16 Recipe For Sweet Italian Sausage Links Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, chances are you've come across sweet Italian sausage links in some of your favorite dishes. These flavorful links are a staple in many Italian-American households and are also a popular ingredient in a variety of recipes. While it may seem intimidating to make your own sweet Italian sausage links, it's actually quite simple and allows you to control the quality of ingredients used. In this article, we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make your very own sweet Italian sausage links at home. So put on your apron and let's get cooking!
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage Links, Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
Kick your beer can chicken game up a notch by stuffing your chicken with delicious sausage filling. Simply remove the giblets and neck from the chicken and generously stuff the cavity with your favorite sausage, such as spicy Italian or breakfast sausage. The juices from the sausage will infuse the chicken with flavor and moisture, creating a truly delicious and unique dish.
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Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage Links, Olive Oil, Green Bell Pepper
If you're a fan of classic Italian flavors, then this beer can chicken recipe is a must-try. Slice up some bell peppers, onions, and your favorite Italian sausage and stuff the mixture into the cavity of the chicken. As the chicken cooks, the vegetables and sausage will release their juices, creating a delicious sauce to serve alongside the chicken.
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Italian Bake Casserole
Main Ingredients: Diced Chicken, Italian Sausage Links, Spaghetti Sauce
If you're looking for a one-pan meal that's perfect for feeding a crowd, then this Italian bake casserole is the way to go. Start by seasoning your chicken with Italian herbs and spices, then place it on top of a bed of potatoes, onions, and sausage. The chicken will cook to perfection, while the vegetables and sausage absorb all the delicious flavors.
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Keto Pizza Skillet
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage Link, Ground Beef, Diced Onion, Green
For those following a keto diet, this beer can chicken recipe is a dream come true. Use a keto-friendly pizza sauce and your favorite toppings, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives, to create a delicious pizza skillet. Place the chicken on top and let it cook until tender and juicy. Serve with a side salad for a complete keto-friendly meal.
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Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage Links, Bell Peppers, White Onion, Dried
If you want to enjoy beer can chicken without having to constantly check on it, then this slow cooker recipe is perfect for you. Simply place the chicken on top of a bed of sliced sausage and peppers in the slow cooker, season with your favorite herbs and spices, and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken that falls off the bone.
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Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
Main Ingredients: Russet Potatoes, Large Eggs, Milk, Hot Sauce, Kosher
Who says beer can chicken can only be enjoyed for dinner? This cheesy breakfast casserole is the perfect way to start your day. Slice up some breakfast sausage and layer it on top of the chicken before cooking. Once done, top with shredded cheese and let it melt before serving. This protein-packed breakfast will keep you full and satisfied until lunch.
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Sausage, Kale and Potato Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Italian Sausage Links, Small Yellow Onion
This hearty and comforting soup is a great way to use up leftover beer can chicken. Simply sauté some sliced sausage, kale, and potatoes in a pot, then add in some chicken broth and shredded chicken. Let it cook until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Mini Lasagna Cups
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Italian Sausage Links, Marinara Sauce
Impress your guests with these adorable mini lasagna cups made with beer can chicken. Simply layer cooked lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, shredded chicken, and your favorite Italian sausage in muffin tins. Top with marinara sauce and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or as a fun dinner for the family.
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Sicilian Rice Ball Casserole
Main Ingredients: Long Grain Rice, Kosher Salt, Italian Sausage Link
This beer can chicken recipe is inspired by the classic Sicilian arancini, or rice balls. Instead of using rice, this casserole is made with cooked pasta, sausage, and chicken. The mixture is then baked until crispy and golden on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
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Spicy Italian Sausage Penne Pasta
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage Links, Penne Pasta, Canned Diced
For a quick and easy weeknight meal, try this spicy Italian sausage penne pasta with beer can chicken. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions, then toss with cooked sausage and shredded chicken. Add your favorite marinara sauce and sprinkle with some red pepper flakes for an extra kick. This flavorful dish will become a family favorite in no time.
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Chicken Scarpariello
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black
This classic Italian dish is traditionally made with chicken, sausage, and peppers, but this beer can chicken version adds a unique twist. Stuff the chicken with sliced sausage, peppers, and onions before cooking. The vegetables and sausage will become tender and flavorful, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser.
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Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers
Main Ingredients: Tomato Paste, Chicken Broth, Dried Oregano, Green Bell
For a healthier take on the classic sausage and peppers, try making it in the air fryer. Slice up some sausage and peppers and place them in the air fryer with the chicken. The result is a crispy and flavorful dish that requires minimal effort and clean-up.
