A Buyer's Guide to Our Pork Sausage Varieties

written by

Rachel Palma

posted on

March 7, 2023

With over 50 different pork products, it can sometimes feel overwhelming for new and seasoned customers to decide what to buy from us.

We are always wanting to share more about each of our products, and try to fit in helpful information and recipes through our regular emails, blog posts, and social media pages.

Today I'd like to introduce you to our 13 different sausage options, along with ways to use each kind. Many folks over the years have told us we have the best sausage they've ever eaten, and we certainly agree with that sentiment!

I'll keep this introduction short and sweet, and include links to recipes in case you'd like to try some out.

Firstly, here are a few things that make our sausages unique:

  • The way we raise our pigs. (See more info on a blog post here and an informational page here.)
  • The integrity, flavor and fat content of our pork (due to the above point)
  • And of course the tried and true sausage recipes developed by our pork processor

Option 1 - Ground Mild Breakfast Sausage

By far our most popular option, our Ground Breakfast Sausage is akin to a "Country Sausage." Perfectly seasoned with salt, pepper, sage, and a hint of sugar - not too salty, bland, greasy or spicy.

Best uses:

  • Breakfast Casseroles and Skillets
  • Quiches
  • Loaded Scrambled Eggs
  • Pasta Dishes
  • Soups

Recipes:

Cheesy Breakfast Sausage Casserole | Loaded Scrambled Eggs | Penne with Tomato Sage Sausage Sauce | Country Sage Soup

Options 2 and 3 - Mild Breakfast Sausage Links and Patties

These two sausage options are mixed with the same seasonings as option ONE above, but formed into Links and Patties.

This gives some diversity to the breakfast sausage, and allows for even more ways to enjoy this best seller.

Best uses for Links:

  • As a main star on your breakfast platter
  • Breakfast Rolls
  • Breakfast Taquitos

Sausage & Egg Breakfast Rolls | Sausage & Cheddar Taquitos

Best uses for Patties

  • As a main star on your breakfast platter
  • Breakfast Sandwiches

Breakfast Sausage Grilled Cheese Sandwiches | Sausage Egg & Cheese Biscuits

Options 4, 5, and 6 - Ground Sweet, Mild, or Hot Italian

Ground Italian sausage is a go-to for Italian food lovers! Seasoned with a simple but perfect blend of salt, pepper and fennel, our Italian sausages are versatile and bring excellent flavor to a wide range of dishes.

Available in 3 levels of spice to suit your palette: Sweet Italian (a hint of sweet, zero heat), Mild Italian (zero sugar, zero heat), and Hot Italian (added red pepper and paprika for a "medium" heat level)

Best uses:

  • Pasta Dishes
  • Pizza Toppings
  • Soups
  • Stuffed Peppers or Squash
  • Meatballs

Recipes:

Italian Meatballs | Tuscan Sausage Pasta | Zuppa Toscana Soup | Sausage Stuffed Peppers

Options 7 and 8 - Mild or Hot Italian Sausage Links

Mixed with the same ingredients as options FIVE and SIX above in two different heat levels, these Mild or Hot Italian links are just one more way to enjoy our Italian pork sausage with some variety.

Best uses:

  • Grilled Sausages w/ Veggies
  • Sausage on a Bun

Recipes:

Sausage & Vegetable Sheet Pan Dinner | Grilled Sausage w/ Peppers & Onions

Option 9 - Ground Mild Garlic Sausage

While garlic sausage may not be as traditional as country sausage or Italian sausage, it has come to be one of our family's favorites.

Seasoned with salt, garlic, spices (no MSG), and a hint of sugar, this perfectly seasoned sausage compliments many types of dishes.

Best uses:

  • Pasta Dishes
  • Casseroles
  • Soups
  • Meatloaf

Recipes:

Creamy Sausage & Spinach Pasta | Rachel's Sausage & Potato Cassoulet | Sausage & Veggie Meatloaf

Option 10 - Ground Spicy Chorizo Sausage

A classic Spanish sausage, our popular Chorizo is perfectly seasoned with chili pepper, salt, garlic powder, and various spices (no MSG!). This has become a fan favorite for those who like a sausage with a bit of a kick.

Best uses:

  • Tacos / Burritos
  • Enchiladas
  • Chili
  • Burgers

Recipes:

Smoked Gouda-Chorizo Jalapeno Poppers | Chorizo Burgers | Spicy Shephard's Pie w/ Chorizo | Mexican Chorizo Chili

Option 11 - Garlic Bratwursts

Our Garlic Bratwursts are a summertime favorite around here. With just the right amount of seasonings and garlic, we refer to them as "gourmet hot dogs."

Excellent on the grill or cooked in a skillet on the stovetop, they are perfect by themselves or set in a bun and topped with grilled peppers and onions or sauerkraut.

Best uses:

  • Grilled Bratwursts
  • Skillet or Oven Bratwursts with Veggies

Recipes:

Bratwurst in Beer w/ Onions | Sheet Pan Brats & Roasted Veggies | Baked Cheddar Polenta with Grilled Brats and Radicchio

Option 12 - Kielbasa Sausage Links

While Kielbasa Sausages are traditionally smoked, ours are "fresh," (not smoked) - but equally delicious as their smoked counterparts! This is my (Rachel's) favorite sausage that we carry.

Best uses:

  • Served Alongside Cabbage and Potatoes
  • Grilled and Served on Buns
  • Sausage and Vegetable Stews

Recipes:

Grilled Kielbasa w/ Cabbage & Bean Slaw | Sausage & Vegetable Stew | Kielbasa w/ Mashed Potatoes | Kielbasa & Cabbage Skillet

Option 13 - Spicy Andouille Sausage Links

One of our 2 spicy sausage link options, our Andouille Sausages are another favorite of our spicy food lovers. These Andouille Links are fresh (not smoked), but pack a powerful punch of flavor with about a medium heat level.

Best uses:

  • Creole Style Dishes
  • Gumbos
  • Jambalayas
  • Pasta Dishes
  • Rice Dishes
  • Soups

Recipes:

Chicken & Andouille Gumbo | Andouille Sausage Soup | Jambalaya | Cajun Pasta w/ Sausage & Peppers


Still feeling overwhelmed about which sausage to try first? I have a solution for you! We have put together a Sausage Sampler to give you a chance to try each of our Ground Sausage flavors to see which ones are your favorite. You can check out the sampler here.

I hope you always feel free to reach out by email with any questions you have about our products! We are here to help, educate, and encourage you in your food buying and cooking adventures.

Until next time!

Rachel

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    Big Island VA 24526
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