History of National Sausage Month
National Sausage Month celebrates one of the world’s oldest and most popular foods. Sausages are made worldwide and come in various tasty types and flavors. While sausages are worth enjoying all year, it’s especially nice to serve them during a month dedicated to their deliciousness.
While the word “sausage” only dates back to the 15th century, people have been making sausage for more than 5,000 years. Today, the global sausage market is expected to bring in $110.70 billion in revenue in 2024.
Learn more about the history of National Sausage Month, some ideas for how to celebrate and different sausage types to try.
When Is National Sausage Month?
October is National Sausage Month. This holiday encourages people to celebrate this culinary staple by trying different sausage types and dishes.
In 1994, the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC) created a holiday to promote sausages. Rather than pick one National Sausage Day, they declared all of October to be National Hot Dog and Sausage Month. Soon, they shortened the name to National Sausage Month to avoid confusion with National Hot Dog Month in July.
The NHDSC chose October because of other sausage-related events, such as Oktoberfest, tailgating parties and fall cookouts. Sausages are the perfect food to serve at gatherings before a football game or family get-togethers. Additionally, National Sausage Month includes National Sausage Pizza Day on October 11 for a day of double celebration.
How to Celebrate National Sausage Month
Here are a few ways you can get the most out of National Sausage Month:
Cook Some Sausages
The best way to celebrate National Sausage Month is by — you guessed it — eating sausages! Sausages are typically grilled, baked or pan-fried but can also be boiled or broiled. However you cook them, always heat them to a minimum temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit before eating to ensure they’re safe.
You might make your favorite sausage dishes or explore new recipes. You can also mix old and new by finding unique ways to add sausage to a meal that typically doesn’t contain it, like mac and cheese.
Host a Tasting Party or Cook-Off
Consider throwing a party to share the celebration with your friends and family. You could do a tasting to explore new sausage types and try sausages from around the world. Alternatively, arrange a potluck and have everyone bring their favorite sausage to share. If your group is competitive, you might host a cook-off contest and challenge your friends and family to bring their best sausage dish for judging.
Enjoy Sausages at Seasonal Events
You can also look for local events celebrating National Sausage Month. As noted above, this holiday coincides with many Oktoberfest events. If you attend one of these festivals, be sure to try a bratwurst while you’re there!
Give Sausage Gifts
Sausages can make excellent additions to gift baskets. Choose a ready-to-eat variety, such as summer sausage, and pair it with cheese and crackers. You could also include mustard, nuts, dried fruit, honey, chocolate and other snacks that complement the rich, savory flavors of sausage.
Share on Social Media
Whether cooking a family favorite or trying something new at an event, you can share how you celebrate National Sausage Month on social media. You could post a new recipe you tried and let your followers know what you thought.
If you create a beautiful charcuterie board to explore different sausage types or put together a delicious gift basket, snap a picture to share. You can also post photos from events, whether it’s a party you host or a local festival. Encourage others to celebrate National Sausage Month, and tag your favorite sausage brands in your posts.
Types of Sausage to Try
Some sausages can be the star of the show, while others work best as part of an ensemble. Maybe you’re looking for something flavorful enough on its own or in a bun. Perhaps you’re seeking a versatile sausage you can mix with different vegetables, starches and sauces. Whatever the case, here are some varieties to look for during National Sausage Month:
Andouille
Try some Andouille in a French or Cajun dish. French Andouille is smoky and spicy with a strong smell. Cajun Andouille is also smoky and spicy, but it includes onions and different spices, creating a distinct flavor. Add French Andouille to pasta or include Cajun Andouille in jambalaya or gumbo.
Bratwurst
Cook up some German bratwurst for your own Oktoberfest. Bratwurst was first created by curing or smoking meat to preserve it through the winter. It’s typically made with pork, though other meats can be used and heavily seasoned with sage, pepper and nutmeg. Try it with sauerkraut, in a bun or on its own.
Breakfast Sausage
Start the day off right with a distinctively American sausage. Heavily seasoned without being spicy, breakfast sausage can be slightly sweet and usually comes as a patty or a link. Pair it with eggs and hashbrowns, add it to a breakfast casserole, or serve it alongside pancakes and drizzle it with syrup.
Chicken Sausage
For a lighter variety, try chicken sausage. Compared to USDA regulations for pork sausage, our chicken sausage contains 60% less fat. It’s available in our classic Italian flavors and other flavored varieties, such as cheese and garlic.
Chinese Sausage
For sausage with an Asian twist, make a stir-fry, fried rice or potstickers with our Chinese Brand sausage. Flavored with sesame oil, soy sauce and garlic, this sweet sausage is reminiscent of Chinese barbecue.
Chorizo
Spice up a meal with Spanish or Mexican chorizo. Chorizo didn’t exist until the Spanish arrived in the Americas, but the two varieties are distinct. Spanish chorizo usually contains pork, garlic, paprika, white wine and various herbs. It’s fermented, smoked and air-cured, so it doesn’t need to be cooked before eating.
Mexican chorizo is made from pork, chili peppers, vinegar and a mix of herbs and other spices. It’s air-dried for about a week but doesn’t cure, so it must be cooked before eating. Mexican chorizo is generally spicier and one of many ingredients in a dish rather than eaten on its own.
Italian Sausage
Try our Italian sausage in sweet, mild or hot varieties. Available in links, patties and ground meat, Italian sausage is a versatile type that is flavorful enough to stand on its own. It also plays well with other flavors in pasta or vegetable dishes. For even more flavor, try our specialty Italian sausages, such as broccoli rabe and Romano cheese or sweet basil sausage.
Laulau
This Hawaiian sausage was traditionally made with fish and pork wrapped in luau leaves. Modern versions generally use butterfish and pork, beef or chicken. Serve this unique fish sausage over rice with a side of macaroni salad for a tasty Hawaiian lunch.
Longaniza
Unlike most South American sausages, this Argentine variety is sweeter and milder because its main seasoning is ground anise seeds. Anise can have a black licorice flavor, creating an interesting contrast to the meat. Try longaniza as an appetizer or in sandwiches.
Choose Premio Sausage for Your Celebration
Premio Foods has been making fine sausage for over 40 years. In addition to traditional Italian sausages, we offer world flavors and lighter chicken sausage options. Our family business is committed to creating quality products for our customers and community.
To enjoy Premio sausage during National Sausage Month and all year, find a store near you.
