Mastering the Art of Butterflying Sausage

Butterflying sausage is a simple yet clever technique that opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to cooking sausages. By slicing the sausage lengthwise without cutting all the way through, you can achieve faster, more even cooking and add creative fillings and toppings. If you want to step up your sausage game, learning how to properly butterfly sausage is a must.

What is Butterflying Sausage?

Butterflying a sausage involves making a lengthwise cut along the top of the sausage, stopping just before you reach the bottom. You then open up the sausage into two halves connected by a hinge. This allows you to press the sausage flat to create a larger surface area for searing, grilling or stuffing fillings inside.

The butterfly shape ensures the sausage cooks faster by exposing more surface area to the heat. It also lets you add delicious fillings like cheese, salsa or sauteed veggies into the center channel. When stuffed and grilled or pan fried, a butterflied sausage transforms into a mouthwatering meal.

Why Should You Butterfly Sausage?

There are several excellent reasons to give butterflying sausage a try

Faster more even cooking Flattening the sausage speeds up cooking time.
Better sear: More surface area exposed to the pan or grill gives a crispy, flavorful sear.
Easier to stuff: The center channel is perfect for creative fillings and toppings.
Customizable: Butterflying allows you to add diverse flavors and textures.
Attractive presentation: Butterflied sausages look impressive on the plate.
Ideal for sandwiches: Flattened shape fits perfectly in rolls or buns.

Step-By-Step Guide to Butterflying Sausage

Butterflying sausage is simple to do with just a few easy steps:

1. Choose Your Sausages

Select quality, fully-cooked sausages like bratwurst, Italian sausage or chorizo. Avoid raw sausages which can fall apart when sliced.

2. Slice Lengthwise Down the Center

Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice into each sausage lengthwise, stopping about 1⁄4 inch before the bottom.

3. Open and Flatten

Gently pry open the sausage like a book. Press down lightly to flatten into one even layer.

4. Add Fillings (Optional)

Spoon cooked fillings like cheese, veggies or sauce into the center channel. Avoid overstuffing.

5. Cook as Desired

Pan fry, grill or bake sausages until heated through and nicely browned.

Handy Tips for Butterflying Success

Follow these tips for flawlessly butterflied sausages every time:

Choose sausages of equal size and shape for even cooking.
Ensure your knife is sharp to make a clean slice down the sausage.
Work slowly and carefully to avoid cutting all the way through.
Don’t overstuff fillings or the sausage may break open while cooking.
Brush with oil and season the exterior for maximum flavor.
Cook over medium heat to prevent burning the exterior before the interior cooks.

Inspiring Recipe Ideas Using Butterflied Sausage

The possibilities are endless when it comes to playing with flavors using butterflied sausage. Here are just a few mouthwatering ideas to get your creativity flowing:

Italian sausage stuffed with mozzarella, basil and sun-dried tomatoes.
Spicy chorizo topped with sautéed peppers, onions and melted cheese.
Bratwurst filled with sauerkraut and spicy mustard for a twist on a hot dog.
Andouille sausage loaded with shrimp, corn and red beans for a Cajun feast.
Breakfast sausage stuffed with fluffy scrambled eggs and cheddar cheese.
Kielbasa topped with creamy mashed potatoes and crispy fried onions.
Veggie sausage packed with roasted squash, zucchini and spinach.

So grab some sausages and your trusty knife to start butterflying! With a little practice, you’ll be able to transform ordinary sausages into crave-worthy culinary creations in no time.

Easy and quick Butterfly sausage recipe

FAQ

Should you butterfly sausage before grilling?

5: The Butterfly Since you’re laying your sausages skin-side up, the casing won’t dry out and the sausage will cook quickly. However, this method allows for some precious juices to drip out which will result in dry meat.

How to butterfly bratwurst?

Place the sausage on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make a lengthwise cut along the top of the sausage, ensuring not to cut all the way through. The goal is to create a flap that opens like a butterfly’s wings while keeping the bottom intact.

How do you flip a sausage?

Flipping sausage isn’t hard, but you’ll still want to exercise a little bit of caution when you do it. If you’re using tongs, carefully grasp the sausage and turn it on its opposite side. If you’re using a spatula, gently slide this under the sausage and flip it without breaking the casing.

How do you butterfly a cut of meat?

Butterflying is a simple method for modifying a cut of meat by slicing it in half horizontally. You can cut it through completely in this fashion and end up with two thin pieces, or take care not to cut through the other side, and open it like a book. This serves to even-out a cut of meat and extend the surface area.

Can You butterfly meat?

When you cut the meat and spread it open, it resembles the wingspan of a butterfly. You can butterfly various types of meat including beef filets, whole chickens, and fish filets. Butterflying meat has numerous benefits, including the following. It allows the meat to cook more evenly.

Why do you butterfly meat?

When you butterfly meat, you end up with a smooth side that will sit on your cooking surface. Butterflying can be used to transform cuts of meat into special dishes like stuffed chicken breasts and stuffed pork loin. This method is also great for reducing cook times, which is perfect for chefs who are pressed for time.

What is butterfly meat?

Butterflying, for example, is one of those terms that can be confusing to someone who is new to cooking. When you butterfly meat, you are taking a thick, juicy cut of meat and then cutting and rearranging it so you end up with a thinner cut. When you cut the meat and spread it open, it resembles the wingspan of a butterfly.