Tag Archives | Sausage

The Best Cozy Casseroles for Fall

Published on October 22, 2018 | in Blog By Isernio's |

There’s so much to love about this time of year – bulky sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, hay rides, and harvest celebrations. But we know we won’t shock you when we say our favorite part of fall is the food.

We especially love casseroles, with their comforting flavors that can warm you up from the inside out. Our rolls are perfectly suited for these types of dishes as they contain tons of flavorful goodness without the need to remove the meat from casings – helping you to get a delicious dinner on the table easily.

Our rolls come in several different varieties, including:

Pork Mild Italian Sausage
Pork Hot Italian Sausage
Classic Pork Sausage
Classic Chicken Sausage
Chicken Italian Sausage
Chicken Hot Italian Sausage
Ground Chicken

No matter which option you choose, our rolls will help make your one-dish meal a hit. So without further ado, here are our favorite cozy casseroles for fall.

Healthy Stuffed Pepper Casserole from Rachel Cooks: All the flavors of classic stuffed peppers with considerably less effort. Swap our lean, moist ground chicken for the ground turkey to boost the protein and lower the fat even more.

Shebron’s Stuffed Shells from Isernio’s: Creamy ricotta. Savory sausage. Tangy tomato sauce. All wrapped up in a pasta shell and baked to perfection. What’s not to love?

White Bean, Sausage, and Pumpkin Pasta Bake from Garnish and Glaze: This is the ultimate comfort dish that captures all of the flavors of the season. It’s a complete meal in itself!

Sweet Potato & Chicken Apple Sausage Quinoa Bake from Little Bits Of: Who says you can’t enjoy comfort food if you’re eating clean? This would be perfect made with one of our fully cooked chicken sausages!

Pumpkin Sage and Sausage Baked Gnocchi from Country Cleaver: A fun seasonal twist on traditional gnocchi, this can be made with regular sausage and an additional tablespoon of sage.

Wild Rice and Sausage Casserole from Fountain Avenue Kitchen: The nutty flavor of the wild rice pairs perfectly with sausage, mushrooms, and just a hint of parmesan cheese.

Spicy Smoked Sausage Alfredo Bake from Let’s Dish: Fully-cooked sausage makes this cheesy, creamy, family-friendly casserole come together in a breeze.

Meatball Casserole from Bacon Is Rad: Watching your carbs? No problem with this delicious-looking meatball casserole. You’ll want to choose a couple of types of meats; using both sausage and ground chicken will help give you fantastic flavor and a lightened-up dish.

Italian Sausage and Butternut Squash Farro Bake from The Lemon Bowl: If you’ve never had farro, you’re missing out. It’s nutty, chewy, and hearty enough to stand up to fall flavors. Our chicken sausage would be perfect in this dish!

Chile Relleno Sausage Casserole from A Zesty Bite of Life: Technically this is a breakfast casserole, but we’re pretty sure you could get away with it for dinner, too. Our sausage rolls make this recipe easy!

Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole by Stuck on Sweet: Pizza night – done a little differently! This can be easily customized to your favorite toppings – add some veggies if you love a supreme!

Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food and perfect for gathering around the table on crisp fall evenings. And at Isernio’s, we love being a small part of bringing you and your loved ones together.

What’s your favorite fall casserole?

Isernio’s Labor Day Barbecue Ideas

Published on August 17, 2018 | in Blog By Isernio's |

Can you believe it’s almost Labor Day? Even though summer doesn’t officially end until September 22nd, most people consider Labor Day weekend to be the final “hurrah” of the season. So here are some recipes for you to consider serving to your guests to cap off a great summer.

Grilled Sausage Skewers with Salsa Verde: Simple, healthy, and gorgeous, these colorful skewers and flavorful dipping sauce will keep your guests coming back again and again. And if you want to mix it up with some more skewer inspiration, check out these fun ideas.

Grilled Sausage, Potatoes, and Peppers: Who knew a foil packet meal could be so elegant? This recipe calls for using pre-cooked chicken sausages, and we think any of the ones in our line of fully cooked chicken sausages would be ideal.

Grilled Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms: You’re grilling your main dish – grill your side, too! These sausage-stuffed mushrooms can be assembled in advance and then finished on the grill when your guests arrive.

Italian Mozzarella Burgers with Peppers & Onions: Want to serve classic burgers but want to “wow” your guests with a fun twist? Then these Italian-inspired chicken burgers are the way to go.

Italian Potato Salad: Need something to serve alongside your sausages? This Italian-style potato salad from Produce on Parade isn’t dressed with mayo, and is instead flavored with an herbed olive oil and lemon dressing.

