Types Of Italian Sausage And Why They're Different - Italian Garden (2024)

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Types Of Italian Sausage And Why They're Different - Italian Garden (1)

A sausage is a sausage, right? Try to order plain sausage at a meat market and you’ll be in for a surprise due to the many varieties available. Almost all sausage has the same basic formula. You take ground meat combined with fat, flavoring, and preservatives, then stuff it in casings made from a variety of things such as artificial products, natural ones, and even stomachs. The stuffed casings are then twisted in intervals to make links. Pork is the most common type of meat used, but sausages are also made with beef, lamb, veal, turkey, chicken, or game. Sometimes fillers such as rice or oatmeal are also used.

What is Italian Sausage?

What about Italian Sausage? This will also leave you with a variety of choices if going to a meat market. There are many types of Italian sausage. The main difference in Italian sausage when compared to other sausages is the seasoning. The particular ingredient that usually sets Italian sausage apart is fennel. This is a licorice scented herb that gives Italian sausage its unique taste that is different than other types of sausage.

Italian Sausage Flavors

The type of Italian sausage most people are familiar with is the kind that is served on pizza and added to pasta sauces. This is produced with and without the casing. Typically the casing is removed for cooking with this type of sausage. This variety usually comes in sweet, hot, and mild. The sweet is usually seasoned with sweet basil and the hot is seasoned with chili peppers.

Types of Italian Sausage

There are many other types of Italian sausage, such as:

  • Salamella: This sausage is made with pork, veal, lard, spices, and wine. It is smoked to prevent mold and then inserted into a natural casing for aging.
  • Mortadella: This is a large sausage similar to the texture and flavor of bologna. It is often processed with pistachios, jalapenos, or olives.
  • Sopressato: This sausage is made from pork or beef. It is is made in uncured form or cured in olive oil. The uncured form hangs to dry for 3-12 weeks and is eaten with crackers, or on sandwiches.
  • ‘Nduja: This is a pork sausage that has an exclusive taste that comes from being spiced with roasted red peppers. This sausage is unique because it is spreadable. It is served with bread, cheese, or added to pasta sauces.
  • Salami: This is a cured sausage that is fermented and air dried. This particular sausage can be stored at room temperature for up to ten years. Salami comes in many varieties that include pepperoni.

Enjoying Italian Sausage

Now that your sausage knowledge has been developed, you could start to develop your palate for all the different flavors. Next time you order an Italian sandwich or a sausage and pepperoni pizza, notice how they are different than what you would find at your local BBQ joint or served next to your eggs at breakfast. Take time to enjoy the unique flavors that have earned the title of being Italian.

If you would like to try a taste of Italian sausage for yourself, visit Italian Garden, located in San Marcos, TX.

Types Of Italian Sausage And Why They're Different - Italian Garden (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Sicilian sausage and Italian sausage? ›

While other spices may be added to the Italian sausage, the prominent spices should always be fennel and basil. The original Sicilian sausage uses coarser ground meat and higher levels of fat while the Americanized versions are usually using finely ground meat and lower fat levels.

What's the difference between mild Italian sausage and sweet Italian sausage? ›

The most common varieties marketed as "Italian sausage" in supermarkets are hot, sweet, and mild. The main difference between hot and mild is the addition of hot red pepper flakes to the spice mix of the former. The difference between mild and sweet is the addition of sweet basil in the latter.

What is Calabrese Italian sausage? ›

Southern Italian style sausage spiced with cracked chili's, cayenne pepper, and a hint of fennel. Cook on the BBQ or use as a base for your sauce.

What is dry Italian sausage called? ›

Salami is a type of Italian cured sausage, generally dry and hard compared to other types of sausage. Italian Salami is made from ground meat mixed with seasonings and stuffed into a casing, then dry cured until a desired hardness is achieved.

What is the name of the Italian spicy sausage? ›

Salsiccia Longa Piccante literally translates as "long spicy sausage" and it really does love up to that name, producing bold, fiery flavours and tantalising textures, a true Italian masterpiece.

What is the most popular sausage? ›

One of the most popular types of sausages, Bratwurst can be made of various meat, from pork, veal, or beef. It usually includes seasoning and spices, making it extra delicious and fragrant to eat. Whether grilled, steamed, broiled or cooked, this German sausage is a winner for many.

What kind of sausage is Jimmy Dean? ›

Our original premium pork fresh sausage is flavored with delicious signature seasonings. This savory, high-quality pork can be enjoyed at breakfast or even dinner.

What sausage do Italians eat? ›

There are many other types of Italian sausage, such as: Salamella: This sausage is made with pork, veal, lard, spices, and wine. It is smoked to prevent mold and then inserted into a natural casing for aging. Mortadella: This is a large sausage similar to the texture and flavor of bologna.

What do they call Italian sausage in Italy? ›

Salsiccia is certainly the most ancient and best known of sausages. It is made from fresh meat, mostly pork, with scraps of pancetta and bits of pork neck. It is usually eaten fresh, but is also often grilled. In northern Italy, these sausages are flavored with pepper, cinnamon, white wine and garlic.

What is the name of the thin Italian sausage? ›

Chipolatas are often prepared as a relatively thin and short sausage. Chipolatas are typically made from coarse-ground pork seasoned with salt and pepper together with herbs and spices—according to the particular recipe—such as sage, thyme, pimento, or nutmeg.

What is the best Italian sausage for pizza? ›

Esposito Sausage is the clear choice when it comes to the best Hot Italian Sausage for pizza. So if you're looking for great flavor and unbeatable quality, look no further than Esposito Sausage!

What is classic Italian sausage? ›

Italian sausage is ground pork often flavored with garlic and fennel seed. It comes in two different styles, sweet or hot. Hot Italian sausage usually is flavored with spicy red pepper, while the sweet version has no pepper in it.

What's the difference between hot Italian sausage and andouille sausage? ›

While normal sausages are made from a minced meat stuffing, andouille differs in that the stuffing is chopped or sliced, giving it a chunkier texture. The flavour of andouille is also sharper and smokier than other sausage varieties, giving it a distinct flavour and odour.

What's the difference between bratwurst and Italian sausage? ›

For instance, brats are often seasoned with nutmeg, ginger, caraway and sage, while people quite often infuse kielbasa with garlic. This also leads to a different taste for each sausage. If you compare bratwurst vs. Italian sausage, for instance, you will find the latter much sweeter due to the anise and fennel.

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