Summer is all about igniting the grill, with the sizzle of sausages on the grill grates being the most welcome of atmosphere. Sausages are a staple for easy, comforting meals, whether wrapped in a bun, added to a nourishing soup, crumbled into pasta sauce, or taking center stage in a sheet pan supper. But the supermarket sausage display is daunting, with so many raw and smoked varieties, from sizzling chorizo to boring bratwurst and unorthodox chicken combinations. Sampling the best, I tried 14 leading sausage brands, in search of flavor, texture, and characterbecause let’s not be naive, the best sausages don’t shy away from playing fast and loose with sodium, fat, and cholesterol, and that’s where the magic happens. These are the top five sausages that wound up on my summer grill, listed from good to great, each capable of making your barbecues legendary.
1. The Fresh Market Mild Italian Sausage
The Fresh Market butcher block is a paradise for foodies, and their mild Italian sausage ($3.31 a link) is the crown of the kingdom. Handcrafted with finesse, this sausage serves up a delicate blend of fennel, spices, and deep pork flavor. The texture is divinechewy, juicy, and soft, and retaining its shape whether grilled whole or crumbled to be formed into meatballs in a sauce. Imagine it curled in the form of a bun with peppers and onions sautéed or curled in the bottom of a pasta sauce. The high cost is for the old-fashioned preparation, so every bite is worth the indulgence. The Fresh Market’s sausage isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, elevating any summer dish with its refined, balanced taste. Their entire butcher counter reflects this dedication, ensuring you’re getting top-tier quality for special grilling moments.
2. Conecuh Hickory Smoked Sausage
Bred in Alabama, Conecuh Sausage was a legend in and of itself, once a treat to enjoy beyond state lines now warehousing aficionados from Texas to Florida. Their Hickory Smoked Sausage is a work of art in proportions, the texture landing exactly in the sweet zonechewy with good snap, but never overly soft or coarse. The hickory smoke contributes depth of savory flavor that never overpowers, and it is thus versatile enough to add to soups, baked pasta, or simply a simple grilled sausage dog. Conecuh may lack as much variety as some national brands, but in quality, it has none to compare to. The Black Pepper is a personal standout favorite, but the original hickory excels in every dish. This Southern treasure adds history and taste to your grill, and it’s no nostalgiathis one’s a winner for any summer barbecue.
3. Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Chicken Sausage
Grocery store staple Trader Joe’s has a winner with their Unexpected Cheddar Chicken Sausage ($4.49 for 12 ounces). This pre-cooked, smoked sausage combines their original tangy, nutty Unexpected Cheddar with chicken, resulting in a taste much upscale from usual cheese sausages. It’s surprisingly juicy for a chicken sausage with a dense texture and a great snap when you take a bite. At the top value in chicken sausage on this list, it’s value without compromise. While their raw sausages are great, their smoked sausages, and particularly this one, are where things happen. For anyone seeking a budget-friendly, innovative sausage to jazz up their grill session, this is a must-stock at your next TJ’s.
4. Aidells Cajun Style Andouille
Aidells is famous for bringing gourmet style to the masses, and their boldly seasoned varieties such as Chicken and Apple, Pineapple & Bacon, and Spicious Mango are proof positive.
Their Cajun Style Andouille is a winner, with its dense, chewy texture and spicy, aromatic bite that’s strong but never overpowering. It’s perfect for Cajun classics such as jambalaya or gumbo, or even plain rice and beans. Emphasis on cleaner ingredientsno artificially fed meat or chemical fillerswins it more supporters. Aidells puts a gourmet spin on a familiar package, so it’s a no-brainer for consumers looking to elevate a generic grill event without going to a specialty butcher. Its sausage adds taste and quality to weeknights or weekend barbecues.
5. Jimmy Dean Regular Pork Sausage
Jimmy Dean is a breakfast sausage household name, a Southern kitchen staple almost as much as biscuits and gravy. But even their regular pork sausage roll is a simple dinner hero. Ideal for crumbling into a decadent ragu or chili con carne, the sausage has a soft, chewy texture and a great sear. Part of the family of Packard Brands, Inc., Texas, USA. It contains fat, which is a plus in adding rich flavor to sautéed vegetables pan-fried in the oil it’s been rendered in, providing a rich foundation for any meal. The sage variety provides an earthy, peppery flavor that is excellent for any use requiring ground sausage. Jimmy Dean teaches that you don’t have to be high-falutin’ to be vital, providing a consistent, ageless flavor that cannot be beat for warm-season comfort food.
From The Fresh Market’s gourmet appeal to Conecuh’s innovation of Southern quintessence, Trader Joe’s creative spin, Aidells’ spirit of adventure, and Jimmy Dean’s dependable flexibility, there’s something to satisfy every taste. For traditional Italian flavor, a hot Cajun bite, or a cheesy spin, each of these links offers flavor, quality, and variety. Stock up, grill up, and make your summer barbecue soirees unforgettable with these top picks. Happy grilling! Summer barbecue is kick-started with these top five sausages ranked after testing 05 popular brands.
The Fresh Market’s Mild Italian Sausage is the top choice with its ideal balance of fennel and tender pork, perfect for upscale dining. Conecuh’s Hickory Smoked Sausage, an Alabama classic, offers agile, smoked flavor and top-notch texture. Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Chicken Sausage is a surprise with tangy, nutty cheese in a juicy link, and Aidells’ Cajun Style Andouille comes in with bold, pungent complexity. Jimmy Dean Regular Pork Sausage is consistent with its all-around dependability in rich, comforting dishes. These sausages guarantee quality and flavor to make your summer barbecues better.
