How to Cook Delicious Air Dried Country Sausage

Air dried country sausage is a beloved staple in many Southern kitchens This salty, spicy sausage is made by curing fresh ground pork with salt and spices, stuffing it into casings, and allowing it to air dry for several days to intensify the flavors The end result is a highly seasoned, richly flavored sausage that can be enjoyed fried up for breakfast, added to soups and stews, or just snacked on right out of the package.

While air dried sausage is fully cooked and safe to eat as is, cooking it before eating brings out even more robust flavors and textures. Follow these simple tips for cooking up the tastiest country air dried sausage every time.

Let the Sausage Come Up to Room Temperature

Air dried sausage is quite stiff and dense when refrigerated Attempting to cook it directly from the fridge can result in uneven cooking and cooling of the interior. For best results, let the sausage sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking This allows it to soften up and makes for more even heating throughout the sausage.

Choose Your Cooking Method

Air dried sausage can be prepared using several different cooking methods, each resulting in slightly different textures and flavors.

One of the fastest and easiest ways to cook air-dried sausage is to fry it in a pan. Peel it and cut it into rounds. Fry them in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little oil for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until they are brown and done. The browned exterior provides a tasty contrast to the tender, mildly chewy interior.

Grilling over direct medium heat also works well for cooking air dried sausage. The charring from the grill gives a smoky nuance that pairs deliciously with the spicy, salty flavors. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side. Be sure to oil the grates first to prevent sticking.

Air-dried sausage can be cooked all the way through in the oven at 350°F without having to be cut up first. Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through. The gentler oven heat helps maintain a tender texture.

Simmering sausage in soups, stews, or bean dishes adds flavor to the broth and makes the sausage softer. Cut the sausage into small pieces or slices and add them to the pot for the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking to heat them through.

Microwaving is the quickest cooking method, but can result in a rubbery texture. Microwave sliced air dried sausage for 30-60 seconds at a time, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

Use the Right Cooking Temperature

The next important tip when preparing air dried sausage is to avoid high heat. Unlike fresh sausages which release fat and juices when cooked, air dried sausage has very little moisture. Cooking over high heat can quickly cause exterior charring while the interior stays underdone.

For pan frying or grilling, use a medium heat level. You want enough heat to develop light browning and crisping on the exterior, but gentle enough heat that the interior can warm through without burning or drying out. If pan frying, add just a teaspoon or two of oil to prevent sticking.

Oven baking should be done at moderate 350°F heat. Microwaving should be done in short 30 second bursts, checking frequently to prevent overcooking.

Maintaining a more moderate heat level allows the flavors and texture of the air dried sausage to fully develop without scorching it.

Cook Until Heated Through

When frying, grilling, or baking air dried sausage, cook each side for approximately 4-5 minutes. The sausage is fully cooked to begin with, so this short cooking time is mainly meant to heat it through.

Check for doneness by cutting into a sausage to confirm the center is warmed through. It should reach an internal temperature of 150°F. The interior will turn from a raw pink color to brown when it is adequately heated.

If pan frying sliced sausage, you can check for doneness by cutting a piece in half to inspect the middle. When microwaving, cut into the sausage every 30 seconds to check for doneness.

Avoid overcooking the sausage, as this can toughen up the texture. As soon as the interior is heated through, it’s ready to enjoy.

Let it Rest Briefly Before Serving

As with many meats, allowing the cooked air dried sausage to rest for 2-3 minutes before cutting into it helps retain moisture and juices. The internal temperature will continue rising a bit during the rest time, ensuring it is heated all the way through.

Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate or cutting board and let it sit for a few minutes before slicing into it or eating. This short resting period helps lock in the flavors and texture.

Season and Serve However You Like

One of the joys of air dried sausage is that it packs a big punch of flavor all on its own. You can keep things simple by serving it straight up, just as it comes out of the package. The spices and richness already present in the cured sausage mean it doesn’t need much to make it shine.

However, you can also jazz it up with extra seasonings and condiments if desired. Here are some tasty ways to serve cooked air dried sausage:

• On a plate next to eggs and biscuits or gravy for breakfast

• Chopped up in scrambled eggs, breakfast burritos, omelets, etc.

• In a sandwich with cheese and mustard on bread or a biscuit

• On a charcuterie or cheese board with olives, nuts, and pickled veggies

• Crumbled into soups, stews, casseroles, pasta dishes, etc.

• On a fresh salad for added protein and crunch

• With roasted veggies and rice or beans for a one-pan meal

• In tacos, nachos, pizza, sandwiches – you name it!

• On a snack plate with cheese, crackers, pickles, and nuts

• Straight out of the package for an on-the-go protein snack

Air dried sausage is endlessly versatile. Feel free to get creative with how you prepare and serve it! The deeply seasoned flavors pair well with so many dishes.

Store Leftovers Properly

Like any cured meat product, cooked air dried sausage can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days until ready to use. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating any leftovers.

To maximize freshness, store the cooked sausage in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This prevents it from drying out in the fridge.

For longer term storage, cooked air dried sausage can be frozen for 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing, then wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator before using frozen sausage.

With its seriously bold and crave-worthy flavor, a little air dried sausage goes a long way. Cook up a batch using these handy tips, and enjoy it in all your favorite dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacking anytime. This Southern-style sausage is sure to become a staple your family asks for again and again.