A Guide to Perfectly Cooking Lorne Sausage, Scotland’s Famous Square Sausage

Lorne sausage, also known as square sausage, is a cherished Scottish breakfast staple This hearty sausage gets its distinctive square shape from being formed into a block rather than stuffed into a casing With its blend of beef, pork, rusk, and spices, lorne sausage has a unique texture and savory flavor. While pre-cooked lorne sausage can be conveniently sliced and eaten, properly cooking it at home ensures you get the perfect blend of juicy interior and crispy edges.

Lorne sausage traces its origins to 19th century Scotland when metal baking tins became widely available to shape and bake sausage meat mixtures It gets its name from a Glasgow comedian named Tommy Lorne who made the sausage popular The mince-based sausage is mixed with either fine breadcrumbs or rusk along with spices like pepper, coriander and nutmeg before being pressed into shape. Unlike other sausages encased in intestines or collagen, the mixture simply firms up when cooked. Lorne sausage is now considered a classic Scottish breakfast food, often served alongside eggs, baked beans and tattie scones.

Helpful Tips for Cooking Lorne Sausage

Cooking lorne sausage may seem simple, but there are some tips that can help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor:

• Use high quality, fresh sausage for the best flavor. Pre-cooked and frozen sausage won’t have the same taste.

• Cook from frozen or defrost overnight in the refrigerator before cooking to prevent a soggy texture.

• Use a heavy pan like cast iron or non-stick for crispy edges. Heating the pan before adding sausage helps.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook sausages in batches if needed.

• Resist the urge to move the sausage too much for crispy crust formation.

• Adjust heat as needed. Lower heat prevents scorching.

With these tips in mind, let’s explore different cooking methods for lorne sausage.

Grilling Lorne Sausage for Smoky, Charred Flavor

One of the quickest and easiest cooking methods for lorne sausage is grilling. The high dry heat of the grill crisps up the exterior while adding delicious smoky flavor.

To grill lorne sausage:

• Preheat grill to medium high heat.

• Remove sausage from packaging and place on grill grates.

• Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, flipping once.

• Move to indirectly heated area if flare-ups occur.

• Test doneness with an instant read thermometer. Internal temperature should reach 160°F.

• Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Grilling gives lorne sausage irresistible char marks and smoky essence that pairs perfectly with a soft breakfast roll and brown sauce.

Pan Frying for Crispy, Golden Lorne Sausage

Pan frying is a quick and easy stovetop method for cooking up deliciously crispy lorne sausage.

To pan fry lorne sausage:

• Heat 1-2 Tbsp oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat.

• Add sausage and pan fry for 4-5 minutes per side until deep golden brown.

• Lower heat if sausage browns too quickly.

• Slice sausage and serve immediately once internal temperature reaches 160°F.

The hot skillet browns and crisps the sausage slices beautifully. Be sure to use a heavy pan to promote even browning.

Baking Lorne Sausage for Hands-Off Cooking

While less traditional, baking lorne sausage in the oven gives great results with minimal effort.

To bake lorne sausage:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.

• Arrange sausage slices on the prepared baking sheet.

• Brush lightly with oil or cooking spray.

• Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Test doneness by inserting an instant read thermometer into the center. Temperature should be 160°F.

The gentle oven heat gradually warms the sausages without drying them out. Baking allows you to prepare breakfast ahead of time too.

Recipe Ideas for Enjoying Lorne Sausage

Beyond just eating it sliced on a breakfast plate or in a roll, lorne sausage partners well with many ingredients. Some tasty recipe ideas include:

• Breakfast tacos or burritos with lorne sausage, egg, cheese and salsa

• Sausage and vegetable frittata or crustless quiche

• Baked beans with sausage and bacon pieces

• Mix into scrambled eggs or a breakfast hash

• Garnish soups and stews for a savory boost

• Layer in a baked potato with cheese and green onion

• Chop and add to macaroni and cheese or pasta bakes

With its distinctly savory square slices, lorne sausage can elevate both traditional and creative recipes. Keeping a supply in the freezer means you’re never far from a satisfying Scottish-inspired meal.

Storing and Handling Lorne Sausage

To safely store and handle lorne sausage:

• Keep refrigerated below 40°F and use within 1 week of opening package.

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil if not using right away.

• Freeze for longer storage of 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before using.

• Discard any sausage that smells off or has slimy texture. Do not taste questionable sausage.

• Cook to an internal temperature of 160°F as measured by a food thermometer.

With proper storage and handling, you can always have delicious and fresh-tasting lorne sausage ready to cook.

Whether you grill, fry or bake it, lorne sausage is a uniquely flavored and textured Scottish staple. With the right cooking techniques, you can achieve the quintessential combination of a crisp exterior and moist, savory interior. Lorne sausage truly satisfies when you want a hearty and delicious breakfast or quick meal.