Chili Lime Chicken Burgers with Avocado Salsa: Laughing Spatula has these flavor-packed burgers that are great either with a bun or without. Plus, they’ve got tips on how to make sure your chicken burgers are never dry and always juicy.

Caprese Pasta Salad: Yellow Bliss Road has the perfect simple summer side. Use your garden-fresh basil and tomatoes in this light and bright pasta salad that will let your main dish shine.

Grilled Sausage Flatbread with Caramelized Onions & Figs: Ready to do something really untraditional? This Isernio’s original recipe will help you serve your guests an artistic, upscale meal that comes straight off the grill.

And if you’re just grilling up simple sausages for your guests, don’t forget to check out our sausage cooking tips to make sure they turn out perfect every time.

What will you be serving at your end-of-summer bash?

Introducing New Fully Cooked Chicken Sausage from Isernio’s!

Published on April 17, 2018 | in Blog By Isernio's |

At Isernio’s, we pride ourselves on bringing you the best. The best flavor, the best quality, the best products.

And now we’re so excited to announce that we’ve combined all of that quality you expect with the convenience that you crave.

We’ve launched a new line of fully cooked chicken sausages, letting you whip up a healthy and tasty meal faster than ever before. They come in three different varieties:

Sweet Italian Chicken with Parmesan Cheese
Caprese Chicken with Mozzarella, Basil, & Sun Dried Tomato
Apple Chicken

All of the sausages are made with chicken raised with no antibiotics ever, are 100% vegetarian fed, and certified humanely raised and handled.

And because we’re committed to bringing you the best, our new fully cooked sausages:

Are Gluten-free
Contain no MSG
Have no nitrates or nitrites
Are free of preservatives
Have no artificial colors or flavors

They’re also low in carbs and high in protein, making them fit with a number of different dietary lifestyles.

And since they’re fully cooked, they are incredibly versatile. Reheat them and toss them with your pasta, slice & saute them to sprinkle on a hearty salad, or toss them on a grill, wrap them in a bun, and top them to your liking.

Right now you can find the Italian Chicken Sausage and Caprese varieties at Albertsons and Safeway stores in Washington and Oregon. All three varieties are available C&K Markets in Oregon and California.

And if you’re not in the current distribution area – don’t worry! We’re working to bring this product to more stores soon! In the meantime, see what products are available in your area here.

How will you use our new fully cooked chicken sausages?

Five Alternatives to the Traditional Easter Ham

Published on March 21, 2018 | in Blog By Isernio's |

Maybe you’re not cooking for such a large crowd this year. Or maybe you’re just looking to mix things up from the traditional Easter ham. Regardless, here are five delicious and impressive dishes worthy of your holiday table.

All featuring our favorite ingredient – sausage!

Crown Roast of Lamb with Spicy Sausage and Apple Stuffing by Lin’s Food: Lamb is a fantastic Easter dinner, and it couldn’t be more majestic than in this crown. Stuffed with savory sausage and sweet apples, this will be a delight for both your eyes and your taste buds.

Italian Easter Pie by Genius Kitchen: You might think that ham is the traditional Easter food, but the Italian tradition is a savory Easter Pie filled with eggs, meats, and cheese. It is also known as “Pizza Rustica.” This year treat your family to a REAL traditional meal and present one of these at the center of your table.

Grilled Sausage with Asparagus by My Recipes: This would be a great option for a less formal Easter dinner, or a small crowd. The vibrant colors scream “spring,” and the fresh flavors practically pop off the plate. Plus, using Isernio’s sausages you can mix up the sausage varieties to offer your guests a number of different flavor options.

Rock Cornish Hens Stuffed with Sausage by Isernio’s: How cute would these be sitting on a plate? Petite and perfect, this would also be a fabulous option for a small, intimate gathering that doesn’t necessarily warrant a whole ham.

Beef Braciole Stuffed with Sausage by Sur la Table: A formal holiday is worth a real labor of love, and few things are more special than a long-simmered beef braciole. It might not be traditional, but what’s stopping you from starting your own new tradition?

We’d love for Isernio’s to be part of your holiday menu. And from our kitchen to yours – Happy Easter!

What do you typically serve for Easter?

Plan the Perfect Romantic Dinner with Isernio’s

Published on February 7, 2018 | in Blog By Isernio's |

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and what’s more romantic than an intimate Italian dinner with your main squeeze?

An intimate Italian dinner that you made yourself.

So whether you failed to make reservations ahead of time, are having trouble finding a babysitter, need to pinch a few pennies, or just want the bonus points that come with making the extra effort to cook, here are four Isernio family favorites to serve for an extra-special Valentine’s Day dinner.

