Cooking Time For A Cheesy Sausage Ring Delight

Grilling or pan-frying a cheese and parsley sausage ring is a great way to add flavour to this Italian dish. The sausage is made from a mix of pork, cheese, and herbs and is shaped into a coil or ring. It is then skewered to hold its shape and cooked. But how long should it be cooked for?

How long to cook a cheese and parsley sausage ring

How to grill a cheese and parsley sausage ring

Preparation

If you're making your own sausage, you'll need a meat grinder and sausage-stuffing attachment. You will also need hog casings. Rinse the casings thoroughly, running water through them to clean the inside.

Cut your pork butt and fat into small pieces and feed them through the grinder, alternating between meat and fat. Once it's all ground, feed it through again to thoroughly mix the meat and fat.

Add salt, pepper, parsley, and cheese to the meat and mix well by hand. Remove the blade and plate from the grinder and attach the sausage-stuffing attachment. Feed the casing onto the tube and tie a knot or use string to secure the end. Make sure to poke a small hole in the casing to allow air to escape.

While stuffing the sausage, if the casing breaks, tie it off and start again. As you are stuffing the casing, create a spiral to your desired size.

You can use two bamboo skewers to stabilise the sausage for grilling – push the skewers through the sausage ring in a cross formation.

Cooking

There are several ways to cook a cheese and parsley sausage ring, including grilling, pan-frying, and roasting. Grilling is one of the most popular methods.

Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400-600°F. Place the sausage ring on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes in total, turning occasionally. You can also lightly brush the sausage with olive oil and grill on high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned, before transferring to a lower heat and grilling for another 7-8 minutes.

Check the internal temperature of the sausage – it should reach 160°F. Allow the sausage to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

How to make your own sausage ring

Ingredients

To make your own sausage ring, you will need the following ingredients:

• Pork butt or shoulder, 75-80% lean and 20-25% fat
• Cheese: Provolone, Pecorino Romano, or Parmesan
• Herbs: Parsley, garlic, basil, fennel, or red pepper flakes
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of cure #1
• Hog casings

Method

• Cut the pork butt or shoulder into small pieces. The pieces should be small enough to fit into the grinder.
• Place the pork pieces and the grinder attachment in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This will help keep the best texture during the grinding phase.
• Set up your meat grinder with a coarse grind plate. If using a KitchenAid mixer, use the smaller of the two attachment options.
• Feed the meat through the grinder, alternating between meat and fat. Once it is all ground, feed it through again to thoroughly mix the meat and fat.
• Add the cheese, herbs, and seasonings to the meat and mix well by hand.
• Remove the blade and plate from the grinder and attach the sausage stuffing attachment.
• Rinse the hog casings thoroughly, both inside and out, and allow them to soak in warm water for 30-60 minutes.
• Feed the washed casing onto the tube and tie a knot or use string to secure the end. Poke a small hole in the end of the casing to allow air to escape.
• While stuffing the sausage, create the spiral to your desired size. If the casing breaks, simply tie it off and start again.
• Secure the sausage ring with 2 bamboo skewers in a cross formation to stabilize it for grilling.
• Chill the sausage ring thoroughly before cooking.

Cooking Instructions

Once you have made your sausage ring, here are some instructions on how to cook it:

• Grilling: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Place the sausage ring on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes total, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Pan-frying: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Add the sausage ring and brown well on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Roasting: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the sausage on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Tips

• Use high-quality, fresh sausage within a couple of days of purchase.
• Season the sausage yourself for maximum flavor.
• Grill or pan-fry to create a caramelized exterior.
• Always check the internal temperature to ensure the sausage is cooked thoroughly.
• Allow the sausage to rest before slicing to retain juices.
• Slice the sausage on a diagonal for the best presentation.
• Serve with acidic components like lemon, tomatoes, or vinegar to cut through the richness.

