The Best Kinds of Sausage for a Delicious Breakfast

Breakfast is considered by many to be the most important meal of the day. A good breakfast gives you the energy and nutrition you need to start your day off right. For many people, breakfast just isn’t complete without some type of sausage. But with so many options out there, how do you know what kind of sausage is actually good to eat for breakfast?

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of sausage commonly eaten for breakfast and discuss their flavor profiles, nutritional value, and overall quality. We’ll also provide recommendations on the best sausages you should choose to make your mornings more delicious.

Pork Breakfast Sausage

Pork sausage is by far the most common type served at breakfast. It’s versatile easy to make and has a mild, savory flavor.

Pork breakfast sausages are made from ground pork mixed with salt, pepper, sage, and other spices. They typically contain about 75% lean pork meat and 25% fat, although ratios can vary. This mixture gives pork sausage its characteristic texture and juiciness when cooked.

Compared to other processed meats, pork breakfast sausage is relatively low in sodium and nitrates. A 2-ounce serving contains around 380 mg of sodium and 1 g of saturated fat. It also provides 12 g of protein and iron.

When selecting a good quality pork breakfast sausage, look for varieties without MSG, fillers, or artificial preservatives. High-end and homemade sausages will generally have simpler, more natural ingredient lists.

The two main forms of pork breakfast sausage are links and patties. Links have an edible collagen casing around the meat while patties are simply ground meat formed into flat discs. Both cook up nicely whether pan-fried, baked, or grilled.

Overall, traditional pork breakfast sausage makes a tasty, protein-packed addition to any morning meal. The mild seasoning provides savory flavor without overpowering other dishes. It’s especially good in breakfast sandwiches, with eggs, or crumbled into potatoes.

Chicken or Turkey Breakfast Sausage

For a leaner alternative to pork sausage, many people enjoy chicken or turkey breakfast sausages. Chicken and turkey sausages typically contain around 140 calories and 7 g of fat per 2-ounce serving.

Chicken and turkey sausages get their flavor from sage, parsley, garlic, pepper, and other spices mixed into the ground meat Without much fat, they have a drier, firmer texture than pork sausages. The flavor also tends to be a little more delicate.

On the plus side, poultry sausages are higher in protein than pork varieties – around 13-15 g per serving. They can be a smart choice for people monitoring fat and cholesterol intake. Just check the sodium content, as poultry sausages often contain a lot to boost the flavor.

You can find turkey and chicken breakfast sausages in most grocery stores, usually near the pork breakfast sausage or ground turkey. They work well with any typical breakfast foods like eggs, pancakes, or toast. Overall, poultry sausages make a nice change of pace from heavier pork varieties while still delivering plenty of morning protein.

Spicy Breakfast Sausage

If you like to start your day with some heat, spicy breakfast sausages are a great choice. Flavors like chorizo, Italian, or hot & spicy can really wake up your taste buds

Spicy breakfast sausages get their signature heat from spices like crushed red pepper, paprika, chili powder, cayenne, and black pepper. They may contain either ground pork, beef, chicken, or turkey as the meat base.

While spicy sausage has more flavor punch than plain breakfast sausage, it does tend to be higher in sodium. A 2-ounce serving can have between 450-600 mg of sodium. The fat content varies depending on the type of meat used.

Overall, spicy breakfast sausages bring a fiery jolt of flavor to mornings. They work nicely when crumbled into scrambles and omelets. You can also slice them to top a breakfast pizza or nachos. Just have some water handy to tame the heat!

Beef Breakfast Sausage

While less common than pork or poultry, beef breakfast sausage is another option. Beef sausage has a heartier texture and deeper, meatier taste compared to other breakfast meats.

Beef sausage gets its signature flavor from garlic, black pepper, thyme, cayenne, and other robust seasonings. It may also include some pork or other meats. The meat is ground more coarsely than other sausages, giving it some texture.

Be aware that beef sausage tends to be one of the higher fat breakfast meat options. A 2-ounce serving contains around 10 g of fat, including 3 g of saturated fat. It also has 450-480 mg of sodium. But with 14 g of protein, beef sausage can be quite filling.

You can find beef breakfast sausage in many grocery stores, sold fresh or frozen. Beef links pair especially well with steak and eggs. The hearty flavors also complement hash browns or grits with cheese.

Vegan Breakfast Sausages

For those avoiding meat, there are now many tasty vegan breakfast sausage options made from plants, grains, and spices.

Popular bases for vegan sausages include soy protein, seitan (wheat gluten), jackfruit, mushrooms, and legumes like black beans or chickpeas. The meaty texture comes from cooked grains like brown rice, quinoa, or bulgur wheat.

Seasonings like sage, garlic, onion, paprika, fennel, and pepper recreate the familiar breakfast sausage flavor profile. Depending on the brand, some vegan sausages are meant to mimic pork while others aim for a chicken sausage taste.

Going meatless, vegan breakfast sausages are lower in saturated fat and higher in fiber than traditional meat-based sausage. Just check sodium levels as they vary widely by brand.

You can find packaged vegan breakfast sausages in the refrigerated vegetarian meat section at many grocers today. They make great additions to vegan breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and tacos. You can also make homemade vegan sausage with vital wheat gluten and seasonings.

Andouille or Boudin Sausage

For a more unique savory flavor, try Cajun-style andouille or boudin sausage. Originating from Louisiana, these sausages are commonly used in Cajun and Creole cooking.

Andouille sausage is a smoked pork sausage seasoned with garlic, pepper, onions, and other spices. It has a coarse texture and robust smoky, garlicky taste. Boudin sausage contains pork, rice, and Cajun seasonings stuffed into an edible casing.

Compared to regular breakfast sausage, andouille and boudin are higher in fat, sodium, and cholesterol due to their rich ingredients and preparation. However, the complex smoky, spicy flavors make them worth the splurge now and then.

You can find andouille, boudin, and other Cajun-style sausages in the gourmet meat section at many grocery stores. They’re delicious in jambalaya, red beans and rice, or with eggs and grits. The bold flavors really wake up the palate first thing in the morning.

Things to Look for in Quality Breakfast Sausage

When shopping for breakfast sausage, read labels and look for these signs of quality:

• Made from quality cuts of meat, not trimmings or by-products

• Free of MSG, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives

• No fillers like soy protein or wheat flour

• Minimal added sodium (under 450mg per serving)

• Short ingredient list, ideally with spices you recognize

• Uncured varieties do not contain nitrates or nitrites

• No added sugars or high fructose corn syrup

Choosing sausages made with quality ingredients from pasture-raised animals can also offer more nutritional value. Ultimately, look for sausages free of anything artificial or highly processed.

Tips for Cooking Breakfast Sausage

Here are some tips for cooking up delicious breakfast sausage at home:

• Pan fry – Cook sausages in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, turning frequently until browned on all sides. Pour off excess fat as it cooks.

• Bake – Arrange sausages on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 18-25 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.

• Grill – Grill sausages over direct medium heat for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until nicely charred.

• Microwave – Microwave pre-cooked sausages for 30-60 seconds to reheat. Cover the dish to prevent splattering.

• Simmer – For loose sausage, cook in a skillet crumbling and stirring until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

• Don’t overcook – Pork and poultry sausage taste best when still a bit juicy in the middle. Beef and vegan sausage fully cook to 165°F.

With so many tasty sausage options, there’s no reason for any breakfast to be boring. Whether you like pork, chicken, turkey, beef or vegan meat, flavorful sausage can satisfy any craving. Use this guide to find your new favorite breakfast sausage so