Maple Sausage's Perfect Cheese Pairing Partners

Maple sausage is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, whether as a scrumptious breakfast, a satisfying snack, or an appetiser for a party. While it tastes delicious on its own, the addition of cheese can take it to the next level. But what type of cheese goes well with maple sausage?

Maple Sausage Cheddar Cheese Biscuits

These maple sausage cheddar cheese biscuits are a delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours. The golden-brown biscuits are flaky and buttery, with a hint of sweetness from the pure maple syrup, complemented by the perfectly seasoned sausage and rich, melty cheddar cheese. They are perfect as appetisers, for breakfast with white gravy, or as a snack.

Ingredients

• Sausage: You can use almost any type of sausage, such as breakfast sausage patties, Italian sausage, spicy sausage, or vegan sausage. If using uncooked sausage, precook and break it up before adding to the biscuit dough.
• Cheddar Cheese: Mild or sharp cheddar cheese can be used, depending on your preference for a milder or more pronounced flavour.
• Bisquick: Bisquick is a self-rising flour. If you can't find it, you can substitute it with a mixture of 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
• Milk: Whole milk is recommended, but buttermilk also works well.

Condiments

The choice of condiment for these biscuits is versatile and can be tailored to personal preference. Here are some popular options:

• Gravy: A classic Southern comfort food, sausage gravy poured over the biscuit adds richness and heartiness.
• Mustard: Dijon or whole grain mustard provides a tangy kick that pairs well with the savoury notes of the sausage.
• Hot Sauce: For those who like it spicy, hot sauce adds a zesty element.
• Ketchup: A classic choice, ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and acidity.
• Maple Syrup: A drizzle of maple syrup enhances the sweet and savoury balance of the biscuit.
• Honey: Similar to maple syrup, honey adds natural sweetness.

Recipe

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the diced sausage, shredded cheese, eggs, Bisquick, and milk. Mix until well blended. Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls or use a cookie scoop onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.

Tips

These biscuits are perfect for making ahead of time and freezing. Simply place them in plastic freezer containers and thaw them on the counter for about an hour when you're ready to enjoy them. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in the oven at 250°F for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as the biscuit dough can become rubbery.

Maple Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

Ingredients

• 16 oz maple sausage
• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 x 8 oz cans refrigerated crescent rolls

Optional

Parsley

Method

First, cook the maple sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it is no longer pink, then drain the excess grease. Next, stir the cooked sausage, cream cheese, and maple syrup together in a mixing bowl.

Now, separate the crescent dough into triangles and cut each triangle in half lengthwise, creating 32 triangles in total. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, place the sausage mixture onto the wide end of each triangle and roll up. Place the assembled crescent rolls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake in the oven at 375°F for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

For a festive touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top of the baked crescents to resemble a Christmas tree.

Tips

• If you can't find maple sausage, use regular pork sausage and add extra maple syrup or maple extract.
• For a reduced-calorie option, use turkey sausage, reduced-fat crescent rolls, and low-fat cream cheese.
• Chilling the sausage filling for 20-30 minutes before assembling the crescent rolls can help the filling stay together better.
• Chop any large chunks of sausage to ensure a consistent texture.
• You can make the cream cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before assembling the rolls.
• You can also assemble the crescent rolls and place them on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate overnight before baking.
• These crescent rolls can be frozen after baking and stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

These maple sausage cream cheese crescent rolls are versatile and can be served as a breakfast treat or an appetiser. For breakfast, pair them with fresh fruit salad, cheese grits, and a hot cup of tea. As an appetiser, serve them alongside pigs in a blanket, veggies and dip, or taco bites.

Cheese to pair with maple sausage: aged gouda, smoked cheddar, or chèvre

Maple syrup and cheese might seem like an unusual combination, but it is a match made in heaven. The sweetness of the maple syrup is a perfect complement to the savoury, salty, and creamy flavours found in cheese.

When it comes to pairing cheese with maple sausage, there are a few varieties that stand out: aged gouda, smoked cheddar, or chèvre.

Aged gouda, with its striking rusty orange colour, offers a unique blend of sweet and savoury notes. Its crystallised texture and butterscotchy sweetness create a delightful contrast to the savoury sausage.