How to roast a cheese and parsley sausage ring

A cheese and parsley sausage ring is a delicious Italian specialty. The sausage is typically made from a mix of pork, cheese, and herbs, formed into a coil or ring shape, and cooked until golden brown. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast a cheese and parsley sausage ring to perfection:

Ingredients:

• Pork: Use a mix of 75-80% lean pork and 20-25% pork fat. Shoulder or butt cuts are good options.
• Cheese: Provolone, Pecorino Romano, or Parmesan cheese are traditional choices.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley and garlic are essential. You can also add basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
• Other Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of cure #1 to enhance the flavor.
• Casings: Hog casings or sheep casings can be used, depending on your preference.

Step 1: Prepare the Meat and Seasonings:

Start by cutting the pork into small pieces. Mix the pork with the cheese, herbs, and seasonings until well combined. You can do this by hand or using a meat grinder. It is important to use high-quality, fresh meat and ingredients for the best flavor.

Step 2: Stuff and Form the Sausage:

If using casings, stuff the sausage mixture into the casings and form them into rings or coils. Secure the shape with skewers or toothpicks to hold it together. Chill the sausage rings thoroughly before cooking.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will ensure even and gentle cooking of the sausage ring.

Step 4: Roast the Sausage Ring:

Place the sausage ring on a baking sheet and put it in the preheated oven. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the sausage reaches 160°F (71°C). This temperature ensures that the sausage is cooked thoroughly.

Step 5: Rest and Serve:

Once the sausage ring is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the sausage moist and juicy. Slice the sausage on a diagonal for the best presentation, and serve while still warm.

Tips for Success:

• Use high-quality, fresh ingredients, and try to make your own sausage for maximum flavor.
• Check the internal temperature of the sausage with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.
• Allow the sausage to rest before slicing to retain its juices.
• Serve the sausage ring with acidic components like lemon wedges, fresh tomatoes, or a drizzle of vinegar to cut through the richness.
• Get creative with your side dishes! Roasted vegetables, crusty bread, or a flavorful pepperonata (roasted pepper and onion mixture) all pair well with the sausage.

What to serve with a sausage ring

A cheese and parsley sausage ring is a delicious dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some mouth-watering ideas for what to serve with it:

Grilled Sausage Ring with Parsley and Provolone Over Pepperonata

This dish involves roasting tomatoes and peppers and serving them with the sausage and provolone cheese. It's a unique and tasty way to spice up your dinner. You can serve it with crusty bread.

Salads and Breads

A sausage ring pairs well with a fresh salad. You can also serve it on a crusty piece of bread or with some air-fried zucchini fritters.

Roasted Vegetables and Mashed Potatoes

If you're looking for a hearty meal, serve the sausage ring with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Barbecues

A cheese and parsley sausage ring is perfect for barbecues. It can be served as an appetizer or a side dish.

Sides and Toppings

Some specific sides and toppings that go well with the sausage ring include broccoli rabe, maple bacon Brussels sprouts, marinated eggplant and onion, and lemon pasta with spinach.

Sliders

If you're hosting a barbecue, you can serve the sausage ring alongside sliders, such as the Bacon Onion Jam Blue Cheese Slider or the Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Burger.

Pasta

The sausage ring can be served as a side dish with pasta, such as lemon pasta with spinach, mushroom truffle risotto, or garlicky cauliflower pasta.

How to check if a sausage ring is cooked

There are several ways to check if a sausage ring is cooked without using a thermometer. One way is to focus on the core of the sausage and insert a knife into the centre of the meat. Keep the knife in for a count of 8, then place the knife on your lip or tongue. If the knife is very hot, the sausage is cooked. Another way is to test the firmness of the sausage. When it feels firm, the sausage is cooked.

If you are using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature of the sausage should be between 160 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature should be maintained for at least 20 seconds to ensure that the sausage is cooked and safe to eat.

It is important to note that colour is not a reliable indicator of whether a sausage is cooked, as the high fat content can cause the sausage to brown before the meat is thoroughly cooked.

Frequently asked questions