Fettuccine alla Crema di Zucca e Salsiccia – The only way to make this romantic pasta dinner more impressive is to say it in Italian. This fettuccine is tossed in a creamy sauce with butternut squash and sausage, and is the perfect portion for two. Make it romantic by: Splurging for fresh (rather than dried) pasta, garnishing with fresh sage, and pairing with a crisp white wine.

Spaghetti and Meatballs – It’s that one scene from Lady and the Tramp that we’re all familiar with. A giant plate of spaghetti, and he gives her the last meatball. Be still our beating hearts. Recreate the quintessential romantic dinner with this Isernio family classic, made spectacular with sausage instead of traditional meat and a panade to keep the meatballs moist and tender. Make it romantic by: Garnishing with fresh parmesan and parsley, pairing with a robust red, and adorning your table with a traditional red-and-white checked tablecloth.

Sausage with Mussels – Seafood is always a romantic option, and it also cooks up in a snap if you’re short on time. Think of how dramatic your table will look with a giant plate of mussels for two. Make it romantic by: Adding pasta to toss with the mussels and broth, garnishing with parsley, and pairing with a Pinot Grigio.

Paella – Alright, you caught us. Paella isn’t Italian, but sometimes it’s nice to do the unexpected – especially on a special occasion. Paella is usually served “family style,” so you and your love can share a colorful dish at the table as you linger and talk over their favorite bottle of white wine. Make it romantic by: Quietly playing some traditional Spanish music in the background, decorating the table with a colorful bouquet, and writing your sweetie a love note they find when they sit down to eat.

With a little planning, preparation, and Isernio’s we’re confident you can pull off a restaurant quality dish right in your own kitchen. What do you think you’ll make for your sweetie?

Make These Five Delicious Chicken Burgers Now

Published on July 27, 2017 | in Blog By Isernio's |

Burgers: One of summer’s all stars and one of our very favorite things to eat any season of the year. But if you’ve realized that eating all that ground beef might not be the healthiest way to get through the warmer months, there’s another way to eat burgers without the guilt: Chicken burgers.

Now, before you go running away because of a flashback to a super dry, flavorless patty of the past, remember that using great ingredients and a little cooking sense will keep you on track and sated. For all of you trying to be a little healthier, we salute you. Here are five delicious chicken burgers you should make now.

Rachael Ray’s Chicken Sausage Burgers with Balsamic Onion BBQ Sauce
Honey, fennel seed, garlic, balsamic… what’s not to love about something so flavorful? Start with ground chicken and pancetta, and build from there with this rad recipe from Rachael Ray.

Chicken Sausage Patties with Apple and Sage
A classic combination, apples and sage are great with everything from pork to fish to apple sauce. So, of course they turn ground chicken breast into one of your next favorite summer burgers. Try this Epicurious recipe and tell us what you think.

Greek Chicken Burgers
Greek food is one of our very favorites, with bold, fresh flavors kicking our mouths into gear. Oregano, basil, feta cheese, and sundried tomatoes are the key to this super highly rated AllRecipes recipe for Greek chicken burgers. Bonus: Including prep time, they take under 30 minutes to make.

Green Chili Chicken Burgers
Ready to get zesty? A mix of green chilis, jalapeños, and green onions give plenty of zip and pizzazz to these excellently rated AllRecipes burgers. Not enough flavor for ya? Well, fear not, because they’re topped with cheese and guacamole, to make up for the super healthy chicken base, we suppose…

Serious Eats’ Spicy Buffalo Chicken Burgers
There are few sites we trust more with a recipe than Serious Eats. So, when they put together this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Burger recipe, you know it’s going to be good. All the classic flavors you love with your wings are accounted for, minus all that fryer oil. Plus, there’s plenty of that buttery saucy goodness mixed right into the burger. Yes please!

What’s your favorite chicken burger made with Isernio’s Ground Chicken?

Mac ‘n Cheese, Please!

Published on July 8, 2017 | in Blog By Isernio's |

All year long, there are funny little food holidays that celebrate things like chocolate and pepperoni sticks and ice cream sandwiches. They’re very specific and very frequent, and we kind of ignore a lot of them. But apparently July 7 is national Macaroni and Cheese day, and it’s hard to ignore something that delicious — especially when you add Isernio’s sausage to the mix.

The cool thing about mac ‘n cheese is that there is really no wrong way to make it. It’s all about personal preferences and it’s a very forgiving dish. For many of us, it was one of the first things we ever learned to cook by ourselves, and whether or not that involved pouring powdered cheese from a box into a stove, it was a pretty cool thing to know how to make.

