Jennie O
Jennie-O Hot Italian Turkey Sausage
What it is
This is a ground turkey sausage seasoned with hot Italian spices. It is made from lean turkey and is pre-seasoned, making it convenient for quick meals. The sausage has a slightly coarse texture and a vibrant red hue from the spices. It is typically sold in a chub or links.
How people cook with it
This sausage is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, adding a spicy kick and savory flavor.
- Added to pasta sauces
- Cooked into casseroles
- Used in breakfast scrambles
- Grilled for sandwiches
To cook, remove the sausage from its casing if it is in a chub. You can then crumble it into a skillet and cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through. If the sausage is in links, you can pan-fry them, grill them, or bake them until they are fully cooked and have a nice sear. The sausage releases some of its own fat as it cooks, which can be used to sauté other ingredients like onions and peppers.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to pork Italian sausage, turkey sausage is generally leaner. The 'hot' variety indicates a spicier flavor profile due to the inclusion of red pepper flakes or other hot peppers, distinguishing it from mild or sweet Italian sausage.
How to keep the rest
After opening, store any unused sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be used within a few days for optimal freshness. Unopened sausage can be kept in the refrigerator until the 'sell by' date.