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How to Cook Italian Sausage
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage Links, Water
If you're new to cooking with Italian sausage, this beer can chicken recipe is a great place to start. Simply stuff the chicken with sliced sausage, onions, and peppers and let it cook until the sausage is fully cooked. This method of cooking will infuse the chicken with the flavors of the sausage, making it a delicious and easy dish to prepare.
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Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage Links, Bell Peppers, Onions, Hoagie
For a hands-off approach to beer can chicken, try cooking it in the crock pot. Simply place the chicken on top of a bed of sliced sausage, peppers, and onions and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken that can be served with rice or on a sandwich.
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Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage Links, Onion, Green Bell Peppers
This classic combination of sausage, peppers, and onions pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. Slice up your favorite sausage and sauté it with peppers and onions before stuffing it into the chicken. The juices from the sausage and vegetables will create a delicious sauce to serve alongside the chicken.
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Italian Sausage, Onions and Peppers Skillet
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Italian Sausage Links, White Onion, Red
This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Slice up some sausage, onions, and peppers and sauté them in a skillet before adding the chicken on top. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. Serve with your favorite side dish for a quick and tasty meal.
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Low-Carb Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza-Stuffed Peppers
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage Links, Olive Oil, Small Onion, Minced
For a low-carb twist on pizza night, try these sausage and pepperoni pizza-stuffed peppers. Stuff the peppers with cooked sausage, pepperoni, and shredded chicken, then top with pizza sauce and cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted for a delicious and guilt-free meal.
This baked version of sausage and peppers is a healthier alternative to the classic Italian dish. Slice up some sausage and peppers and bake in the oven with the chicken. The result is a tender and flavorful dish that can be served with pasta or on its own.
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Pizza Casserole
Main Ingredients: Salt, Cooking Spray, Penne Pasta, Italian Sausage
This beer can chicken recipe takes all the delicious flavors of pizza and turns it into a casserole. Layer cooked pasta, pizza sauce, shredded chicken, and your favorite toppings, such as sausage and peppers, in a casserole dish. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep for the week.
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Cast Iron Skillet Deep Dish Pizza
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Active Dry Yeast, Cornmeal, Bread Flour
For a fun and unique twist on pizza night, try making a deep dish pizza in a cast iron skillet. Line the skillet with pizza dough and top with sausage, peppers, onions, and chicken. Bake until the crust is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted. This dish is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Choosing the Right Meat
Ground Pork
The key to making delicious sweet Italian sausage links is to start with the right meat. Ground pork is the most commonly used meat in making Italian sausage, as it has the perfect fat content for flavor and moisture. When purchasing ground pork, it's important to choose a high-quality, fresh meat from a reputable source. You can also ask your local butcher to grind a specific cut of pork for you, such as a pork shoulder or butt, for an even fresher and more flavorful result.
Other Meat Options
If you prefer a leaner sausage, you can also use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for the pork. However, keep in mind that the sausage may not have the same level of moisture and flavor as traditional pork sausages. You can also experiment with different combinations of meats, such as mixing pork and beef, to create a unique flavor profile.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Seasonings
The key to achieving the distinct sweet and savory flavor of Italian sausage is the seasoning. To make your own sweet Italian sausage links, you will need garlic powder, fennel seeds, dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. You can also add in other spices such as red pepper flakes to add some heat to your sausage.
Casings
To achieve the classic sausage link shape, you will need casings, which are typically made from animal intestines. You can purchase them from your local butcher or specialty store. Alternatively, you can skip the casings and shape the sausage mixture into patties or use it as a filling for other dishes.
Mixing and Stuffing
Once you have all your ingredients, it's time to mix them together. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork with the seasonings, making sure to evenly distribute them throughout the meat. Then, using a sausage stuffer or a piping bag, carefully fill the casings with the sausage mixture, twisting the casings at regular intervals to create individual links.
Cooking the Sausage
There are a few different ways to cook sweet Italian sausage links, depending on your preference. You can grill them, bake them in the oven, or pan-fry them. Whichever method you choose, make sure to cook the sausage thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
Enjoying Your Homemade Sweet Italian Sausage Links
Now that you've successfully made your own sweet Italian sausage links, the possibilities are endless. You can use them in classic dishes like spaghetti and meatballs or add them to soups, stews, and sandwiches for a burst of flavor. So get creative and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade sweet Italian sausage links!
