Johnsonville sausage bacon is a delicious and savory twist on traditional bacon. By combining the flavors of Johnsonville sausage with the crispy texture of bacon, you can create a mouth-watering dish that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make Johnsonville sausage bacon at home.
Understanding Johnsonville Sausage
Before we dive into the process of making Johnsonville sausage bacon, it’s essential to understand what Johnsonville sausage is. Johnsonville is a brand of sausage that’s known for its high-quality and flavorful products. Their sausages are made with a blend of pork, seasonings, and spices that give them a unique taste.
Types of Johnsonville Sausage
Johnsonville offers a variety of sausage products, including:
- Classic Pork Sausage
- Italian Sausage
- Chorizo Sausage
- Bratwurst Sausage
For making Johnsonville sausage bacon, we recommend using the Classic Pork Sausage or the Italian Sausage. These two varieties have a milder flavor that pairs well with the smoky taste of bacon.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make Johnsonville sausage bacon, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 1 pound Johnsonville sausage (Classic Pork or Italian)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon pink curing salt (optional)
- 1 cup wood chips (such as apple or cherry)
- A smoker or charcoal grill
- A meat thermometer
- A cutting board
- A sharp knife
Understanding Pink Curing Salt
Pink curing salt is a type of salt that’s used to cure meats. It contains a small amount of sodium nitrite, which helps to prevent bacterial growth and gives the meat a pink color. If you’re using pink curing salt, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and use the recommended amount.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Johnsonville sausage bacon is a multi-step process that requires patience and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
Begin by removing the Johnsonville sausage from its casing. You can do this by cutting the casing with a sharp knife and then peeling it off. Once the sausage is removed from its casing, place it on a cutting board and cut it into thin strips.
Cutting the Sausage
When cutting the sausage, make sure to cut it against the grain. This will help to create a more tender and easier-to-chew texture. Cut the sausage into strips that are about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 2: Mix the Cure
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. If you’re using pink curing salt, add it to the mixture and stir well.
Understanding the Cure
The cure is a mixture of ingredients that helps to preserve the meat and give it a smoky flavor. The brown sugar adds a sweet flavor, while the smoked paprika gives it a smoky taste. The garlic powder and salt enhance the flavor, while the black pepper adds a spicy kick.
Step 3: Apply the Cure
Once the cure is mixed, apply it to the sausage strips. Make sure to coat the sausage evenly, using about 1 tablespoon of the cure per pound of sausage.
Applying the Cure
When applying the cure, make sure to wear gloves to prevent the cure from coming into contact with your skin. The cure can be irritating to the skin, so it’s essential to take precautions.
Step 4: Allow the Sausage to Cure
Once the sausage is coated with the cure, place it on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Allow the sausage to cure in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
The Curing Process
During the curing process, the sausage will start to develop a sticky surface. This is a sign that the cure is working. Make sure to keep the sausage refrigerated at a temperature of 38°F (3°C) or below.
Step 5: Smoke the Sausage
After the sausage has cured, it’s time to smoke it. Set up your smoker or charcoal grill to run at a temperature of 225°F (110°C). Place the sausage strips on the smoker or grill, leaving about 1 inch of space between each strip.
Smoking the Sausage
When smoking the sausage, make sure to use wood chips that are specifically designed for smoking. Apple or cherry wood chips work well for Johnsonville sausage bacon. Smoke the sausage for at least 2 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 150°F (65°C).
Step 6: Finish the Bacon
Once the sausage is smoked, it’s time to finish it. Increase the temperature of the smoker or grill to 350°F (175°C). Place the sausage strips on the smoker or grill and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until crispy.
Finishing the Bacon
When finishing the bacon, make sure to keep an eye on it. The sausage can go from perfectly cooked to burnt quickly, so it’s essential to monitor the temperature and the texture.
Tips and Variations
Making Johnsonville sausage bacon is a process that requires patience and attention to detail. Here are some tips and variations to help you get the best results:
- Use the right type of sausage: Johnsonville Classic Pork Sausage or Italian Sausage work well for making sausage bacon.
- Don’t overcure the sausage: Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and don’t overcure the sausage. This can result in a sausage that’s too salty or too dry.
