know what’s inside, it’s time to get cooking!