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Italian Pork Sausage

Italian sausage is a highly flavorful and versatile type of ground meat that is widely used in various dishes, particularly originating in Italy and the Mediterranean. It is typically made from ground pork, seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices such as fennel, garlic, salt, and pepper, that give it its distinctive flavor and aroma. Italian sausage can be found both cured and fresh, with the former available in links or coils and the latter as ground meat. Consumers and home cooks widely use Italian sausage for a variety of dishes including pasta sauces, pizza toppings, casseroles, and even as a sandwich filling. Its robust taste and rich texture go well with various accompaniments such as peppers, onions, and tomatoes. When cooked, Italian sausage tends to release a mouthwatering aroma that enhances the overall dish experience, making it extremely popular in home kitchens and eateries alike.
#16
IN BACON & SAUSAGE
344
CAL / 100G
$0.22
AVG / OZ
italian pork sausage
8%
CARBS
54%
FAT
38%
PROTEIN
Italian Pork Sausage FAQ
Italian sausage is a crucial ingredient in many authentic Italian dishes and a popular protein source in many others. Often, people forget to adequately cook the Italian sausage, either by boiling it first or sautéing it whole. The best way to get the most out of your Italian sausage is to slice it and sauté it over medium heat until it is thoroughly cooked. It's also worth noting that some versions of Italian sausage can be quite spicy; if you prefer a milder flavor, seek out versions that are branded as 'mild' or 'sweet.' A little-known tip is that Italian sausage can be used to add flavor to vegetarian dishes. Simply sauté the sausage, discard the meat, and use the flavorful oil to cook vegetables or pasta.
How can I tell when Italian sausage is done cooking?
Do I have to boil Italian sausage before grilling?
What can I substitute for Italian sausage in a recipe?
How do I cook Italian sausage in the oven?
What's the difference between sweet and hot Italian sausage?
Can I freeze raw Italian sausage?
What dishes are best served with Italian sausage?
How do I remove the casing from Italian sausage?
Is Italian sausage gluten-free?
Can I eat Italian sausage raw?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does italian sausage expire?
Unopened Italian sausage usually has a 'best by' date on the packaging, which typically falls around 2 weeks from the purchase date if refrigerated. Once it has been opened, it should ideally be consumed within 3-4 days, especially if it's fresh sausage. Frozen Italian sausage can last up to 2 months in the freezer without losing its quality. For homemade sausage, it's usually best to consume within a few days of making it, or freeze it for longer storage.
How do you tell if italian sausage is bad?
A rotten or sour smell is the easiest way to tell if Italian sausage has gone bad. This smell will be strong and not pleasant. The meat may also change color, usually becoming gray or brown. If you see any signs of mold or the casing is split and leaking fluid, the sausage should not be consumed.
Tips for storing italian sausage to extend shelf life
• Always store Italian sausage in the refrigerator and use it within the recommended timeframes.\n\n• If you’ve opened a pack but can’t finish it within a few days, consider freezing the rest. Separate the links and wrap them individually before freezing.\n\n• For longer freezer storage, consider vacuum sealing to prevent freezer burn.\n\n• Thaw frozen sausage overnight in the refrigerator and use within 3-4 days.\n\n• Don’t leave Italian sausage out at room temperature for more than two hours, to avoid bacterial growth.
EXPIRES WITHIN
2 - 4
WEEKS
Health Info
Macros
3g
CARBS
23g
FAT
16g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
KETO
PALEO
WHOLE 30
LOW CARB
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
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