What is Country Pork Sausage? A Guide to This hearty, Spicy Breakfast Staple

Country pork sausage is a beloved staple in many American households, especially in the South. This savory sausage imparts a rich, meaty flavor and pleasantly spicy kick to any breakfast spread. But what exactly makes country pork sausage unique? Let’s take a closer look at how it’s made and why it’s so popular.

What is Country Sausage?

Country sausage refers to a type of fresh pork sausage seasoned with classic Southern herbs and spices. The key ingredients that define country sausage are

Pork: Ground or chopped pork provides the base for this sausage. Pork shoulder or pork butt are common cuts used.
Pepper Freshly ground black pepper delivers a pronounced heat and zing.
Sage Earthy woodsy sage brings out the natural flavor of the pork.
Spices: Other spices like thyme, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes add savory depth.

Unlike sweet Italian sausage or breakfast sausage, country sausage spotlights the pure, meaty flavor of pork. The blend of black pepper and sage complement each other perfectly, enhancing the pork without overpowering it.

What’s the Difference Between Country Sausage and Breakfast Sausage?

While country sausage and breakfast sausage appear similar, several factors set them apart:

Flavor profile: Breakfast sausage has a milder taste and often contains a hint of sweetness from maple syrup or brown sugar. Country sausage packs a spicier, more robust flavor.
Fat content: Country sausage contains a higher fat percentage, giving it a moist, tender texture. Breakfast sausage is leaner with a finer consistency.
Uses: Hearty country sausage shines in long-cooked Southern dishes like gumbos and casseroles. Breakfast sausage is ideal for frying up with eggs and pancakes.

The History Behind Country Pork Sausage

The origins of country pork sausage can be traced back to the American South. Fresh pork sausage was an economical way for Southern home cooks to use up scraps and trimmings from pork butchering. Housewives would grind the pork, mix in salt, pepper, sage, and other herbs, and stuff the sausage into casings.

Over time, the unique blend of black pepper and sage became synonymous with Southern-style country pork sausage. The sausage emerged as a pillars of Southern cuisine, incorporated into dishes like biscuits and gravy, gumbo, jambalaya, and more. Its hearty, salty, subtly spicy taste was the perfect complement to many meals.

Today, while commercial varieties are widely available, country pork sausage recipes remain a point of pride for many Southern cooks. The sausage still has strong associations with comforting Southern food traditions and weekend breakfasts.

How to Cook Delicious Country Pork Sausage

One of the great things about country pork sausage is its versatility. Here are some tasty ways to cook up this sausage:

Pan fried: Form sausage into patties and fry in a skillet until browned and cooked through. The rendered fat leaves browned bits in the pan that can be used to make flavorful gravy.
As breakfast links: Formed into links and pan-fried, it’s fantastic alongside eggs, pancakes, and biscuits.
In casseroles or soups: Crumbled country sausage provides a boost of flavor to dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, chicken and sausage gumbo, and more.
On the grill: Country pork sausage patties or links cook up perfectly on the barbecue with a bit of charring.
In pasta sauce: Sauteed crumbled sausage makes a simple, delicious meat sauce for pasta.

With its widely appealing flavor profile, country pork sausage can be used in everything from breakfast tacos to pizza, meatballs, dips, and more!

Tips for Making Your Own Country Pork Sausage

Want to recreate that classic Southern-style country sausage flavor at home? Here are a few tips:

Use fatty pork: Opt for pork shoulder or pork butt for the right fat-to-lean ratio. Or buy ground pork with a fat percentage of around 20-25%.
Season aggressively: Use generous amounts of black pepper and sage so their flavors punch through.
Add spice: A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes will mimic the heat of commercial sausage.
Keep it coarse: For texture, use a coarse grind or roughly chop the pork by hand. Avoid finely minced pork.
Chill thoroughly: Chilling allows the flavors to meld. Let seasoned sausage chill for several hours or overnight before cooking.

Making homemade country pork sausage is inexpensive, rewarding, and lets you personalize the flavors to your taste.

The Final Verdict on Country Pork Sausage

With its deep roots in Southern cuisine, pronounced seasoning, and mouthwatering flavor, it’s easy to see why country pork sausage has been a favorite for generations. This versatile, protein-packed sausage brings a hearty, spicy presence to the breakfast table or any meal. So next time you’re looking to add some oomph to your cooking, reach for a pack of zesty country pork sausage and enjoy a taste of the South.

How to Make Country Sausage | Anyone Can Make Homemade Food

FAQ

Is country pork the same as breakfast sausage?

Fresh country sausage is also commonly known as breakfast sausage because people often serve it with breakfast. This meat is a popular type of American sausage made from pork and mild seasonings.

What’s the difference between Italian sausage and country sausage?

The main difference in Italian sausage when compared to other sausages is the seasoning. The particular ingredient that usually sets Italian sausage apart is fennel. This is a licorice scented herb that gives Italian sausage its unique taste that is different than other types of sausage.

What does country sausage taste like?

The flavors of this type of sausage come from herbs and spices such as sage, thyme, black pepper and a bit of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Country sausage can be smoked or include a liquid smoke but not all country sausage are smoked.

What is in country style sausage links?

Pork, Seasoning (Salt, Dextrose, Flavoring), Corn Syrup, Water, Sodium Lactate, Vinegar, Natural Flavor.

What is Country Sausage?

Country Sausage is also commonly known as Breakfast Sausage. In other words it is a type of fresh pork sausage usually served at breakfast in the United States. The seasonings commonly used in this delicious sausage are black pepper or sage. There are also varieties seasoned with maple syrup or cayenne pepper.

What kind of meat is used in country sausages?

While pork is the traditional meat used in country sausages, you can experiment! Try adding some veal or beef into the pork mixture, and see how you like it. A 1:4 ratio of pork to other meat is an excellent place to start.

What makes Country Sausage different from breakfast sausage?

Culinary traditions and regional preferences also play a significant role in distinguishing country sausage from breakfast sausage. Country sausage is deeply rooted in Southern American cuisine, where it is a staple in dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice.

Where can I find a variety of sausage?

You can find both types of sausage in your local grocery store. Some of the brands you might see include Johnsonville Country Sausage (sold as links), Smithfield hometown original breakfast sausage (sold as link sausage or patties) and Jimmy Dean sausage (sold as links, patties and tubes of bulk sausage).