The Best Places to Buy Sausage for Pizza Topping

Sausage is a beloved pizza topping. The seasoned meat adds hearty flavor and texture that perfectly complements cheese and sauce. But not all sausages are created equal when it comes to pizza. The best sausage for pizza has a blend of savory spices, a good balance of fat, and the right texture to hold up during baking without becoming tough. Finding high quality pre-made or fresh sausage for your homemade pizza can be a challenge if you don’t know where to look.

After research and testing, I’ve discovered the absolute best places to buy sausage for pizza topping so your pie tastes authentic and amazing. In this article I’ll share tips on picking the right sausage review the top retailers and brands, and give recommendations based on sausage type. Let’s get started so you can start enjoying next-level flavor on your pizza night!

How to Choose Sausage for Pizza

When selecting sausage for pizza topping, you’ll want to consider:

• Flavor – Opt for Italian-seasoned varieties that provide oregano, fennel, garlic, and other spices that enhance tomato sauce and cheese Mild or hot varieties both work well.

• Casing – Sausage with natural casings adds nice texture, but you can also remove the casing before cooking if desired. Skinless options are fine too

• Fat content – Look for around 20% fat. This provides enough richness without greasiness.

• Pre-cooked vs raw – Pre-cooked is convenient but might dry out. Raw needs par-cooking but gives the best texture.

• Fresh vs frozen – Fresh sausage has superior flavor but frozen works in a pinch. Thaw completely before using.

Now let’s dive into the best options based on various types of sausage and retailers.

Italian Pork Sausage

Traditional Italian pork sausage is arguably the most popular choice for pizza. Here are some excellent sources:

• Walmart – Their Marketside Butcher Italian Style Pork Sausage provides fantastic flavor for the price. It has 19% fat, ideal seasoning, and nice snap when cooked.

• Trader Joe’s – Their pre-cooked Italian Style Chicken Sausage has great spice flavor without greasiness. Makes it easy to prep for pizza night.

• Costco – You can find raw Italian Style Pork Sausage in 1 lb tubes in the butcher case. Bulk buy for your freezer.

• Aldi – Mama Cozzi’s Pizza Kitchen Italian Style Pork Sausage is another budget-friendly winner. Great on hand-tossed homemade pizza.

• Johnsonville – For pre-cooked convenience, their Italian Style Chicken Sausage Rope is a quick and tasty pantry staple.

• Local butcher shop – Check for house-made Italian sausage for the freshest, authentic flavor. The natural casings add texture.

Spicy Sausage

If you like some heat, spicy sausage is a smart choice:

• Pizza Hut – Order it as a topping or buy a pack of their pre-cooked Spicy Italian Sausage to DIY at home. Nice and zesty.

• Hormel – Their Natural Choice Pepperoni Sausage provides a spicy kick and crisps up perfectly when baked.

• Jimmy Dean – For a fully-cooked option, their Premium Pork Sausage Roll in Hot style satisfies spicy cravings.

• Aidells – Their Spicy Italian Style Chicken & Turkey Sausage has an addictive flavor that enhances any pizza recipe.

• Oberto – The Snack Stix Spicy Sausage is ready to slice up right from the pack for instant pizza prep.

Bratwurst, Kielbasa, Andouille

For a change of pace, try these flavorful sausage varieties:

• Johnsonville Beer Brats – The onion and mustard notes pair so well with crust and cheese.

• Hillshire Farm Kielbasa – Smoky with garlic undertones, it brings robust flavor to pizza.

• Zatarain’s Andouille Sausage – The Cajun-style seasoning adds a kick. Bake or pan fry before topping pizza.

• Utilizing your local butcher shop again allows you to access the freshest sausage meat for a customized pizza night.

Chicken, Turkey, and Veggie Sausages

For healthier or vegetarian options try:

• Applegate Organics – Their Genoa Salami Style Chicken & Turkey Sausage is a tasty, lower-fat choice.

• Tofurky – The Italian Sausage Style veggie sausage makes creative vegan pizzas easy.

• Morningstar Farms – Their Spicy Black Bean Italian Sausage adds plant-based protein with a kick.

• Trader Joe’s – Their Chicken Apple Sausage puts a sweet and savory spin on pizza night.

Make Delicious Sausage Pizza at Home

Now that you know where to buy the best sausage for your pizza, it’s time to DIY! Here are a few quick tips:

• If using raw sausage, par-cook first to release oils and brown meat. Slice thinly.
• Spread sauce and cheese first, then arrange sausage as topping to prevent burning.
• Try mixing sausage varieties for a supreme pizza. Slice peppers or onions to mix in too.
• Layer meat under cheese so it’s embedded for deep, hearty flavor in each bite.
• Bake at a high temp like 425°F until the crust and cheese get crispy-golden brown.

With so many excellent sausage options for your pizza, you can enjoy a different flavor experience every time. Experiment with artisan varieties, brands, and custom spice blends to discover new favorites. Just choose quality sausage from a trusted retailer and let your creative juices flow. Your homemade pizza night will be a big hit with family and friends when you top it with the very best sausage!