Smoked cheddar, on the other hand, adds a nice smoky flavour to the mix. The sharpness of the cheddar shines through the buttery and sweet maple syrup, creating a well-rounded bite.

For those who enjoy a tangier option, chèvre (goat cheese) is an excellent choice. Its creamy and tangy flavour pairs beautifully with the sweetness of maple. Crumbled chèvre in a salad or baked in a puff pastry brushed with maple syrup can take your taste buds on a delightful journey.

These three cheese varieties offer distinct flavour profiles that can enhance the overall taste experience when paired with maple sausage. Whether you choose the crystallised sweetness of aged gouda, the smoky sharpness of cheddar, or the tangy creaminess of chèvre, your palate is in for a treat.

So, the next time you're looking to elevate your maple sausage dish, consider reaching for one of these cheeses to create a culinary adventure where indulgence meets simplicity.

Sausage gravy: a condiment to add to maple sausage

Sausage gravy is a classic condiment that can take your maple sausage dish to the next level. Here are some tips and suggestions for incorporating sausage gravy as a condiment:

Types of Sausage Gravy

There are different types of sausage gravies that you can pair with your maple sausage, depending on your preference:

• Southern-style sausage gravy: This variety is creamy and flavorful, typically made with a combination of breakfast sausage, flour, milk, and seasonings. It's a classic choice that adds a rich and hearty element to your meal.
• Country-style sausage gravy: Opting for a country-style sausage gravy will give your meal a more rustic and hearty feel. This type of gravy often includes ingredients like onions, garlic, and sometimes even a hint of maple syrup to tie the whole dish together.
• Spicy sausage gravy: If you're feeling adventurous and enjoy a kick, consider a spicy sausage gravy. This can be made by incorporating spices like cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or chili powder into the gravy mixture.

Preparing Sausage Gravy

To prepare sausage gravy as a condiment for your maple sausage, follow these simple steps:

• Cook the sausage: Start by cooking your choice of sausage in a skillet over medium heat. You can use maple sausage or regular sausage, depending on your preference. Cook it until it's no longer pink and crumble it into small pieces.
• Make a roux: In the same skillet, add an equal amount of butter and flour, stirring constantly for a few minutes until it forms a paste. This step is crucial for thickening the gravy.
• Add milk: Slowly pour in milk, stirring continuously, until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Combine with maple sausage: Once your sausage gravy is ready, you can serve it as a condiment alongside your maple sausage. It adds a creamy, savory element to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Biscuits and gravy: Serve your maple sausage patties alongside fluffy biscuits, smothered in the delicious sausage gravy. This classic combination is a favourite in the Southern United States and for a good reason—it's irresistible!
• Drizzle over sausage: Instead of dipping, try drizzling the sausage gravy over your maple sausage links or patties. This will ensure every bite is packed with flavour.
• Breakfast scramble: If you're serving breakfast, create a hearty scramble with eggs, maple sausage, and a generous helping of sausage gravy on top. Add some shredded cheese, and you've got a mouthwatering breakfast dish.
• Sandwiches: Create a unique sausage sandwich by spreading the sausage gravy on a toasted bun, adding your maple sausage, and topping it with sliced onions or peppers.

Remember, when it comes to serving suggestions, feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations. You can also adjust the spice level of your sausage gravy to make it milder or spicier, depending on your preference.

Maple Sausage Pie

Ingredients:

• 12 oz bulk maple sausage or raw maple sausage links, casings removed
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Original Bisquick™ mix
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon real maple syrup
• Salt
• Milk
• Eggs

Method:

• Heat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9-inch glass pie plate with cooking spray.
• In a 10-inch skillet, cook the sausage and green onion whites over medium heat for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is no longer pink. Drain, then spread in the pie plate.
• In a medium bowl, stir together the Bisquick mix, milk, eggs, and salt until blended. Stir in the cheese. Pour into the pie plate.
• Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes.
• Drizzle with maple syrup and top with the green onion greens.

Cheese Recommendations:

While the recipe above calls for mozzarella, there are several other cheeses that pair well with maple sausage. These include:

• Alpine-style cheeses, such as Jasper Hill Alpha Tolman
• Smoked cheddar, such as Grafton
• Aged Gouda
• Chèvre
• Old Dutch-style cheese
• Manchego
• Parmesan
• Halloumi

Frequently asked questions