What To Know
- The key to a successful breakfast sausage dinner lies in choosing the right type of sausage.
- Place the sausage links or patties on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Use lean breakfast sausage and cook it in a nonstick skillet to reduce fat.
Breakfast sausage, a beloved morning staple, can transform into a versatile ingredient for delectable dinner creations. Its savory flavor and versatility make it an excellent choice for a wide range of dishes, from hearty casseroles to quick and easy skillet meals. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you master the art of using breakfast sausage for dinner:
Selecting the Right Sausage
The key to a successful breakfast sausage dinner lies in choosing the right type of sausage. Opt for fresh or frozen breakfast sausage links, patties, or bulk sausage. Consider the desired flavor profile:
- Mild: Jimmy Dean Original Breakfast Sausage
- Medium: Bob Evans Country Sausage
- Spicy: Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage with Habanero
Cooking Methods
Breakfast sausage can be cooked in various ways, depending on the dish you’re preparing:
Pan-Frying
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sausage links or patties and cook until browned on all sides.
- Drain any excess grease.
Grilling
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Grill the sausage links or patties for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the sausage links or patties on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Dinnertime Delights
With breakfast sausage as your culinary canvas, the possibilities for dinner are endless. Here are some inspiring ideas:
Shepherd’s Pie
- Layer cooked sausage, mashed potatoes, and vegetables in a casserole dish.
- Bake until bubbly and golden brown.
Sausage and Gravy
- Cook the sausage in a skillet.
- Make a simple gravy using flour, milk, and seasonings.
- Serve the sausage and gravy over biscuits, toast, or mashed potatoes.
Sausage and Potato Hash
- Dice potatoes and onions.
- Cook the potatoes and onions in a skillet until softened.
- Add cooked sausage and cook until heated through.
Sausage and Pepper Pizza
- Spread pizza dough with tomato sauce.
- Top with cooked sausage, sliced peppers, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Sausage and Cabbage Soup
- Sauté breakfast sausage in a large pot.
- Add chopped cabbage, onions, carrots, and celery.
- Simmer in a flavorful broth until the vegetables are tender.
Tips for Success
- Use a nonstick skillet to prevent sticking.
- Cook the sausage until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Drain excess grease to reduce fat content.
- Season the sausage to taste with salt, pepper, or your favorite herbs.
Beyond the Basics
Once you’ve mastered the basics, experiment with these creative twists:
- Sausage and Apple Stuffing: Combine cooked sausage, diced apples, bread crumbs, and seasonings for a flavorful stuffing.
- Sausage and Cornbread Waffles: Add cooked sausage to cornbread batter for a savory twist on classic waffles.
- Sausage and Butternut Squash Soup: Roast butternut squash and add cooked sausage for a creamy and comforting soup.
Beyond Dinner
Breakfast sausage can also add flavor to your lunchtime creations:
- Sausage and Egg Sandwiches: Fry or scramble eggs and serve them on bread with cooked sausage.
- Sausage and Biscuit Breakfast Burritos: Wrap scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese in a warm biscuit.
- Sausage and Grits: Cook grits according to package directions and top with cooked sausage for a hearty breakfast or lunch.
Takeaways: Expand Your Culinary Horizons
Breakfast sausage is not just for breakfast anymore. By embracing its versatility, you can create a wide range of savory and satisfying dinnertime delights. From hearty casseroles to quick and easy skillet meals, breakfast sausage will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground breakfast sausage for these recipes?
A: Yes, ground breakfast sausage can be used in most of these recipes. Simply brown the sausage in a skillet before adding it to the dish.
Q: How can I make a low-fat version of breakfast sausage dinner?
A: Use lean breakfast sausage and cook it in a nonstick skillet to reduce fat. Drain any excess grease after cooking.
Q: What are some side dishes that pair well with breakfast sausage dinner?
A: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad are all excellent choices.
