Can’t decide on what type of sausage to use in your recipe? Here’s the difference between Italian Sausage vs Breakfast Sausage and when to use them.
When it comes to sausages, there is a wide array of varieties that you can find in your local grocery stores. Two popular choices are Italian sausage and breakfast sausage. Though they share are both made from deliciously seasoned meat encased in a casing, these sausages differ significantly in their ingredients, flavors, and regional origins.
What is sausage?
The term sausage is generally referring to ground or finely minced meat (pork, beef, poultry, lamb or other types of meat) that has been mixed with spices, salt, fat and possibly 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 loose 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 is Italian Sausage made of?
Originating from Italy, as the name suggests, Italian sausage embodies the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean country. It is typically a pork sausage and is commonly made from ground pork but can be made of other meats such as beef or a combination of different meats.
Traditional Italian sausage is known for its robust flavor profile, typically infused with an assortment of aromatic spices such as fennel seeds, garlic, paprika, pepper (black pepper or white pepper). The spices not only enhance the taste but also provide a distinctive aroma and flavor that is enjoyed in so many different recipes.
You can easily make your own seasoning to flavor ground pork by using store bought or homemade Italian Seasoning mix. Simply use 1 tablespoon of Italian Seasoning mix with the addition of 1/2 teaspoon of fennel seeds and 1/2 teaspoon paprika per pound of ground pork.
You can often find Italian sausage being sold in two forms – sweet Italian sausage or a slightly spicier version with a medium heat known as hot Italian sausage. The main difference between the two is the hot sausage will have some type of red pepper added to it such as red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper or red chili peppers.
What is Breakfast Sausage made of?
On the other hand, breakfast sausage, as the name implies, is flavored to complement morning meals. It is commonly associated with American breakfasts and has its roots in the Southern United States. Unlike Italian sausage, breakfast sausage often combines ground pork with ground beef to achieve a milder and more versatile flavor.
Breakfast sausage is also seasoned differently than Italian sausage. It usually contains a blend of herbs such as sage, thyme, and rosemary, along with salt and pepper. The spices in breakfast sausage lend a delicate and savory taste, making a delicious side dish for your favorite breakfast foods such as eggs, pancakes, waffles, toast and bagels.
Difference in Sausage Shapes:
In terms of appearance, Italian sausage and breakfast sausage often look quite different.
Italian sausage is typically sold in links or coils. They can be found in a wide range of sizes such as the smaller, individual serving sized Italian sausages you see served with a dish such as spaghetti or in a sandwich. You can find fresh sausages sold in individual links, links that are connected into a longer rope shape or even longer sausages that are sold coiled up.
The casing used for Italian sausage is often natural, derived from animal intestines, which provides a distinct snap when cooked.
Breakfast sausage is commonly sold in bulk as ground sausage meat or formed into small patties. It has a smoother texture and is often free of casing, making it easier to cook and incorporate into various breakfast recipes.
You can also find breakfast sausage meat that has been formed into a link shape (Jimmy Dean sausage links) that are not stuffed into casing. They are just formed into the link shape and cooked to maintain the shape when sold.
Cooking methods for these sausages also tend to differ.
Italian sausage is often grilled, roasted, or sautéed, as these methods help to enhance its bold flavors and achieve a slightly charred exterior. It is a popular choice for dishes like pasta sauces, sandwiches, and pizzas, where its robust taste can shine through.
Breakfast sausage is frequently pan-fried. This allows it to complement the mild flavors of breakfast foods without overpowering them. You might even find that other breakfast foods such as eggs taste delicious when cooked in a bit of the sausage drippings.
Difference in flavors between Italian Sausage vs Breakfast Sausage:
While these sausages are made of the same type of ground meat the biggest difference is the seasonings used to flavor the sausages.
Italian sausages usually include fennel seed, garlic, paprika, pepper (black pepper or white pepper). Hot sausage includes red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
You can make a quick, homemade Italian sausage by blending ground pork with this easy to make Italian seasoning mix and adding in 1/2 a teaspoon of fennel seeds and paprika for each 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning mix to create a homemade Italian sausage seasoning.
Breakfast sausage usually includes spices such as sage, basil, thyme, coriander seeds, smoked paprika, a bit of red pepper flakes as well as salt and black pepper.
In addition they might also include other ingredients that add flavors you might enjoy with your morning meal such as maple syrup and brown sugar. The hint of maple is a unique taste that goes well with lots of breakfast foods.
Making your own pork breakfast sausage patties is so easy to do. Check out this recipe for breakfast sausage patties. It includes information on how to make and freeze them so you can quickly make them for breakfast.
While both Italian sausage and breakfast sausage have their distinctive characteristics, they can also be used interchangeably in certain recipes, depending on personal preference. Italian sausage, with its robust flavor, can add a punch to breakfast dishes, while breakfast sausage can lend a milder touch to Italian-inspired recipes.
For more information about different types of sausage check out these pages:
Difference Between Country Sausage and Breakfast Sausage
Homemade Italian Seasoning Mix
The differences between Italian sausage and breakfast sausage are rooted in their ingredients, flavors, origins, appearance, and cooking methods. Italian sausage boasts a bold and zesty taste, while breakfast sausage offers a milder and savory flavor. If you love either of these different types of sausage then check out some of these recipes:
Breakfast Charcuterie Board – this is a delicious way serve your family and friends breakfast. The board filled different varieties of your favorite breakfast foods including flavorful sausage. Use breakfast link sausage or patties. Both work great with this recipe.
Beef and Chorizo Chili – If you like hot Italian sausage then you may also enjoy this recipe made with Mexican chorizo.
This Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken and Sausage recipe is made with Andouille sausage but also works great with polish kielbasa sausage.
Want to get new recipes sent directly to your inbox? Then subscribe to our newsletter (see below) and be the first to know when we post a new recipe as well as get weekly shopping, cooking and meal planning tips. Follow me on Pinterest where you can find links to our recipes as well as other recipes you and your family will enjoy.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy. If you click on the banner below you will be taken directly to my Etsy shop to see the digital items currently listed.
