Grocery
Goetta Sausage
What it is
Goetta is a unique breakfast sausage originating from German immigrants in Cincinnati, Ohio. It's a hearty mixture of ground meat, typically beef and pork, combined with steel-cut oats, onions, and spices. The oats give it a distinctive texture and help bind the ingredients together. It's often sold in a loaf or patty form, ready to be sliced and cooked.
How people cook with it
This versatile sausage is a staple for breakfast but can also be incorporated into other meals.
- Fried for breakfast
- Crumbled into scrambles
- Added to breakfast burritos
- Used in casseroles
To prepare goetta, slice it into desired thickness, about a quarter to half an inch. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Place the goetta slices in the hot skillet and cook for several minutes per side until browned and crispy. The oats will absorb some of the fat, creating a satisfying texture. It can also be crumbled and fried, or added directly to dishes like omelets or pasta sauces.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike many breakfast sausages that are primarily pork and finely ground, goetta features a blend of meats and the addition of steel-cut oats. This gives it a chewier, more textured bite and a slightly different flavor profile, often described as more savory and less fatty than some traditional pork sausages.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking for a regional breakfast specialty or a flavorful addition to their morning meals will enjoy goetta.
How to keep the rest
Refrigerate any unused portion of goetta in its original packaging or an airtight container. It should be kept cold and consumed within a few days of opening. For longer storage, goetta can be frozen, either as a whole loaf or in pre-sliced portions.