If you're a fan of sausage, you'll love sweet Italian sausage. Not only is it delicious, but it's also relatively low in calories, with just 110 calories per 2 oz (57 g) serving.
But how does sweet Italian sausage stack up in terms of fat, carbs, and protein? Let's take a closer look at the nutritional information of this popular sausage variety.
In this article, we'll explore different ways to cook sweet Italian sausage, what dishes it pairs well with, and whether it's a healthy choice for your diet.
The Calories in Sweet Italian Sausage
A 2 oz (57 g) serving of sweet Italian sausage contains around 110 calories. Of these calories, around 70% come from fat, while the rest are from protein.
How Much Fat is in Sweet Italian Sausage?
Sweet Italian sausage is high in fat, with around 8 grams of fat per 2 oz (57 g) serving. Of these 8 grams of fat, around 3 grams are saturated.
How Many Carbs are in Sweet Italian Sausage?
Sweet Italian sausage is a low-carb food, with just 2 grams of carbs per 2 oz (57 g) serving.
How Much Protein is in Sweet Italian Sausage?
Sweet Italian sausage is a good source of protein, with around 8 grams per 2 oz (57 g) serving.
Sweet Italian Sausage vs Regular Sausage
Compared to regular sausage, sweet Italian sausage is lower in sodium, with around 270 mg of sodium per 2 oz (57 g) serving. However, it's higher in fat and calories, so it's important to watch portion sizes if you're trying to maintain a healthy diet.
Is Sweet Italian Sausage Healthy?
While sweet Italian sausage can be a tasty addition to your meals, it's important to keep in mind that it's high in fat and calories. If you're watching your weight or trying to maintain a healthy diet, it's best to enjoy sweet Italian sausage in moderation and pair it with plenty of vegetables and other healthy foods.
Ways to Cook Sweet Italian Sausage
Sweet Italian sausage is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas for cooking with this flavorful sausage:
- Add sliced sweet Italian sausage to pasta dishes, like spaghetti or ziti
- Grill or sauté sweet Italian sausage and serve it with peppers and onions
- Use sweet Italian sausage as a pizza topping
What to Pair with Sweet Italian Sausage
Sweet Italian sausage pairs well with a variety of ingredients, including:
- Peppers and onions
- Pasta
- Tomatoes
- Mozzarella cheese
Sweet Italian Sausage as a Pizza Topping
Sweet Italian sausage is a popular pizza topping, thanks to its spicy and flavorful taste. When using sweet Italian sausage on pizza, be sure to pair it with other bold flavors, like onions, peppers, and garlic.
Variations of Sweet Italian Sausage Meals
Sweet Italian sausage is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few variations on classic sweet Italian sausage meals to try:
- Replace traditional meatballs with sweet Italian sausage in spaghetti and meatballs
- Use sweet Italian sausage in place of regular sausage in breakfast dishes, like omelets or breakfast scrambles
- Serve sliced sweet Italian sausage on a hoagie roll with peppers, onions, and marinara sauce for a classic sandwich
Sweet Italian sausage is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Italian Sausage
1. What is in Sweet Italian Sausage?
Sweet Italian Sausage typically includes ground pork, salt, and various seasonings such as fennel, garlic, and paprika.
2. How do you cook Sweet Italian Sausage?
There are several ways to cook Sweet Italian Sausage, including grilling, frying, baking, or simmering in a sauce. When cooking, it's important to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to prevent foodborne illness.
3. How does Sweet Italian Sausage differ from other types of sausage?
Sweet Italian Sausage typically has a mild flavor compared to other sausages and is seasoned with herbs rather than spicy peppers. It is also fattier than some other types of sausage, such as chicken or turkey sausage.
4. Is Sweet Italian Sausage a healthy food choice?
Sweet Italian Sausage is high in calories and fat, so it's not considered a particularly healthy food choice. However, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
5. What are some recipes that feature Sweet Italian Sausage?
Sweet Italian Sausage can be used in a variety of recipes, including pasta dishes, soups, stews, and casseroles. Some popular recipes include sausage and peppers, spaghetti with sausage and tomato sauce, and sausage and lentil soup.