What Kind of Meat is Sausage on Pizza? An In-Depth Look at This Quintessential Topping

Sausage is a beloved pizza topping, eagerly anticipated by pizza lovers when that hot, cheesy pizza emerges piping hot from the oven. But what exactly is sausage made of? What types of meat go into crafting this iconic pizza topping? In this article we’ll explore the fascinating world of sausage revealing the kinds of meat used to create the sausage we know and love.

A Brief History of Sausage

To understand sausage’s place in pizza history, let’s go back to sausage’s origins. Sausages are one of the oldest forms of processed and preserved meats, with roots dating back thousands of years. The word “sausage” has Latin origins, derived from “salsus” meaning salted or preserved. Sausage making allowed ancient civilizations to make use of less desirable cuts of meat by seasoning, grinding, and encasing them. Over the centuries, sausage evolved from a practical food preservation method into the diverse sausage varieties we enjoy today.

Fast forward to 15th century Naples, birthplace of the pizza. Pizza was a peasant dish, utilizing simple affordable ingredients like bread, tomatoes, olive oil, and whatever toppings were on hand. Sausage, often homemade by Italian butchers, was an ideal pizza topping, adding hearty meaty flavor. When Italian immigrants brought pizza to America in the early 1900s, sausage remained a standard topping. Since then, sausage pizza has become an American favorite.

The Most Common Sausage Meats

The sausage we know and love has come a long way from its roots. But certain meats have remained staples in sausage production through the ages. Here are the most common types of meat used to make sausage:

Pork

Pork is by far the most prevalent sausage meat It has the perfect balance of fat to meat ratio that gives sausage its signature richness and mouthfeel Flavorful cuts like shoulder and leg are often used. Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, bratwurst, chorizo, and pepperoni all typically contain pork.

Beef

Beef adds hearty, meaty flavor to many sausages. Chuck beef is commonly used for its marbling. All-beef sausages like bologna and hot dogs are testament to beef’s stabilizing effect in sausage making. Beef also blends well with pork in mixed-meat sausages.

Chicken

Chicken sausage is a leaner alternative to pork and beef sausage. Chicken thighs are most commonly used for their rich flavor. Turkey and other fowl are also options. Chicken sausage patties are a popular pizza topping.

Mixed Meats

Many sausages blend meats for optimal texture and flavor. Beef and pork are a classic duo, as in Italian-style sweet or hot sausage. Some contain three or more meats like pork, beef, turkey, and chicken. Mixing meats allows the benefits of each to shine.

Exotic and Wild Game Meats

Unique sausages may contain game meats like bison, venison, elk, boar, or rabbit. Duck, lamb, and other meats also make occasional appearances. These provide seasonal variety and exciting new flavor profiles.

Meat Alternatives

Vegetarian sausage contains no meat at all. Soy protein, wheat gluten, mushrooms, nuts, and vegetables like jackfruit stand in for meat. These offer meaty texture and flavor without animal products.

Popular Sausage Styles and Meat Blends

Now let’s explore some of the most popular sausage styles and see what type of meat makes them distinctive.

• Italian Sausage – Pork seasoned with fennel seed and often garlic, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes for heat. Beef may be added. Varieties are sweet, hot, or mild.

• Breakfast Sausage – Pork with sage, black pepper, thyme, cayenne, and other spices. May contain some beef. Maple syrup adds sweetness.

• Bratwurst – Pork, beef, or veal, seasoned minimally to let the meat shine. Originated in Germany.

• Chorizo – Spicy pork sausage seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, vinegar, and chile peppers. Mexican and Spanish variations exist.

• Pepperoni – Pork and beef seasoned simply with salt, paprika, chili powder, fennel, and garlic. Turkey pepperoni is also available.

• Andouille – Smoked pork, originating in France. Heavily spiced with onion, garlic, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne for heat.

• Chicken Apple Sausage – Chicken seasoned with fresh apples, sage, rosemary, brown sugar, and spices. A breakfast favorite.

• Vegan Italian Sausage – Meat-free, made from soy protein, vital wheat gluten, spices, and sun-dried tomatoes for color.

How Sausage is Prepared for Pizza

Preparing sausage for pizza presents some options depending on the style desired. Here are some common preparation methods:

• Raw loose sausage – Raw sausage meat crumbled directly onto the pizza before baking allows for browned crispy bits and well-incorporated flavor.

• Pre-cooked crumbles – Browning loose sausage in a skillet before adding to pizza means it’s already cooked through when pizza is baked.

• Sliced links – Fully cooked sausage links sliced and arranged on pizza add nice texture and allow flavors to remain concentrated in each piece.

• Patties – Cooked sausage patties can be crumbled on pizza or kept in small patties for focused flavor pops.

• Homemade sausage – Making sausage dough from scratch allows control over meat choice and seasoning.

Preparation comes down to pizza style, personal preference, and convenience. Whichever option you choose, sausage as a pizza topping is sure to deliver the comforting, savory qualities we know and love.

Health Considerations Around Sausage

While undeniably delicious, it’s worth examining some potential health effects of eating sausage. As a processed meat, there are a few points to consider:

• Saturated Fat – Sausage contains high amounts of saturated fat from pork and other meats. Too much saturated fat raises cholesterol levels and heart disease risk.

• Sodium – Most sausages are very high in sodium, from salt used for preservation and flavor enhancement. Excess sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure.

• Nitrites – Many sausages contain sodium nitrite to prevent botulism and enhance color. In large amounts, nitrites may be carcinogenic, but more research is needed.

• Heme Iron – The heme iron abundant in red meat can increase cancer risk when consumed in excess. Moderation is key.

The American Cancer Society recommends limiting processed meat intake to no more than 18 oz per week, and avoiding burnt or charred meats.

Moderation and balance are key when enjoying indulgent foods like sausage pizza. Opt for healthier toppings like vegetables and olive oil, savor just 1-2 slices, and maintain an active lifestyle.

The Takeaway: Embrace the Sausage!

Exploring the meats that go into sausage reveals it is truly greater than the sum of its parts. Age-old preservation practices brought together less desirable cuts and scraps to create something entirely new and delicious through human creativity and resourcefulness. This history is embodied in the beloved sausage pizza.

We recommend embracing sausage pizza in moderation as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Savor the juicy pops of flavor and textural contrast sausage brings to a classic slice. Experiment with different sausage styles and meat blends to keep things interesting. Pizza brings people together, and sausage pizza has its rightful place at the table.