Whether you like it sweet, spicy, or savory, sausage is a versatile food that makes a great addition to just about any breakfast, dinner, or lunch menu. Cultures all over the world use various types of meat and seasonings to incorporate sausage into their cuisine. Below is a guide that highlights more about some of the most popular types of sausage found in many restaurants across the U.S.

Highlighting Popular Varieties of Sausage

Breakfast Sausage

Breakfast sausages are almost always made from pork and are available as patties or small links that are pan-fried before serving. The predominant seasonings used in breakfast sausage are sage and black pepper, with cayenne pepper often added to create a spicier taste or sweet ingredients such as maple syrup to create a sweeter flavor. Cook these little sausages at home in the morning, or order them at a 24-hour restaurant that offers breakfast dining around the clock.

Italian Sausage

Traditionally made from pork and seasoned with garlic and licorice-scented fennel or anise, Italian sausage is available in mild (also known as sweet) and hot (with spicy red pepper added) varieties. Brown bulk Italian sausage in a skillet and add it to pasta dishes, or grill large links with peppers and onions and serve them on buns. Even the best hamburgers can’t compete with the savory flavor of an Italian sausage sandwich, which you can often find on the lunch menu of your favorite diner or fast food restaurant. 

Bratwurst

Bratwurst is a German sausage made from veal, beef, or pork or a combination of two or more of these types of meat. Many varieties of bratwurst are available in Germany, but in the United States, it’s usually available as a 6-inch link of veal and pork that has been seasoned with nutmeg, ginger, and coriander or caraway, and it’s often marinated in beer. When planning the lunch menu for your next picnic or tailgating party, be sure to pick some up to throw on the grill.

If you enjoy a side of hearty sausage with your breakfast, head to the family-owned and -operated diner Steve T. Hots & Potatoes in Rochester, NY. Known throughout the area for their dishes, they offer a wide variety of delicious comfort food that goes far beyond what you can find at a typical burger restaurant. Call (585) 429-6388 to place an order or visit their website to browse their lunch menu.