As a huge fan of breakfast food, I’m always on the hunt for the best sausage links to start my day. And when it comes to breakfast chains, IHOP is definitely one of my favorites. Their fluffy pancakes and broad menu have made them a breakfast staple for good reason. But I’ve always wondered—what brand of sausage links does IHOP use to create their delicious breakfast dishes?
In this article we’ll take a deep dive into IHOP’s sausage links and breakdown exactly what makes them so tasty. Whether you’re a fellow sausage link connoisseur or just love IHOP read on to satisfy your breakfast curiosity!
Let’s start with some background on why IHOP is so popular for breakfast in the first place As one of America’s largest and most beloved breakfast chains, IHOP has mastered the art of the morning meal.
With nearly 1,850 locations across the country, IHOP restaurants create an experience that feels comfortable yet indulgent. The smell of syrup as you walk in the door, the sizzle from the griddle, and the bustling atmosphere make IHOP a great place to start your day.
In terms of menu, IHOP sets itself apart by offering breakfast favorites with a unique twist. Their specialty pancakes like Cupcake Pancakes and Chicken & Waffles Pancakes make standard buttermilk versions seem boring!
They also have options like omelettes, breakfast sandwiches, and lunch/dinner choices for those not in a pancake mood. But at the heart of every great IHOP breakfast is a side of tasty sausage links!
The Secret Behind IHOP’s Signature Sausage Links
The signature IHOP sausage links have a distinct savory, smoked flavor that has had people guessing what brand they use for years. After some digging, I discovered that IHOP actually makes their sausage links in-house!
Rather than sourcing links from a third-party provider, IHOP produces their own proprietary blend. This allows them to control every aspect of the links for consistency across all locations.
While the exact recipe is kept secret, some of the key flavor elements include:
- Black pepper – Provides a pop of heat and spice
- Sage – Earthy, herbal notes
- Rosemary – Fresh and aromatic pine flavor
- Smoked – Unique charred taste from smoking process
The links are made from a pork blend and have a noticeably tender, juicy texture when cooked. IHOP really nailed the savory breakfast flavors with their signature sausage recipe!
Alternative Brands to IHOP’s Sausage Links
Since we can’t replicate IHOP’s secret sausage blend at home, the closest alternatives are links with similar flavors and textures.
After testing out a few popular brands, these are my top picks to get an IHOP-style sausage experience:
Bob Evans Original Pork Sausage Links
- Savory sage and black pepper flavor
- Juicy, tender like IHOP links
- Widely available in grocery stores
Jimmy Dean Premium Pork Sausage Links
- Smoked over hickory wood for flavor
- Include rosemary and other herbs
- Less greasy than some brands
While no store-bought links are an exact dupe, these options capture the tasty essence of IHOP sausage. I suggest trying both to see which better satisfies your breakfast cravings!
Other Noteworthy Items on IHOP’s Breakfast Menu
While the sausage links are the star of the show in my book, IHOP has so many other delicious ways to customize your perfect breakfast. Here are some of my must-try favorites:
Pancakes
The most obvious choice – IHOP offers standard buttermilk pancakes along with some crazy decadent creations. The Cupcake, New York Cheesecake, and Cinn-a-Stack pancakes take breakfast to the next level.
Omelettes
IHOP omelettes are packed with fillings like meats, veggies, and cheeses. The Big Steak Omelette and Colorado Omelette are very popular picks.
French Toast
For a sweet and custardy breakfast, you can’t go wrong with IHOP’s Brioche French Toast or Stuffed French Toast options. Takes this classic up a notch!
Lunch/Dinner
If you visit IHOP outside of breakfast hours, they have burgers, sandwiches, salads, and classic diner fare to satisfy your cravings.
No matter which main dish you choose, I highly recommend pairing it with IHOP’s signature sausage links to complete your meal!
IHOP Sausage Links: Beyond the Restaurant
Thankfully, you can now satisfy your IHOP sausage craving even when a restaurant isn’t nearby. IHOP has launched a line of frozen breakfast items, IHOP at Home, which includes their famous sausage links.
The Frozen Sausage Links Kit allows you to cook up the signature IHOP sausage experience in your own kitchen. Each kit contains a 1 lb bag of raw pork breakfast sausage links to cook and enjoy!
They also offer inventive new creations like the Griddle ‘n Sausage Wrap – a sausage link wrapped in fluffy pancake batter then frozen. This gives you a quick and portable way to get your IHOP fix!
My Final Take on IHOP’s Famous Sausage Links
As a lifelong breakfast and sausage link lover, getting to the bottom of IHOP’s secret sausage recipe has been quite fulfilling! Although the exact blend remains a mystery, we now know some of the signature flavors that give IHOP links their distinctive taste and texture.
From black pepper to rosemary, smoking to tenderness, this proprietary pork blend makes for an ideal breakfast partner. Paired with fluffy IHOP pancakes and syrup, the sausage links tie the whole meal together.
While store-bought alternatives from brands like Bob Evans and Jimmy Dean capture a similar essence, nothing quite compares to IHOP’s links straight from the griddle. So next time you’re craving an IHOP-caliber breakfast, stop by a restaurant or pick up their frozen links to enjoy this classic at home. Trust me, your mornings will feel more complete with their signature sausage links on the menu!
How To Make Sausage Breakfast Links At Home (DIY) | The Bearded Butchers
FAQ
What meat is IHOP sausage?
Is IHOP smokehouse sausage pork?
What brand is IHOP turkey sausage?
What kind of sausage is American breakfast sausage?
Does IHOP have sausage?
The pancakes are a little fluffier, the omelets are more impressive, and the sausage is dependably cooked with more consistency. The sausage at IHOP comes in links made with pork. A side order includes four links, which seems fairly generous.
Is IHOP better than Denny’s & Waffle House?
Not only is the menu more eclectic, but the quality of the food itself tends to taste better compared to Denny’s and Waffle House. The pancakes are a little fluffier, the omelets are more impressive, and the sausage is dependably cooked with more consistency. The sausage at IHOP comes in links made with pork.
Does IHOP have pancakes?
Considering the word pancakes is built into the name, it’s no wonder the chain is mostly known for its breakfast dishes. The menu at IHOP seems even more extensive than Denny’s and offers a mix that includes crepes, waffles, pancakes, and several styles of eggs benedict.
Is IHOP better than Denny’s?
The menu at IHOP seems even more extensive than Denny’s and offers a mix that includes crepes, waffles, pancakes, and several styles of eggs benedict. Not only is the menu more eclectic, but the quality of the food itself tends to taste better compared to Denny’s and Waffle House.