{"id":1905561,"date":"2023-08-10T08:43:41","date_gmt":"2023-08-10T13:43:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?post_type=listicle&p=1905561"},"modified":"2024-12-09T13:41:15","modified_gmt":"2024-12-09T19:41:15","slug":"best-italian-sausage-links","status":"publish","type":"listicle","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/best-italian-sausage-links\/","title":{"rendered":"Taste Test: The Best Italian Sausage Links"},"content":{"rendered":"[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best for Grilling\" product_name=\"Aldi Mild Italian Sausage Links\" image=\"2014392\" image_credit=\"VIA MERCHANT\" pr_name=\"Aldi\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/www.aldi.us\/en\/products\/fresh-me\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Aldi\" retailers_2_name=\"Shop on Aldi\" \/]\r\n\r\nReady to fire up the grill? Make sure you've got some\u00a0Aldi Mild Italian Sausage Links<\/strong><\/a> at the ready. If you ask our Test Kitchen, these sausages are a can't-miss item at our favorite budget grocer.\r\n\r\nFrom the jump, these sausages got high marks. The outside casing is crisp and thin. Once you bite into it, you'll find that the inside literally bursts with flavor; these links are juicy and well-seasoned. In addition to the natural pork flavor, you'll pick up plenty of fennel and red pepper flakes. While advertised as mild, these links do have a bit of heat!\r\n\r\nThe Test Kitchen's Sarah Tramonte<\/a> sums this brand up simply: \"This is a\u00a0great<\/em> Italian sausage.\"\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Italian Sausage to Serve with Sauce\" product_name=\"Great Value Mild Italian Sausage Links\" image=\"2014404\" image_credit=\"VIA MERCHANT\" pr_name=\"Walmart\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FGreat-Value-Mild-Italian-Sausage-5-Links-1-lb-3-oz-Fresh%2F198361163%3F\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Walmart\" \/]\r\n\r\nOur Test Kitchen knows that grilling isn't the only way to enjoy Italian sausage. If you prefer yours simmered in a pan of red sauce<\/a>, go for Walmart's\u00a0Great Value Mild Italian Sausage Links<\/strong><\/a>.\r\n\r\nThese sausages had a coarser grind\u2014what our team expects from an Italian sausage link\u2014and plenty of seasoning. These links were a bit saltier with plenty of fennel flavor to compliment the pork.\r\n\r\nAnd that extra bit of salt makes all the difference when looking for sausages to turn into slow-simmered sammies<\/a>. That seasoning can add flavor to a basic tomato sauce, explains Catherine. For best results, she suggests serving links on crusty Italian rolls with plenty of sauce, onions and peppers.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Mild Italian Sausage\" product_name=\"Rastelli's Mild Italian Pork Sausage\" image=\"2014416\" image_credit=\"VIA MERCHANT\" pr_name=\"Rastelli's\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/www.rastellis.com\/products\/mild-italian-pork-sausage-links-box\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Rastelli's\" \/]\r\n\r\nLooking for a delicious Italian that'll please everyone at the party? That's\u00a0Rastelli's Mild Italian Pork Sausage<\/strong><\/a>.\r\n\r\nThis sausage doesn't have as much heat as other links, but it still packs plenty of flavor. Our testers loved the savory flavor of the pork here which comes from the shoulder cut (the same cut used to make pulled pork<\/a>). These links were also seasoned to perfection with a hint of salt, paprika and Italian herbs. The result is a sausage that's flavorful but not overly spicy. If you want to add a bit of heat, try some hot giardiniera<\/a> spooned over the top.\r\n\r\nRastelli's sausage also got high marks for texture. \"The casing has a really nice snap, and the interior is really tender and juicy,\" says Ellie Crowley<\/a> in the Test Kitchen.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Chicken Sausage\" product_name=\"Good & Gather Italian-Style Smoked Chicken Sausage\" image=\"2014418\" image_credit=\"VIA MERCHANT\" pr_name=\"Target\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/goto.target.com\/EKeDNn\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Target\" \/]\r\n\r\nThese sausages have a slightly smoky flavor and plenty of Italian flavors encased inside. Our team picked up notes of red pepper, fennel, onion and rosemary. All these flavors are welcome on a bun piled high with sauteed peppers and onion. You could even slice up these sausages and use them in a skillet dinner<\/a>.\r\n\r\nNow, our Test Kitchen wants to make it clear: Chicken sausages of any kind aren't quite comparable to traditional pork sausages in terms of flavor and texture. However, you can still enjoy a good chicken sausage at your cookout\u2014it just won't be quite the same as the other links you're grilling.\r\n
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How We Tested Italian Sausage Links<\/h2>\r\nOur Test Kitchen team gathered up eight different Italian sausage brands\u2014including a handful of chicken sausages\u2014for this taste test<\/a>. Our grilling expert Catherine Ward<\/a> tossed them on the barbie for a delicious lunch. Each sausage was judged according to these categories, and the brands were kept secret until the test was over to avoid any biases.\r\n