The Perfect Cheese Pairing For Linguica: A Tasty Guide

Linguica is a type of smoked pork sausage that is popular in Portugal, Brazil, and California. It is seasoned with garlic and paprika, giving it a robust and spicy flavour. When it comes to cheese, Linguica is often paired with mozzarella, jack, gouda, or other soft cheeses. One popular Brazilian appetiser is Linguica Con Queso, or Cheese-Grilled Sausage, where the sausage is grilled and topped with cheese. Another option is to create a baked dish with ground Linguica, potatoes, and shredded cheese. So, when it comes to cheese, the options are plentiful for those looking to complement the unique flavour of Linguica.

Linguica con queso (cheese-grilled sausage)

A popular Brazilian appetiser, this dish is adapted from Planet Barbecue. It is recommended to use the straightest sausage links possible. Other cooked sausages may be substituted; kielbasa is a good alternative.

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs linguica sausage (or other cooked sausage)
• 6 ounces coarsely grated cheese (mozzarella, jack, gouda or other soft cheese)

Method

• Slice the sausage in half lengthwise.
• Preheat grill to medium-high.
• Brush and oil grill grate.
• Grill the sausage, cut side down, until sizzling and golden brown, for 3-5 minutes.
• Thickly sprinkle the cut side with cheese.
• Close the grill lid and continue grilling until the sausage is browned on the uncut side and the cheese is melted and bubbling, for about another 3 minutes.
• Using a spatula, carefully transfer the sausage to a cutting board, keeping the cheese on top.
• Cut crosswise into 1" pieces.
• Serve on toothpicks.

Tips

• If you don't want to grill, you can broil the sausages and then add the cheese.
• If you are unable to find linguica, you can use regular smoked sweet sausages.
• If you are unable to find good-quality linguica, the dish will not taste authentic.

Other Linguica Recipes

• Cheesy Linguiça and Potato Bake
• Portuguese Sausage Skillet
• Portuguese Potato Hash with Linguiça, Peppers, and Olives
• Roasted Cod with Linguiça

Cheesy linguica and potato bake

This delicious bake is a hearty, comforting, and flexible dish, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time of day. It's a family favourite and a real crowd-pleaser, with a fantastic blend of flavours and textures.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (about 14 -16 oz each) packages of ground Portuguese linguica
• 4 (15 oz.) cans sliced potatoes, drained well and coarsely chopped
• 3/4 tsp. Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 10 oz. (about 5 cups) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Method:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Add the olive oil to a preheated large skillet on medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the ground linguica, breaking up any chunks with a wooden spatula. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes.

Add the sliced potatoes, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for another 3 minutes. Spray a 9" x 13" baking dish with cooking spray. Spread 1/3 of the potato mixture on the bottom, followed by 1/3 of the cheese. Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with the cheese.

Bake on the top half of the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly. For a one-pan method, use a large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan to cook and bake the dish. Simply mix 2/3 of the cheese into the potato-linguica mixture, then spread the remaining 1/3 on top before baking.

Tips:

You can use frozen chopped onions and jarred chopped garlic to save time. This recipe can also be halved if you're cooking for fewer people. If you can't get hold of ground linguica, thinly slice and quarter regular linguica instead.

Linguica is a smoked, cured Portuguese sausage, popular in Brazil too. It has a generous amount of garlic and paprika, with a unique blend of other spices, giving it a distinct, robust flavour. It is usually long and slender in shape and is often used in rustic dishes.

The smoky, spicy flavour of linguica pairs perfectly with melted cheese and hearty potatoes. It's a simple, comforting dish with a punch of flavour.

Linguica breakfast sandwich

Ingredients:

• Linguica sausage
• Bread
• Eggs
• Cheese
• Bacon
• Avocado
• Salsa Verde
• Piri-Piri hot sauce (optional)

Method:

• Slice the linguica sausage into bite-sized pieces.
• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook the sliced linguica for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until browned.
• Prepare your desired toppings. Cook the bacon until crispy, and fry or scramble your eggs. Slice the avocado.
• Toast your bread of choice.
• Assemble the sandwich: place the cooked linguica on the bottom slice of bread, and top with cheese, avocado, bacon, eggs, salsa verde, and Piri-Piri hot sauce (if using).
• Enjoy your delicious and hearty breakfast sandwich!

Tips:

• For a more authentic Portuguese experience, use a traditional Portuguese sausage like linguica, which has a unique blend of spices and a smoky taste.
• If you prefer a spicier sandwich, choose a brand of linguica with a noticeable kick, or add extra Piri-Piri hot sauce.
• To make the sandwich even more indulgent, melt the cheese over the cooked linguica before assembling the rest of the sandwich.

Linguica and kale soup

Ingredients:

• Three diced potatoes
• Two chopped onions
• Four chopped garlic cloves
• Two bay leaves
• One pound of chopped kale
• One can of garbanzo beans (drained and rinsed)
• One pound of diced linguica sausage
• Two tablespoons of virgin olive oil
• One can of diced tomatoes
• One quart of chicken stock
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

• Fry the onions and potatoes in the olive oil for five minutes.
• Add the garlic, bay leaves, and kale. Cover and cook until the greens have wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
• Pour in the chicken stock, beans, tomatoes, and linguica. Bring the soup to a full boil.
• After fifteen minutes, reduce the heat and cook until the tomatoes are tender.

Tips:

• For a vegetarian option, omit the linguica sausage or use a plant-based alternative.
• If you prefer a spicier soup, add some chilli powder or smoked paprika.
• Serve with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich on the side.

Linguica and potato hash

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 (about 14 -16 oz each) packages of ground Portuguese linguica
• 4 (15 oz.) cans of sliced potatoes, drained well and coarsely chopped
• 3/4 tsp. Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 10 oz. (about 5 cups) of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 eggs (optional)

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Add the olive oil to a preheated large skillet on medium heat.
• Add the onion and garlic. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add the ground linguica, breaking up any chunks with a wooden spatula. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes.
• Add the sliced potatoes, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes.
• Spray a 9" x 13" baking dish with cooking spray.
• Spread 1/3 of the potato mixture on the bottom. Add 1/3 of the cheese. Repeat layering 1/3 of the potatoes and 1/3 of the cheese two more times, ending with the cheese.
• Bake on the top half of the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.
• (Optional) Create four shallow wells in the potato hash and crack an egg into each well. Place the dish in an oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking.

Tips:

• If you don't have ground linguica, thinly slice and quarter regular linguica.
• For a one-pan method, use a large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan to cook and bake in the same pan. Rather than layering the cheese, mix 2/3 of it into the potato-linguica mixture, then spread the remaining 1/3 on top before baking.
• For shortcuts, use frozen chopped onions and jarred chopped garlic.
• This recipe can easily be halved.

Frequently asked questions