Looking for a snack that’s bold, tangy, and packs a punch? Pickled Eggs and Sausage are here to satisfy that craving! This unique pairing brings together the savory goodness of sausage with the zesty kick of pickled eggs. Whether you’re prepping for a party, looking for an interesting appetizer, or just in the mood for something a little different, this combination is sure to stand out. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make—just let the flavors marinate, and you’re in for a treat!
Trust me, once you try this tangy-salty snack, it’s going to be your go-to for impressing guests or enjoying a quick bite. Pickled eggs are a classic, and paired with sausage? Well, it’s a flavor combination that hits all the right notes!
Why You’ll Love Pickled Eggs and Sausage
Here’s why these bold little bites are about to become your new favorite snack:
Unique & Flavorful
This isn’t your typical snack. The pickled eggs bring a tangy, vinegary bite that’s perfectly complemented by the rich, savory sausage. It’s the kind of combination that makes you go, “Wow, I didn’t know I needed this until now!”
Quick & Easy
You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy this dish. The eggs and sausage take just a few simple steps to prepare and can be left to marinate while you go about your day.
Make-Ahead Perfection
This dish is perfect for meal prep or making ahead of time. The longer the eggs and sausage sit in the pickle brine, the more flavorful they become. So, if you want to make a big batch, you can enjoy these over the course of several days.
Great for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, bringing snacks to a picnic, or just craving something flavorful, this dish works for every occasion. It’s also a great addition to charcuterie boards, and it pairs wonderfully with beer or cocktails.
Packed with Protein
With hearty sausage and protein-packed eggs, this dish is not only delicious but filling as well. It’s the perfect savory snack to curb your hunger!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Pickled Eggs and Sausage:
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: The base of this dish, perfectly cooked to have a rich, creamy texture.
- Sausage: Choose your favorite type of sausage, whether it’s smoked, spicy, or mild. It adds a savory contrast to the tangy eggs.
- Vinegar: The key to the pickling process. Choose white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for the best results.
- Water: To balance out the vinegar’s acidity.
- Sugar: Just a bit of sugar to balance the tanginess of the vinegar.
- Salt: For seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
- Garlic: For an added depth of flavor that infuses the brine.
- Pickling Spices: A combination of mustard seeds, peppercorns, and other spices that give the pickled eggs that signature kick.
- Optional: Red Onion: Some thinly sliced red onion can add color and an extra layer of flavor.
(Note: Full measurements are included in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
Ready to dive into this pickled goodness? Here’s how to make Pickled Eggs and Sausage:
Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs
First, hard boil the eggs. Place them in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 10 minutes. Afterward, cool the eggs in an ice bath or under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
Slice the Sausage
While the eggs are cooling, slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can use whole sausages and slice them later once the pickling process is complete. Either way works!
Make the Pickling Brine
In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, garlic, and pickling spices. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Remove from heat and let the brine cool slightly.
Combine Eggs and Sausage
In a large, clean jar or container, place the peeled hard-boiled eggs and sliced sausage. If you’re using red onions, add a layer of those as well for a burst of color and flavor.
Pour the Brine
Carefully pour the slightly cooled pickling brine over the eggs and sausage, making sure everything is fully submerged. If needed, press down gently to ensure the eggs and sausage are covered by the brine.
Let It Marinate
Seal the jar or container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavors become, but even after a day, you’ll be in pickle heaven!
Serve & Enjoy
Once the pickling time is up, serve your Pickled Eggs and Sausage as a snack, appetizer, or part of a charcuterie board. These make a great accompaniment to cold drinks and are sure to be a hit with your guests.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 (based on 2 eggs and 2 sausage pieces per serving)
Calories per serving: 180
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 15g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 24 hours (minimum)
Total Time: 24 hours 15 minutes
How to Serve Pickled Eggs and Sausage
These Pickled Eggs and Sausage are perfect for a variety of occasions:
- Party Appetizer: Serve on a platter alongside crackers, cheese, and other charcuterie items. They’re a guaranteed conversation starter.
- Picnics: Easy to pack and serve, these are great for outdoor get-togethers. They travel well and keep their flavor even after a few hours.
