Sausage Varieties 101

Sausage is a beloved global food, with good reason. Its delicious flavor and versatility make it a staple in countless cuisines. Whether it’s the savory Italian sausages, spicy chorizo, or hearty bratwurst, there’s a sausage for every taste. It's not only an affordable and tasty option but also a perfect ingredient to enhance dishes like beans and rice. In the U.S. alone, there are over 200 types of sausages to explore.

Everyone has their favorite sausage, but why not broaden your horizons? Here’s a selection of sausages you might want to try, along with recipes to help you discover new flavors.

Andouille Sausage

Andouille sausage, originally from France, is now a cornerstone of Cajun cuisine in the U.S. Made primarily from pork, it’s known for its smoky flavor, complemented by garlic, peppers, onions, and wine. Often featured in dishes like gumbo, this sausage brings a distinctive depth to Louisiana's rich culinary tradition.

Image courtesy of Meredith.

Recommended Recipes:

Good New Orleans Creole Gumbo
Colleen's Slow Cooker Jambalaya
Cajun Chicken Ragout

Bratwurst Sausage

If you’ve ever enjoyed a meal at a beer garden, chances are you’ve tasted a bratwurst. This traditional German sausage dates back to the 14th century and boasts over 40 distinct varieties of bratwurst across Germany.

The term 'brat' comes from the old German word 'brät,' meaning 'finely minced meat,' while 'wurst' simply translates to sausage. Bratwurst sausages can be flavored with a variety of spices, though they tend to be mild, often featuring subtle hints of ginger or nutmeg. These sausages are typically served with sauerkraut and beer, but they can also add a savory touch to soups and stews.

Homemade Bratwurst | Image by Dinogo.

Cooking Instructions:

Cheddar Bratwurst Stew
Beer Brats
Bratwurst Soup

Breakfast Sausage

While its origins are likely based on an English recipe, breakfast sausage is a distinctly American creation. It is typically flavored with seasonings like pepper and sage, with some variations incorporating maple syrup or crispy bacon for added richness.

The great news is that breakfast sausage is simple to prepare at home. Experiment with the seasonings to create your perfect blend!

Chef John's Homemade Breakfast Sausage Patties

Image by Chef John. Chef John

Cooking Instructions:

Breakfast Sausage
Homemade Paleo-Style Breakfast Sausage
Turkey Breakfast Sausage

Blood Sausage

Blood sausage comes in many regional variations, including Spain and Latin America's morcilla, France's boudin noir, and Thailand's sai krok lueat. As the name suggests, blood is typically the key ingredient, mixed with fillers such as meat, fat, or grains. While blood sausage can be hard to find in most U.S. grocery stores, it’s still possible to track down.

Fabada Stew | Image by Laughlin Murray Eddy.

Cooking Instructions:

Cajun Boudin
Cajun Boudin Pizza
Fabada

Chorizo Sausage

Chorizo, a smoky and spicy sausage, is popular in both Spain and Mexico, though each version differs. Spanish chorizo is a cured pork salami, perfect for slicing onto a charcuterie board, adding to scrambled eggs, or stirring into paella.

Mexican chorizo, on the other hand, is usually made from fresh ground pork (or sometimes beef, chicken, or turkey), and is sold uncooked so you can prepare it at home. It's commonly spiced with chili powder and garlic, though a variation known as "green chorizo" is seasoned with tomatillo, cilantro, chili peppers, and garlic.

Chorizo Fundido | Image by Chef John.

Cooking Instructions:

Chorizo Fundido
Easy Chorizo Street Tacos
Chorizo and Chicken Skewers

Italian Sausage

In the U.S., the term "Italian sausage" generally refers to a seasoned pork sausage. It comes in various types: mild Italian sausage, spicy hot Italian with red pepper flakes, and sweet Italian with a hint of basil. Though each type has its own seasoning blend, fennel is a common herb found in all varieties labeled as "Italian sausage."

Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions | Image by Dinogo Magazine.

Cooking Instructions:

Italian Sausage Soup
Chicken, Sausage, Peppers, and Potatoes
Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

Kielbasa Sausage

In Poland, the word "kielbasa" simply means sausage. In the U.S., however, kielbasa typically refers to a smoked pork sausage shaped in a distinctive U or curved form (though uncured versions are also available). Traditionally, kielbasa is served with fried onions, but it can also be added to soups, stews, and casseroles for extra flavor.