- Monitor the temperature: When smoking the sausage, make sure to monitor the temperature. This will help to ensure that the sausage is cooked evenly and safely.
- Experiment with different wood chips: Different types of wood chips can give the sausage a unique flavor. Experiment with different types of wood chips to find the one that works best for you.
Conclusion
Making Johnsonville sausage bacon is a fun and rewarding process that requires patience and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and savory twist on traditional bacon. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, making Johnsonville sausage bacon is a great way to add some excitement to your meals. So why not give it a try? With a little practice and patience, you can create a mouth-watering dish that’s sure to impress.
What is Johnsonville Sausage Bacon and how does it differ from traditional bacon?
Johnsonville Sausage Bacon is a type of bacon made from sausage meat, specifically Johnsonville sausage, which is a brand of sausage known for its high-quality and flavorful products. Unlike traditional bacon, which is typically made from pork belly, Johnsonville Sausage Bacon is made from a combination of pork, seasonings, and spices. This unique blend of ingredients gives Johnsonville Sausage Bacon a distinct flavor and texture that sets it apart from traditional bacon.
The main difference between Johnsonville Sausage Bacon and traditional bacon is the way it is made. Traditional bacon is typically cured with salt and then smoked or cooked to create a crispy texture. Johnsonville Sausage Bacon, on the other hand, is made by cooking sausage meat in a way that creates a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. This process gives Johnsonville Sausage Bacon a more sausage-like flavor and texture than traditional bacon.
What ingredients do I need to make Johnsonville Sausage Bacon?
To make Johnsonville Sausage Bacon, you will need a few simple ingredients, including Johnsonville sausage, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. You will also need a skillet or oven to cook the sausage. Optional ingredients include maple syrup, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, which can be used to add additional flavor to the sausage bacon.
It’s worth noting that the quality of the ingredients you use will affect the flavor and texture of the final product. Look for high-quality Johnsonville sausage and fresh spices to ensure the best results. You can also experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to create unique flavor profiles.
How do I cook Johnsonville Sausage Bacon in a skillet?
To cook Johnsonville Sausage Bacon in a skillet, start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom. Next, add the Johnsonville sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is browned and crispy.
Once the sausage is cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. If desired, add additional seasonings or spices to the sausage bacon and toss to coat. Serve the Johnsonville Sausage Bacon hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or chives if desired.
Can I cook Johnsonville Sausage Bacon in the oven instead of a skillet?
Yes, you can cook Johnsonville Sausage Bacon in the oven instead of a skillet. To do this, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and add the Johnsonville sausage. Break up the sausage with a spoon or spatula and spread it out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Bake the sausage in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and crispy. If desired, add additional seasonings or spices to the sausage bacon and toss to coat. Remove the sausage bacon from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
How do I store leftover Johnsonville Sausage Bacon?
Leftover Johnsonville Sausage Bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store, let the sausage bacon cool completely on a paper towel-lined plate, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. You can also freeze leftover Johnsonville Sausage Bacon for up to 2 months.
To freeze, let the sausage bacon cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container and label with the date. When you’re ready to eat the frozen sausage bacon, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it in a skillet or oven until crispy.
Can I use Johnsonville Sausage Bacon in recipes?
Yes, you can use Johnsonville Sausage Bacon in a variety of recipes, from breakfast dishes to salads and sandwiches. Some ideas for using Johnsonville Sausage Bacon in recipes include adding it to omelets or frittatas, using it as a topping for salads or baked potatoes, or crumbling it into soups or stews.
Johnsonville Sausage Bacon can also be used as a substitute for traditional bacon in many recipes. Simply crumble or chop the sausage bacon and use it in place of traditional bacon. You can also experiment with different seasonings and spices to create unique flavor profiles in your recipes.
Is Johnsonville Sausage Bacon a healthy alternative to traditional bacon?
Johnsonville Sausage Bacon is a lower-fat alternative to traditional bacon, making it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers. However, it is still a processed meat product and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
One of the main benefits of Johnsonville Sausage Bacon is that it is lower in saturated fat and sodium than traditional bacon. Additionally, Johnsonville sausage is made with high-quality ingredients and does not contain any fillers or by-products. However, it is still important to pay attention to portion sizes and overall nutrient intake when consuming Johnsonville Sausage Bacon.