6 Best Italian Sausage Substitutes

One of the closest substitutes for Italian sausage is pork sausage. Made from ground pork and seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, pork sausage shares many similarities with its Italian counterpart. The main difference lies in the specific seasoning blend used, as Italian sausage typically incorporates fennel seeds, while pork sausage may have a different combination of spices. However, pork sausage is a great option if you’re looking to recreate the flavors of Italian sausage in your recipes

Remember that while using pork sausage as a substitute can work well, there might still be some differences in flavor compared to traditional Italian sausage. Adjustments to the seasonings and also the cooking method can help you get closer to the desired result.

If you’re looking for a closer match to the flavor of Italian sausage, you can also explore local grocery stores for pre-seasoned pork sausages that are labeled as “Italian sausage” or “spicy sausage.” These sausages often come with the right blend of seasonings and can be a more convenient option for recipes that specifically call for Italian sausage.

Another excellent substitute for Italian sausage is bratwurst. Originating from Germany, bratwurst is a type of sausage made from finely minced pork, beef, or veal, and seasoned with a variety of spices. While the flavor of bratwurst may differ slightly from Italian sausage, it still offers a delicious and savory taste.

Bratwurst does have a high fat content which may not be ideal for anyone looking to cut out fat from their diet. However, the high fat content helps to keep the bratwurst moist and flavorful, making it a suitable substitute for Italian sausage in many recipes.

Remember that while bratwurst can be a substitute, the end result will still have some differences from using traditional Italian sausage. The goal is to create a delicious and satisfying dish, even if it has a unique flavor twist.

For those looking for a healthier alternative to Italian sausage, minced chicken or also turkey can be used as a substitute. These lean meats can be seasoned with a blend of Italian herbs and spices to mimic the flavors of traditional Italian sausage. While the texture may differ slightly, minced chicken or turkey can still provide a tasty and lighter option for those watching their fat intake.

You can easily make your own minced chicken or turkey sausage slabs – here’s a quick guide.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (about 450 grams) ground turkey or chicken (preferably lean)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for moisture)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, dried sage, dried thyme, dried rosemary, red pepper flakes, and also the minced garlic. Mix the seasonings well to ensure even distribution.
2. Add the ground turkey or chicken to the bowl with the seasonings.
3. Gently mix the everything together using your hands. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a tougher texture.
4. Divide the seasoned mixture into portions and shape them into sausage link shapes. You can make them thin or thick, depending on your preference.
5. You can then cook the sausages using any of the following methods:
   • Pan-Fry, Grill or Bake – Just make sure to cook the sausages, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and browned on all sides.

Believe it or not, meatloaf can also be used as a substitute for Italian sausage. Made from a mixture of ground meats, breadcrumbs, and various seasonings, meatloaf shares many similarities with Italian sausage in terms of texture and also flavor. By adding Italian herbs, spices, and garlic to your meatloaf mixture, you can transform it into a flavorful substitute for Italian sausage.

You can also used cooked meatloaf as a quick and easy substitute. Just slice and crumble the desired amount of cooked meatloaf directly onto the dish. This option works particularly well in recipes where crumbled Italian sausage is called for, such as pasta dishes or pizza toppings.

For vegetarian or vegan alternatives to Italian sausage, minced soy is an excellent option. Made from soy protein, minced soy can be seasoned with a blend of Italian herbs and spices to replicate the flavors of traditional Italian sausage. The texture may differ slightly, but minced soy can still provide a satisfying and meat-like substitute for those following a plant-based diet.

Here is a quick and simple recipe for Italian-style minced soy for you to try:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup textured vegetable protein (TVP) or soy crumbles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 oz spaghetti
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
• Grated vegan or regular Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. If using TVP, rehydrate it according to package instructions. Or if using pre-cooked soy crumbles, you can skip this step.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and also the crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the rehydrated TVP or soy crumbles to the skillet. Stir to combine with the seasonings and onions.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and also some black pepper to taste.
6. While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the spaghetti in the sauce until well coated.
8. Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. You can also top with grated vegan or regular Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

The minced soy absorbs the Italian seasonings and tomato sauce, creating a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish.

Similar to minced soy, minced tofu can also be used as a vegetarian or vegan substitute for Italian sausage. Tofu is made from soy milk and has a mild flavor, making it a versatile ingredient that can absorb the flavors of the seasonings used. By marinating minced tofu in a mixture of Italian herbs, spices, and soy sauce, you can create a tasty substitute for Italian sausage that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Here’s a simple recipe for using minced tofu as an Italian sausage substitute in a flavorful penne pasta dish:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (about 225 grams) penne pasta
• 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
• Vegan or regular grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Crumble the tofu into small pieces using your hands.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
4. Add the crumbled tofu to the skillet. Sauté for a few minutes until the tofu starts to lightly brown.
5. Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir through to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and also some black pepper to taste.
7. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the tofu-tomato sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until well coated.
8. Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. You can also top with vegan or regular grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

This recipe transforms crumbled tofu into a tasty Italian-inspired dish with the help of herbs and also the rich tomato sauce. The tofu absorbs the flavors and seasonings, creating a satisfying and healthier alternative to traditional Italian sausage. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste and experiment with additional vegetables or herbs to enhance the dish.