These days, we recommend you leave the powdered cheese to the kids, and focus on using great ingredients to make your macaroni and cheese shine. Here are some great ideas:

Hot Italian Mac ‘n Cheese
It’s a proven fact that our Hot Italian Pork and Chicken Sausages are one of the most versatile foods on earth, fitting in well in everything from lasagna to sandwiches to breakfast casseroles. But when you’re taking it to cheeseville, add in flavors that will complement it. With spices like paprika, fennel, and garlic pumping up the flavor, it does well with any kind of cheese, but especially fontina, jack, and pecorino. Toss in some roasted red peppers, maybe a little extra garlic, and top it all with breadcrumbs before popping it in the oven. Bellissimo.

Chicken and Double Feta Mac
Colorful and flavorful is a solid combo, every day of the week, and our Chicken Spinach Feta Sausage accomplishes both of those feat on the regular. To make it into mac, we like to pop it out of the casing, and sauté up the sausage until it browns a little, then set it aside. In the same pan, you can add tomatoes and mushrooms, letting things soften, and then toss in a little spinach to wilt at the end. Mix the sausage with the veggies and fold it into a cheese sauce made with a Quattro Formaggi cheese blend, then toss in your choice of pasta — lumache is especially interesting and delightful. Before popping it in the oven, crumble feta over top of the pan; or, if you’re not going to bake it, just add crumbles into your bowl for a little extra burst of salty, cheesy goodness.

Summery Chicken Mac ‘n Cheese
It’s always a good day for mac ‘n cheese, but summer is an especially lovely time to make a big batch highlighting great seasonal produce. That’s why our Chicken Basil & Sun Dried Tomato Sausage goes so well in this dish. We like to bump up the basil factor and make a bit of a non-traditional mac. When we make our cheese sauce for this one, we use fontina, a little cream cheese, and a bit of tomato sauce. The creamy sauce is more gooey than stretchy, and is perfect with big bites of the sausage and rigatoni or another totally tubular shape. Tuck in chiffonade basil, a few capers, and chopped Mama Lil’s goat horn peppers for a truly good meal.

Happy Macaroni and Cheese Day!

Cook Dad a Gourmet Meal With These Delicious Recipes

Published on June 18, 2017 | in Blog By Isernio's |

What are you doing this Father’s Day? If you’re still making plans, we have a few suggestions, and of course they all revolve around cooking.

One of our favorite family traditions is cooking a delicious Sunday meal together. And whether your Father’s Day plans revolve more around getting out of the house and running around all day, or hanging close to home — and close to the stove — there’s a great recipe for all types of nights.

Little Time:
Arugula & Mixed Green Salad with Sausage and Fennel
Looking for a light lunch or dinner that also ticks the box of “hooray, I’m eating a salad!” but without sacrificing flavor? This one is fresh and fabulous, with fennel, arugula, and a quick olive oil and balsamic dressing.

Medium Amount of Time:
Chicken Chile Lemongrass Dumplings
Dumplings aren’t just the perfect food to get by the dozen at your favorite Chinese restaurant — they’re also a fun family project. It sounds complicated, but it’s really not much more than a little prep, some time to let the ingredients meld together, and having enough hands to put the little packets together. Enlist your siblings to roll out the wrappers and you’ll be feasting on healthy little dumplings in no time.

Lots of Time:
Sunday Sauce: Ragu Napolitano with Italian Sausage and Pasta
One of the all-time classic, best recipes, this super thick sauce fuses together amazing flavors in a dish that takes over three hours. Thanks to its long braise and slow cook time, the sauce is rich with meat juices from short ribs and sausages fusing together. The result is a stunning family favorite that also makes amazing leftovers.

Happy Father’s Day to all our favorite dads!

Sausage and Seafood Pasta

Published on March 11, 2016 | in Blog By Isernio's |

Our very own Taylor has been busy in the test kitchen and put together this easy yet delicious pasta dish with spicy sausage and seafood. The simple flavors all combine for a hearty and fragrant main dish. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

Any seafood can be used in this pasta according to your preference (substitute in shrimp, scallops, etc. instead of the clams or calamari if you like). Precooked/frozen seafood can be used to speed things up as well.

Sausage & Seafood Pasta

Ingredients:

2 Tb. olive oil
1- 1 pound roll Isernio’s Hot Italian Sausage (pork or chicken), or 4 links removed from casings
2 shallots, minced
1 head of fennel, medium sized, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 pound cooked clams
1/2 pound cooked calamari or squid
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 pound angel hair pasta

Preparation:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Crumble sausage into skillet and cook, stirring, until it begins to brown.
Add in shallots, fennel and garlic and cook until sausage is no longer pink.
Pour wine over sausage mixture, bring to a boil, then simmer until wine has reduced 50%
Add in chicken stock and stir to combine.
Put clams and calamari into pan and cover for about 5 minutes.
Add in heavy cream and cook uncovered for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour mixture over noodles and enjoy.

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