The Ultimate Guide To Pan Sausage: Deliciousness Defined

Pan sausage is a type of breakfast sausage that is typically made from pork. It is a common breakfast food in the United States and can be in the form of smoked or fresh patties, links, or loose sausage. Pan sausages are usually fried, grilled, or microwaved and are often served with maple syrup, scrambled eggs, grits, waffles, or pancakes. They can also be added to casseroles or white gravy. Chappell Hill Sausage Company is a brand that sells pan sausage, which can be cooked as ground-up meat or formed into patties.

Pan-crisped sausages

Ingredients

• Assorted sausages (e.g., chorizo, Lebanese-style, and Moroccan-style)
• Assorted cheeses (e.g., farmhouse cheddar and aged gouda)

Method

The key to achieving the perfect pan-crisped sausages is to prick the sausages with a fork to release the fat needed to crisp them up during the final stage of cooking.

First, prick the sausages all over with a fork, and transfer them to a skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium heat. Fill the skillet with enough water to reach a quarter of the way up the sides of the sausages. Simmer, covered, until the sausages are cooked through and the water evaporates, which should take 10 to 15 minutes. If the sausages are cooked but there is still water in the pan, uncover and continue to cook until the water evaporates.

Finally, continue to cook the sausages, turning them, until they are crisp and golden brown all around, which should take about 3 minutes. Serve with the cheeses.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast sausage

To cook breakfast sausage, it is typically fried in a pan, grilled, or microwaved. When frying, the sausages are pricked with a fork to release the fat needed to crisp them up during the final stage of cooking. They are served with a variety of breakfast foods such as scrambled eggs, hash brown potatoes, grits, waffles, pancakes, or toast. Breakfast sausage can also be added to sandwiches or mixed into egg casseroles before baking.

Some common US brands of breakfast sausage include Wampler's, Bob Evans, Jimmy Dean, Owens Country Sausage, Swaggerty's Farm, and Purnell's Old Folks Country Sausage.

Fresh sausage

To cook fresh sausages, it is recommended to prick the skins lightly before cooking to prevent them from exploding. They should be cooked thoroughly until there is no hint of pink in the centre. For pan-frying, it is best to cook fresh sausages over medium-hot heat to crisp up the skin without drying out the meat.

Fresh pan sausages are typically made with a combination of pork and beef, along with other ingredients such as water, salt, flavourings, and garlic. They are versatile and can be cooked in various forms, such as ground-up or as patties.

When it comes to storing fresh sausages, they have a shorter shelf life compared to other types. According to the USDA, uncooked fresh sausages can be kept in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days, while cooked sausages can be stored for 3 to 4 days.

To ensure food safety, it is important to check the ingredient label and follow proper handling and cooking instructions for fresh sausages.

Spices and seasonings

Pan sausage is a type of fresh sausage, typically made from pork, that is a common breakfast food in the United States. It is usually fried in a pan, grilled, or microwaved.

The spices and seasonings used in pan sausage are critical to its flavour and preservation. Salt, derived from the Latin word "salsicus" or "seasoned with salt", is the primary seasoning and preservative. When making homemade sausage, it is recommended to use high-quality salt, such as sea salt or flaked salt, as standard iodised table salt can impart an odd, metallic flavour.

In addition to salt, other common spices and seasonings used in pan sausage include:

• Black pepper
• Sage
• Red pepper flakes
• Paprika
• Garlic granules or powder
• Fennel seed
• Parsley
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper
• Basil
• Sugar or sugar substitute
• Cured bacon
• Maple syrup
• Cayenne pepper

When making sausage, it is important to balance the spices and seasonings with the flavours of the meat. Whole herbs and spices are often selected for their texture and visual appeal, while ground herbs and spices blend seamlessly into the meat, distributing flavour evenly. Premade sausage seasoning blends are also available, offering a shortcut to achieving great flavour.

Cooking methods

Pan sausage is a type of fresh sausage, typically made from pork, that is a common breakfast food in the United States. It is a highly seasoned ground meat that can be formed into patties, links, or loose sausage.

Stovetop

To cook pan sausage on the stovetop, you can use a two-step process of simmering the sausages in water first and then searing them in a hot pan. Here are the detailed steps:

• Place the sausages in a large pot or saucepan and add enough cold water to just cover them.
• Turn the heat to medium-high and cook until the water reaches a gentle simmer, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and remove the sausages from the pot.
• Grease a pan with a bit of oil and heat it over high heat until shimmering.
• Place the sausages in the hot pan and sear them until they are browned and crisped.
• Serve the sausages as desired, such as in a sandwich, on toast, or sliced into a dish like rice or pasta.

Grilling

You can also grill pan sausages for some charred flavour. Here are some tips for grilling:

• Skewer the sausages lengthwise or use a barbecue clamp to prevent them from curling.
• Place the sausages on a grill preheated to 375°F and close the lid.
• Turn the sausages occasionally until they are uniformly browned and cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes.

Oven

Cooking pan sausage in the oven can help prevent splattering and grease. Here's how to do it:

• Place the sausages in a skillet or baking sheet with water added to a depth of about 1/2 inch.
• Bring the water to a simmer and cover the skillet.
• Simmer for 10-12 minutes, then remove the lid and continue simmering until the water evaporates, turning the sausages occasionally to brown.
• Transfer the sausages to a foil-lined baking sheet and place in a cold oven.
• Turn the oven temperature to 350°F and cook the sausages for 25-35 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Frequently asked questions