Where to Buy the Best Sausage Crumbles for Pizza

As a pizza lover, I’m always looking to take my homemade pies to the next level. And in my experience, one of the best ways to do that is with high-quality sausage crumbles. The right sausage crumbles can add a huge burst of flavor and texture that really brings the whole pizza together.

But not all sausage crumbles are created equal. The quality can vary widely depending on where you buy them. So in this article I’ll share my tips on where to find the best sausage crumbles to really make your pizza sing.

What to Look for in Sausage Crumbles

Before diving into where to buy sausage crumbles, let’s first talk about what makes for good crumbles in the first place. There are a few key factors I look for:

• Flavor – You want the sausage to pack a tasty punch. Italian seasoning, fennel, garlic, wine, and spice blends can all infuse the meat with delicious flavor.

• Texture – The best crumbles will have some crispiness from being browned, but still maintain a tender, moist interior. Stay away from crumbles that seem overly dry or mushy.

• Quality of Ingredients – Sausage made with fresh, minimally processed meats generally tastes better than highly processed versions. Organic and humanely raised meats are ideal.

• Versatility – While Italian sausage is classic on pizza, don’t be afraid to branch out into spicier chilies and cheeses, chicken or turkey sausage, or vegetarian “meat” crumbles. Having options keeps things interesting!

Knowing what to look for will make navigating all the options much easier. Now let’s get into the where and how!

Buy from Your Local Butcher

My number one recommendation for finding great sausage crumbles is to check with your local butcher shop. High quality butchers often make their own sausage mixes in house, giving you the freshest, most flavorful crumbles around.

I like to ask questions at the butcher counter to learn about their sausage blends and cooking methods. Let them know you plan to use the crumbles for pizza, and any guidance they can offer for flavors that will really enhance the pie.

The hands-on customer service at a butcher shop really makes all the difference. You get the benefit of their expertise to walk away with the perfect product. And butchers can usually do special requests, like a milder sausage or even vegetarian crumbles.

Yes, it requires an extra stop – but for homemade pizza night, it’s well worth it! The freshness and care put into butcher shop sausage crumbles can’t be beat.

Grocery Store Deli Counter

If you don’t have easy access to a dedicated butcher, the next best option is the deli counter at your grocery store. Most large supermarkets now have deli counters that prepare fresh sausage crumbles in house.

Scope out the selection and see if you can get a sample taste before you buy. This will help ensure you pick a flavor you love. If they don’t have any pre-made, you can also request the deli workers prepare a batch of crumbles to order.

One advantage of grocery store delis is you can often buy smaller 1⁄2 pound or 1 pound portions. Butcher shops sometimes have larger minimum quantities. The smaller deli portions are perfect for just one pizza night.

Just be aware that the quality may not be quite as high as a butcher shop. The ingredients likely won’t be organic or locally sourced. But for an accessible option, fresh deli counter crumbles are certainly better than pre-packaged.

Order Online

For ultimate convenience, ordering sausage crumbles online is hard to beat. There are tons of online butchers and specialty food stores that ship sausage mixes nationwide.

I like to browse until I find a company that aligns with my priorities – quality meats, minimal processing, ethical sourcing, etc. Then I can order a few pounds of my favorite sausage blend right to my doorstep!

Another perk of ordering online is the wide range of options. There are specialty vendors that offer game meats like bison or elk sausage, artisanal charcuterie blends, or exotic spices you won’t find at your neighborhood store.

The main downside is you can’t taste them beforehand. So be sure to read reviews and look for generous return policies in case you get a dud.

Overall though, I’m a big fan of the convenience of ordering sausage crumbles online. I can stock up on my go-tos whenever I need them.

DIY Homemade Crumbles

For the true sausage connoisseur, making your own homemade crumbles is incredibly rewarding. You have total control over the ingredients and flavor profile. And it’s much easier than fully encasing mixes into sausage links.

My process is to buy high quality ground meat, usually pork shoulder or a pork/beef blend. Beyond that, you can add whatever spices and ingredients suit your tastes. Onion, garlic, red wine, herbs, citrus, and cheese are all fair game!

Make sure to use a light hand with any liquids, as too much moisture will make the crumbles mushy. Thoroughly mix everything together, then form into small pieces about the size of almonds.

Cook the crumbles over medium heat in a skillet until browned. Then they’re ready to add your perfect homemade pizza!

The hands on process does take more time and effort. But for a special pizza night in, it’s fun to DIY. That way you can craft the exact crumbles you crave.

Buying Pre-Packaged Crumbles

In a time crunch or feeling lazy about prep, I don’t judge anyone for taking the easy route. Pre-packaged sausage crumbles from the grocery store freezer section can get the job done.

Just be aware that these are the lowest quality option. Mass produced frozen crumbles are pumped with preservatives and seasoning mixes. The meat itself is highly processed.

On the plus side, frozen crumbles last ages in the freezer. So they’re great to keep stocked for weeknight pizzas or impromptu pizza cravings. And brands like Beyond Meat now offer plant-based “sausage” crumble alternatives.

While I always prefer fresh, homemade or butcher prepared, pre-packaged frozen crumbles still offer a quick shortcut for busy weeknights.

Extra Tips for Using Sausage Crumbles on Pizza

Once you’ve got your sausage crumbles, it’s time for the fun part – making epic pizza! Here are my pro tips for topping pies with crumbles:

• Spread the crumbles evenly so every bite has sausage. But don’t overdo it – balance with enough cheese and sauce.

• For even more flavor, brown the crumbles first in olive oil or sausage drippings.

• Mix cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan for texture and tang.

• Add veggies like mushrooms, onions, and peppers so you get a well-rounded bite.

• Spice it up with red pepper flakes, basil, oregano, and garlic powder.

• Prepare extra crumbles to add protein to salads, pastas, and soups throughout the week.