When it comes to choosing an easy to make sausage you’ll want to know the difference between Country Sausage vs Breakfast Sausage.
When it comes to sausage, two distinct varieties are popular in many households – country sausage and breakfast sausage. While they may appear similar at first glance, these two types of sausage possess unique characteristics, flavors, and culinary traditions.
What is sausage?
The term sausage is generally referring to ground meat or finely minced meat (ground beef, pork, poultry, lamb or other types of meat) that has been mixed with spices, salt, fat and in some cases some type of grain (breadcrumbs, oatmeal, etc).
The sausage meat might be stuffed into a casing and shaped into links or ropes. It might also be found as ground sausage and not in a casing so it can be formed into other shapes such as a patty. It’s not the shape that makes a sausage but the ingredients.
What are Country Sausage?
Originating from diverse culinary traditions, country sausage and breakfast sausage bring their own distinct flavors to the table. Country sausage, often associated with Southern cuisine in the United States, carries a robust and savory profile. It typically includes a higher percentage of fat, which contributes to its rich taste.
The flavors of this type of sausage come from herbs and spices such as sage, thyme, black pepper and a bit of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Country sausage can be smoked or include a liquid smoke but not all country sausage are smoked. The smoky flavor adds to the sausage and makes it more suitable to savory dishes.
What are Breakfast Sausage?
On the other hand, breakfast sausage, as the name suggests, is designed specifically for breakfast meals. Originating from various cultures worldwide, it is often associated with American and British breakfast traditions.
Breakfast sausage is known for its milder flavor compared to its country counterpart. It includes a similar blend of spices, as is found in the country sausage, but it often includes a hint of sweetness from ingredients such as maple syrup or brown sugar. This combination creates a versatile taste that can complement both savory and sweet breakfast dishes.
The differences between country sausage and breakfast sausage extend beyond their flavors and can be observed in their textures as well.
Country sausage has a higher fat content and tends to be more moist and tender. The fat helps keep the sausage juicy during cooking and adds to the flavor. It is often used in dishes that require longer cooking times, allowing the fat to render and infuse the surrounding ingredients with its flavor.
The texture of country sausage makes it an excellent choice for stews, casseroles, and traditional Southern dishes like biscuits and sausage gravy.
In contrast, breakfast sausage is generally leaner and finer in texture. It has a smoother consistency that makes it ideal for shaping into patties or forming breakfast sausage links.
This type of sausage is commonly pan-fried or grilled. Breakfast sausage pairs well with eggs, toast, pancakes, and other classic breakfast staples, adding a savory component to the meal.
Culinary traditions and regional preferences also play a significant role in distinguishing country sausage from breakfast sausage. Country sausage is deeply rooted in Southern American cuisine, where it is a staple in dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. It is often associated with a hearty, soulful cooking style that embraces rich flavors and comforting meals.
Breakfast sausage, on the other hand, has become a popular choice for morning meals worldwide. In the United States, it is frequently enjoyed alongside eggs, bacon, and toast as part of a traditional American breakfast.
Or as a delicious side to breakfast favorites such as pancakes and waffles (being served up on this easy to make Breakfast Grazing Board).
In Britain, breakfast sausage is a key component of the beloved Full English Breakfast, accompanied by eggs, baked beans, tomatoes, and black pudding (blood sausage). Each region incorporates its unique spices and herbs, resulting in slight variations in flavor and culinary customs.
Whether you prefer the boldness of country sausage or the mildness of breakfast sausage, both varieties bring their unique flavors to the table and your favorite breakfast meals.
How to make sausage at home:
Making country sausage or breakfast sausage at home is easier than you think. Simply add spices and seasonings to your choice of ground meat. Mix it well.
Form the ground meat mixture into patties.
You can scoop the ground meat with a spoon and form your patties by hand. A better option is use an ice cream scoop to portion out the meat before making patties. Place patties in a skillet and cook them.
Check out this recipe to make your own delicious homemade breakfast sausage patties that have a hint of maple flavor. This recipe is made with a breakfast sausage seasoning created with herbs and spices that you probably have in your kitchen.
What meat is best for sausage?
For country sausage stick with fattier meat such as pork. For breakfast sausage you can use pork or a combination of your favorite ground meats.
If you are a more DIY type of person you can even grind your own meat. To make your own mixture of ground meat start with a chunk of pork such as pork butt or pork shoulder roast and use a meat grinder.
You can find both types of sausage in your local grocery store. Some of the brands you might see include Johnsonville Country Sausage (sold as links), Smithfield hometown original breakfast sausage (sold as link sausage or patties) and Jimmy Dean sausage (sold as links, patties and tubes of bulk sausage).
If you are looking for a savory breakfast sausage but want to cut calories look for sausage made with different types of meats such as ground chicken or ground turkey. You will find chicken breakfast sausage or turkey sausage to be just as flavorful as sausage made with pork meat.
For more information about different types of sausage check out these pages:
Difference Between Italian Sausage and Breakfast Sausage
Homemade Italian Seasoning Mix
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