Join us at SPAR in celebrating the many types of sausage. A humble ingredient, sausages are perfect with mash, on a BBQ or in a soft bread bun. But the sausage can be so much more than just three staple meals. Learn more about the different types of sausage, what to serve with sausages and how to cook with them using our sausage guide.
The types of sausages
There are lots of different types of sausages from all over the world. But what is the difference between them? Sausages can usually be collected into a few main groups:
Cumberland
Starting with a classic, the Cumberland sausage can be traced as far back as 500 years. Usually containing up to 90% pork, these types of sausage are easy to cook, filling and smashingly versatile. Bonus fact: ‘Traditional Cumberland Sausage’ has even been granted protected status.
Frankfurter
The frankfurter sausage is thin, parboiled and made from pork. These sausages are usually pale pink in colour, can be fried, grilled or boiled and come from Frankfurt, Germany.
Chorizo
There are lots of types of Chorizo sausage, but you’ll probably be most familiar with the Spanish Chorizo sausage. The sausage is made from chopped pork, spices and has a smoky flavour and red colour.
Chipolata
You can tell a Chipolata sausage by its long, thin shape. This is the type of sausage you’ll usually see wrapped in bacon as everyone’s favourite: pigs in blankets. The Chipolata is often chopped up for use in stews.
Oxford
The Oxford sausage uses both pork and veal meat, which is seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs. Around since the 18th century, there are no prizes for guessing where this type of sausage comes from!
Lincolnshire
The Lincolnshire sausage uses sage as its main ingredient, meaning it has a very distinctive taste. These sausages date back to the 19th century and even have a festival held every year in London to celebrate them.
Meals to make with sausages
Wondering what to make for dinner tonight? We’ve got some great ideas for meals to make with sausages, which will keep the whole family asking for second portions.Â
Roasted sausages
Pop sausages in a roasting dish on a bed of new potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Sprinkle with fresh rosemary, thyme and sea salt. Drizzle in olive oil and roast until perfectly yummy.
Campfire stew
Stew together your sausages with bacon, yellow peppers and beef stock. Use some chilli flakes to give it a little kick. Add some cheesy mash and plate up.
Toad in the hole
To make toad in the hole, bake your sausage into a homemade Yorkshire pudding. Not a fan of gravy and mash? Try serving with mushrooms in a creamy sauce.
Sausage Casserole
A sausage casserole is a great meal for the whole family to enjoy. To whip this up, all you’ll need is some sausages, onions, vegetables and mashed potato. Read our sausage casserole recipe.
Bangers and mash
A classic staple, pair your carefully selected sausages with some mashed potato. For a twist, use horseradish in your mash or use sweet potatoes instead.
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What to serve with sausages
Now you’ve picked the perfect sausage and the best meal to prepare. The last part of is deciding what to serve with your sausages. Mostly, what you serve with your sausage-based dishes will be down to taste (and how many tiny picky eaters you’re cooking for).
Some of our favourite side dishes for sausages are:
- Thinly chopped potatoes, fried gently with garlic and herbs
- Baked potatoes
- A fresh green salad with a spicy salad dressing
- Moroccan couscous with fresh herbs
- Sweet potato wedges, sprinkled with paprika
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No matter how you end up cooking your sausages, grab your ingredients from your local SPAR.
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