Description
Mild Italian sausage is a ground pork sausage seasoned with traditional Italian spices such as fennel, garlic, oregano, and paprika. It provides a rich flavor without the heat, making it versatile for various dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
For Homemade Mild Italian Sausage:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar (for a slightly sweeter flavor)
Instructions
Cooking Methods
- Grilling:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high.
- Grill sausages for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Pan-Frying:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sausages and brown on all sides (about 6-8 minutes).
- Cover and reduce heat, cooking for an additional 10 minutes.
- Oven-Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Place sausages on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Sautéing:
- Remove casing and crumble sausage in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
Notes
Popular Recipes Using Mild Italian Sausage
- Pasta Dishes:
- Spaghetti with Italian Sausage: Brown sausage and mix with marinara and spaghetti.
- Baked Ziti: Combine cooked sausage with pasta, ricotta, and marinara, then bake.
- Pizza Toppings:
- Use cooked sausage on pizzas with toppings like peppers and onions.
- Grilled Sausage Sandwiches:
- Grill sausages and serve in a hoagie roll with sautéed peppers and onions.
- Casseroles and One-Pan Meals:
- Make a sausage and potato bake with bell peppers and onions.
Meal Prep Tips
- Batch Cooking: Cook a large batch of sausage at the start of the week for use in various dishes.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked or uncooked sausage in airtight containers or wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
- Quick Reheat: Reheat cooked sausage in the microwave or stovetop for easy meals.
Nutritional Information (per 1 cooked link, approx. 85g)
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 16g
- Sodium: 500mg
Note: Nutritional content can vary by brand and preparation method.
FAQs
- Difference Between Mild and Hot Italian Sausage:
- Mild does not contain red pepper flakes, while hot includes them for spice.
- Storage Duration:
- Uncooked sausage: 1-2 days in the fridge.
- Cooked sausage: Up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Freezing:
- Yes, both cooked and uncooked sausage freeze well.
- Gluten-Free:
- Most are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels for fillers.