Very few people appreciate the humble taste of plain Vienna sausages straight from the can, but they hold a world of potential in various recipes. While I wouldn’t be caught eating them with crackers, Vienna sausages transform into a culinary delight when incorporated into dishes. If you’re not convinced yet, give this list of recipes a chance to change your mind – there’s likely something here that will pique your interest.
Pigs in a Blanket
Just when you thought pigs in a blanket couldn’t get any more exciting, along come traditional twists that are just as delightful for young and old alike. Using Vienna sausages instead of the usual mini hot dogs is one such innovation. The taste experience remains largely similar, but some enthusiasts may detect a slightly higher salt content in this alternative version.
Furthermore, experimenting with different flavor profiles is made possible by opting for smoked, jalapeno, or BBQ-infused Vienna sausages. While cheese plays a pivotal role in the recipe, pairing original or jalapeno-flavored Viennas with it yields particularly pleasing results.
Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket
Zestful combinations of flavors and textures are always exciting, and this recipe is no exception. By merging two classic American appetizers – jalapeno poppers and pigs in a blanket – we’ve created something truly unique. The result is a dish that’s both meaty and cheesy, with a perfect balance of spicy and salty notes. And let’s not forget the crowning glory: a soft, flaky puff pastry crust that adds an extra layer of indulgence to each bite.
Filipino-Style Spaghetti
Surprisingly, this particular recipe stands out as the only one on the list that I don’t particularly enjoy consuming. While it’s not a dish I relish, I’m actually the odd one out in my family – everyone else seems to adore it. As someone who takes their pasta preferences seriously, I’m a bit of a spaghetti purist and find it hard to accept sweetened spaghetti, but it appears I’m in the minority on this issue, as all my acquaintances swear by adding sugar to give it an extra depth of flavor.
The addition of Viennas and ground beef lends a rich, meaty taste, while the vegetables attempt to balance out the sweetness somewhat, though for me, the dish remains slightly too sweet. Nonetheless, if you’re a fan of sugary spaghetti, then this recipe will undoubtedly be to your liking.
Embutido
Elevating the humble meatloaf to new heights, Embutido is an unconventional approach that surprisingly works well. The rich flavor profile is attributed to the inclusion of a variety of ingredients such as onions, carrots, pineapples, raisins, banana ketchup, and more, resulting in a complex taste experience. At its core, each slice contains a hard-boiled egg and a chunk of Vienna sausage, creating an unexpected yet delightful surprise that adds texture and interest to the dish.
Sausage and Macaroni Casserole
Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon
Adding a twist to the classic little smokies recipe is as easy as substituting Vienna sausages for the traditional meat. The combination of saltiness from the Viennas and bacon pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the caramelized brown sugar, resulting in an irresistible treat that’s sure to become your new favorite snack.
Grape Jelly and Mustard Sausages
We’re about to take a classic sausage recipe to the next level with just three simple ingredients: Viennas (or any other type of sausage you prefer), yellow mustard, and grape jelly. At first glance, this combination might seem like an unusual pairing, but trust us when we say it’s a game-changer – the tangy sweetness of the condiments perfectly complements the savory flavor of the sausages, resulting in a thick and saucy texture that’s absolutely irresistible.
Arroz con Salchichas (Sausages and Rice)
Beyond its delectable taste and satisfying aroma, this dish has become a household staple in both Cuban and Puerto Rican cuisine due to its effortless preparation. The rice itself is fluffy and infused with herbs, while the addition of peppers, onions, tomatoes, tomato sauce, capers, olives, Vienna sausages, and other ingredients creates an unparalleled depth of flavor.
Although the list of ingredients may appear lengthy, the actual cooking process takes minimal time – 20 minutes to prepare the rice and another 35 minutes for it to finish cooking. Ultimately, this dish is perfect for those seeking a complete dinner that can be prepared in under an hour.
Franks and Beans
Needless to say, the humble combination of franks and beans doesn’t need any extra flair to impress. It’s a straightforward yet satisfying side dish made with canned baked beans, Vienna sausages, brown sugar, mustard, celery salt, onions, and margarine. The result is a thick and chunky consistency that borders on stew-like without being a full-fledged stew.
Whether enjoyed as a standalone snack or served alongside other dishes, this comforting blend is sure to leave you feeling satisfied for hours.
Vienna Sausage Burritos
Not only do fat breakfast burritos overflowing with both ingredients and flavor tantalize our taste buds, but they also provide us with a satisfying start to our day. Furthermore, if you’re someone who craves full, balanced breakfasts but finds it challenging to cook them in the mornings due to time constraints, this recipe is designed specifically for you.
With its blend of scrambled eggs, Vienna sausages, refried beans, onions, and cheddar cheese, these hearty burritos take less than 30 minutes to prepare, packing a punch of flavor and nutrition into every bite. The best part? You’ll get everything you want out of your breakfast in a fraction of the time.
Salchipapas
Essentially, Salchipapas is the Peruvian version of the classic ‘meat and taters’ combination, but with a twist. Instead of traditional meat and potatoes, it features well-seasoned French fries topped with crispy fried Vienna sausages and served alongside a tangy mayo and aji Amarillo paste dipping sauce. The result is a rich, savory meal packed with protein, though its high calorie and carb content may make it less than ideal for those monitoring their weight.
Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar Sausage
Although they may not appear tantalizing at first glance, the true essence of these mouth-watering treats lies in their flavor profile rather than their presentation. Taking that first bite, the palate is rewarded with a harmonious balance of savory and sweet notes. The smoky undertones from the bacon and sausages provide depth, while the brown sugar and maple syrup add a rich, velvety texture. Meanwhile, the Dijon mustard and Sriracha bring a tangy kick that elevates the dish to a new level.
With each bite, the senses are transported to a world of sweet heat BBQ bliss. If you’re a fan of this flavor combination, then these bacon-wrapped brown sugar sausages are sure to become your new favorite snack.
12 Best Ways to Use Vienna Sausage
Instructions
Most importantly, before you start cooking, make sure to have a clear plan and organize the necessary ingredients for your chosen recipe. This includes selecting a recipe that suits your taste preferences, gathering all the required ingredients, and having them ready at hand. Preparing a Vienna sausage recipe can be achieved in as little as 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for those with limited time.