- Snack Time: Keep a jar of these in the fridge for when you’re craving a savory snack. They’re quick, satisfying, and totally delicious.
- Beer Pairing: If you love beer, these pickled eggs and sausage are a great pairing for your favorite brew. The tangy and savory flavors complement many types of beer.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the best Pickled Eggs and Sausage:
Customize the Flavor
Feel free to adjust the spices in the brine. If you love heat, add a few red pepper flakes or fresh chilies. For a more aromatic touch, try adding dill or bay leaves.
Use Smoked Sausage
Smoked sausage adds an extra depth of flavor that works wonderfully with the pickled eggs. Choose your favorite smoked sausage for the best results.
Pickling Time
If you’re short on time, you can start enjoying the eggs and sausage after 24 hours, but for even better flavor, let them marinate for 3-4 days. The pickling process continues to enhance the flavors the longer they sit.
Keep the Brine
Don’t throw away the brine once you’ve finished the eggs and sausage! You can use it to pickle other vegetables like onions, carrots, or cucumbers. It’s too flavorful to waste!
FAQ Section
Q1: How long do the pickled eggs and sausage keep?
A1: These will keep in the fridge for about 1-2 weeks. The flavors continue to develop as they sit!
Q2: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A2: Yes! You can use any sausage you prefer—spicy, mild, smoked, or even breakfast sausage. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before pickling.
Q3: Can I add more vegetables to the brine?
A3: Absolutely! Feel free to add sliced onions, garlic, or even jalapeños for extra flavor. The brine is versatile.
Q4: What type of vinegar should I use?
A4: White vinegar works best, but you can also use apple cider vinegar for a slightly different taste. Choose a vinegar with a mild flavor to balance the other ingredients.
Q5: Do I need to peel the eggs before pickling?
A5: Yes, peel the eggs before placing them in the brine. The shell can affect the pickling process, and you want the flavors to penetrate the egg.
Q6: Can I make pickled eggs without sausage?
A6: Yes, you can absolutely make just pickled eggs! The sausage adds a great savory element, but the pickled eggs themselves are fantastic on their own.
Q7: Can I speed up the marinating process?
A7: While the flavors develop best over time, you can enjoy them after just 24 hours. However, for optimal flavor, try to let them marinate for at least 3-4 days.
Q8: Can I use store-bought pickling spices?
A8: Yes, store-bought pickling spices are a great shortcut! You can use them in place of the whole spices listed in the recipe.
Q9: Can I freeze pickled eggs and sausage?
A9: Freezing is not recommended, as it can change the texture of the eggs. It’s best to store them in the fridge.
Q10: What’s a good drink to pair with pickled eggs and sausage?
A10: Pickled eggs and sausage pair wonderfully with a cold beer, particularly a lager or pale ale. You can also try it with a refreshing gin and tonic!
Conclusion
Pickled Eggs and Sausage are the perfect combination of tangy, savory, and satisfying. With a simple preparation process, this dish delivers big flavors and is ideal for a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re snacking, entertaining, or just looking for a unique treat, these pickled eggs and sausage are sure to be a hit. Try them out today and enjoy a flavorful snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
PrintPickled Eggs and Sausage Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pickled Eggs and Sausage is a tangy and savory snack that’s perfect for game days, parties, or as a delicious appetizer. This easy-to-make dish combines hard-boiled eggs and sausage in a flavorful, zesty brine.
Ingredients
- 12 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled
- 1 pound smoked sausage, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cups distilled white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon pickling spice
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed (optional)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
Instructions
- In a large jar or glass container, layer the hard-boiled eggs and sausage pieces.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, pickling spice, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, garlic, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the brine simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Pour the hot brine over the eggs and sausage in the jar, making sure the ingredients are fully submerged.
- Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate the jar for at least 24 hours (up to 1 week) before serving to allow the eggs and sausage to pickle.
- Serve chilled as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
- The longer you let the eggs and sausage marinate in the brine, the stronger the flavor will become.
- If you prefer a spicier pickle, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapeños to the jar.
- You can also add sliced onions or additional herbs like thyme for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pickling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg + 2 pieces of sausage
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 185mg