Chicken sausage is a versatile, lean protein that works beautifully in countless dishes. Whether you’re cooking a hearty dinner or a light lunch, the key to elevating chicken sausage lies in pairing it with complementary sides and flavors. From creamy pasta to roasted vegetables, the possibilities are endless. This guide will show you 10 delicious combinations and give you tips on how to season and cook them so that every bite is full of flavor.
Next, let’s dive into some amazing pairings that will make chicken sausage the highlight of your meal.
Add sour cream or garlic butter to the potatoes to make them taste even better, and chicken bone broth to the gravy to make it taste even better.
Chicken sausage is a versatile and delicious protein that can be enjoyed in many dishes. But what sides and ingredients truly complement its flavor and make a cohesive meal? Here are 15 amazing pairings for chicken sausage that will bring your dishes to the next level.
A Quick Overview
Chicken sausage comes in a variety of flavors like apple smoked garlic and herb, etc. It has a milder taste compared to pork sausage but still packs a savory punch. Chicken sausage is lower in fat and calories than pork sausage, making it a healthier alternative. It can be grilled, pan-fried, baked or simmered in soups and stews.
When choosing accompaniments for chicken sausage, aim for sides that provide contrasting flavors, textures and colors. Creamy, tangy, crunchy, sweet, bitter or smoky sides all pair wonderfully with the juicy sausage. Read on for 15 sensational chicken sausage combos that are sure to satisfy.
1. Soft Scrambled Eggs
Chicken sausage goes great with fluffy, creamy scrambled eggs for breakfast. The rich flavor of the egg goes well with the seasoning in the sausage. To make scrambled eggs that are extra creamy, cook them slowly and keep stirring them. Finish with fresh herbs like chives or parsley. If you want to power through the day, the eggs and sausage will do the trick.
2. Roasted Potatoes
Earthy, crispy roasted potatoes are a classic pairing with sausage. Russet or baby potatoes caramelized in the oven develop a delicious sweet nuttiness that works perfectly with savory chicken sausage. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic, rosemary and paprika before roasting for extra flavor. Sprinkle with Parmesan at the end for a tasty finishing touch.
3. Mac and Cheese
Is there anything more comforting than macaroni baked in a very cheese sauce? Chicken sausage goes perfectly with the rich, creamy goodness of mac and cheese. It also helps cut through the fat of the sausage the rich cheese sauce. You can make it even better by adding mushrooms or crispy bacon bits.
4. Fried Apples
Sweet, warm fried apples offer a delightful contrast to the savory sausage. Sauté apples with cinnamon brown sugar and a splash of lemon for a down-home flavor. The tart apples balance the richness of the chicken sausage wonderfully. This combo evokes all the feels of autumn.
5. Pear and Goat Cheese Salad
A salad with pears and goat cheese goes well with chicken sausage. Add crunchy toasted walnuts, arugula or spinach, pears, crumbled goat cheese, and vinaigrette to a bowl. The sausage goes well with the sweet pears, earthy nuts, peppery greens, and creamy cheese.
6. Skillet Cornbread
Fresh out of the skillet cornbread is a delicious accompaniment for chicken sausage. Bake a simple cornbread flavored with corn kernels, cheddar and jalapeno for a kick. The slightly sweet cornbread soaks up any sausage drippings deliciously. Serve your sausage and cornbread with honey butter for spreading.
7. Baked Beans
You can’t have sausage without baked beans! These tasty beans baked in a sweet and smoky tomato sauce go great with sausage. The creaminess of the beans contrasts the sausage wonderfully. Kick it up with spices and brown sugar. Bacon bits never hurt either.
8. Caramelized Onions
Sweet, tender caramelized onions offer the perfect balance to chicken sausage. Slowly cook sliced onions in butter or olive oil until meltingly soft and browned. The natural sugars in the onions develop into a deliciously jammy topping for sausage. Try red or yellow onions for the best flavor.
9. Sauerkraut
Tangy, salty sauerkraut is a traditional accompaniment to sausage. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken sausage. Look for good quality sauerkraut without extra additives or pickling agents. Simply heat it up to serve alongside your sausage. A smear of grainy mustard ties the flavors together.
10. Brussels Sprouts Hash
Shredded Brussels sprouts sautéed into a flavorful hash make a stellar pairing with chicken sausage. Cook shredded sprouts with olive oil, garlic, shallots, lemon and Dijon mustard. The sprouts develop a wonderful charred flavor. Top your sausage with the hash for dinner or brunch.
11. Cheesy Grits
Creamy, cheesy grits are comfort food at its finest. Slow cooked grits mixed with butter, cheese, garlic and seasonings are a delightful partner for chicken sausage. The smooth texture contrasts with the juicy sausage beautifully. Try white cheddar, Monterey jack or Gruyère for full-bodied flavor.
12. Honey Wheat Rolls
Fluffy honey wheat rolls are perfect for sandwiching chicken sausage or just enjoying on the side. Brush the rolls with butter or honey for extra flavor and moisture. Heartier whole wheat rolls stand up well to the sausage without getting soggy. The touch of natural sweetness complements the sausage wonderfully.
13. Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms and cherry tomatoes make refreshing additions to chicken sausage. Their charred smoky flavor contrasts the juicy sausage wonderfully. Build colorful skewers to cook quickly on the grill or griddle alongside the sausage.
14. Tomato Salad with Burrata
A fresh tomato salad is a delightful pairing for chicken sausage, especially when made with creamy burrata cheese. Slice heirloom tomatoes and toss with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and fresh basil. Top with creamy burrata cheese and breadcrumbs. The tomatoes cut through the richness of the sausage while the cheese pairs wonderfully.
15. Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy sweet potato fries offer a unique spin on the traditional side. Their natural sweetness, enhanced by roasting or frying, complements chicken sausage so well. The contrast of the crunchy fries with the juicy sausage makes for finger-licking goodness.
So there you have it – 15 sensational sides and ingredients that pair deliciously with chicken sausage. From hearty greens to indulgent mac and cheese, you are sure to find an amazing match. Let these suggestions inspire you to create memorable meals that are well-balanced and full of flavor.
Soups and Stews: Hearty and Warming
Chicken sausage is a versatile addition to soups and stews, adding a burst of flavor and protein. Its natural juiciness enriches brothy and creamy dishes alike.
Popular Soup Pairings
- Lentil Soup: Chicken sausage adds a smoky flavor to lentils, carrots, and celery in a soup made with broth.
- To make a rustic Italian-style stew, mix chicken sausage with cannellini beans, kale, and diced tomatoes.
- Creamy Potato Soup: To make a comforting change, diced chicken sausage can be added to creamy potato soup.
Cooking Tip Brown the sausage first before adding it to the soup. This step locks in the juices and imparts a richer flavor to the broth or base.
Seasoning Ideas: Rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves go well with chicken sausage in soups and stews, and a pinch of smoked paprika makes them taste even more smokey.
Sauerkraut and Mustard: A Tangy, Classic Pairing
For a quick and easy pairing, chicken sausage with sauerkraut and mustard is a timeless choice. The tanginess of sauerkraut cuts through the richness of the sausage, while mustard adds a spicy zing.
Classic Pairing Tips
- Add some apple cider vinegar and brown sugar to the sauerkraut and heat it up on the stove. This will make it sweet and sour at the same time.
- Use Dijon or whole-grain mustard for a gourmet touch.
Serving Suggestion: Put this mix on a plate and add soft pretzels on the side. You can also use it to fill hot dogs or sandwiches.
What to make with…KIELBASA sausage | 3 easy recipes using Kielbasa
FAQ
What do sausages pair well with?
Best Sides for Sausages. When it comes to sausage dinners, there’s a wide range of side dishes that can spruce up your meal. Some of our favorites include baked beans, creamy parmesan-polenta, sautéed peppers and onions, barbecue fries and traditional coleslaw.
What’s a good condiment for chicken sausage?
Best Condiments and Toppings on SausageCaramelized Onions. Caramelized onions offer the perfect combination of sweet and savory to take any quality sausage to the next level. Sauteed Peppers. Mustard. Ketchup. Sauerkraut. Russian Dressing. Pickle Relish. Jalapeño Peppers.
What can you have sausages with for dinner?
Sausage recipesSausage pasta. A star rating of 4. 5 out of 5. Bangers and mash with onion gravy. A star rating of 4. 5 out of 5. Sausage & butter bean stew. Air fryer sausages. Ultimate toad-in-the-hole with caramelised onion gravy. Sweet chilli bangers. Sausage hotpot. Maple-glazed sausages & parsnips with herby lentils.
What gravy goes with chicken sausage?
Chicken Sausages in Onion Gravy with Sweet Potato Mash and Veggies. Bangers and mash with a little twist. We’ve used some lovely Mt Barker country style chicken sausages and accompanied them with a sweet potato mash, some bright, tender greens and onion gravy for an easy, comforting, healthy and delicious meal.
What goes well with sausage?
While the instructions are written for red, you can use green bell peppers if you prefer. With sausage, mushrooms are a great side dish, and a bed of mushrooms with caramelized onions might be the best thing you could serve with sausages. Cheddar cheese goes well with almost any savory dish.
What vegetables go well with sausage?
The veggies complement not only the flavors of the sausage, but also add vibrance to your plate. You can use any vegetables you have on hand, but the ones that go best with sausage are onions, bell peppers, eggplant, squash, and zucchini. 9. Applesauce Believe it or not, applesauce pairs wonderfully well with sausage!.
What are the best side dishes?
Sometimes the best side dishes are the simplest. These baby potatoes are cooked in a single pot with classic seasonings. They are very simple to make. Scalloped, cheesy potatoes might be the perfect compliment to your favorite sausage.
What goes well with Jarred applesauce?
Believe it or not, applesauce pairs wonderfully well with sausage! The contrast between sweet and tangy sauce, plus savory and smoky links is just downright delightful. While fresh is always best, it’s also more than okay to pair jarred applesauce with sausage. Just top it on every bite of sausage and see the difference! 10. Creamy Polenta