Pickled Eggs, Sausage and Onions

If you’re looking for a savory, tangy snack or a flavorful side dish that packs a punch, look no further than this Pickled Eggs, Sausage, and Onions recipe. The combination of briny eggs, spicy sausage, and sharp onions creates an irresistible flavor blend that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for picnics, charcuterie boards, or just snacking straight from the fridge, this dish will quickly become a go-to in your household. Let’s dive into this unique and delicious pickling recipe!

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Before starting the pickling process, gather the following ingredients to ensure you have everything on hand:

For the Pickled Eggs, Sausage, and Onions:

  • 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
    Hard-boiled eggs are the star of this dish. They soak up the tangy brine and develop a rich, savory flavor over time. Ensure they are peeled before adding to the jar.
  • 1 lb sausage, sliced into rounds
    Choose a flavorful sausage, such as summer sausage or smoked kielbasa, for an extra kick of umami in every bite. The sausage adds protein and a satisfying meaty texture.
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
    Onions contribute a sharp bite that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the eggs and sausage. As they pickle, they develop a milder, more nuanced flavor.

For the Pickling Brine:

  • 1 cup white vinegar
    Vinegar is the foundation of any good pickling brine. White vinegar provides that classic tangy flavor, ensuring everything gets perfectly pickled.
  • 1 cup water
    Water helps dilute the vinegar so that the brine isn’t too strong, but still has enough acidity to preserve and flavor the ingredients.
  • 1/2 cup sugar
    Sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar and adds a touch of sweetness to the brine. This is key to achieving a well-rounded flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
    Salt enhances the flavor of the pickled ingredients and helps draw out their moisture, ensuring they absorb the brine fully.
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
    Whole black peppercorns bring a subtle heat and complexity to the brine, adding to the overall depth of flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
    Mustard seeds add a mild, earthy spice to the brine, complementing the sausage and onions perfectly.
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
    For those who like a little kick, red pepper flakes give the dish a gentle heat that builds as the eggs, sausage, and onions pickle.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Pickled Eggs, Sausage, and Onions

This recipe is incredibly simple to follow, requiring only a few easy steps. Here’s how to make your own Pickled Eggs, Sausage, and Onions at home:

Step 1: Prepare the Brine

The first step in making pickled eggs and sausage is to prepare the brine. The brine is the flavorful liquid that will give the eggs, sausage, and onions their signature tangy taste.

  • Combine ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, 1 teaspoon mustard seeds, and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
  • Heat the mixture: Bring the brine mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to help dissolve the sugar and salt completely. Once the sugar and salt are dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the brine cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients in a Jar

While the brine is cooling, it’s time to prepare the other ingredients.

  • Layer the ingredients: In a large glass jar or airtight container, layer the 6 peeled hard-boiled eggs, 1 lb sliced sausage, and 2 thinly sliced onions. Make sure to distribute the sausage and onions evenly around the eggs so every bite is packed with flavor.Pro Tip: Use a tall, wide-mouthed jar for easy access and to ensure everything fits snugly inside the jar without overcrowding.

Step 3: Add the Brine

Once the brine has cooled to room temperature, it’s time to pour it over the layered ingredients.

  • Pour the brine: Carefully pour the cooled brine over the eggs, sausage, and onions in the jar. Make sure all of the ingredients are fully submerged in the brine to ensure they pickle evenly.Important: If you don’t have enough brine to completely cover the ingredients, add a little extra vinegar and water in equal parts until everything is submerged.

Step 4: Seal and Refrigerate

After adding the brine, it’s crucial to properly seal the jar and refrigerate the pickled eggs, sausage, and onions to allow the flavors to meld.

  • Seal the jar: Tightly seal the jar with its lid. This helps preserve the ingredients and ensures no air gets in to spoil the pickling process.
  • Refrigerate: Place the jar in the refrigerator and let the eggs, sausage, and onions pickle for at least 24 hours. For the best results, let them sit for up to 2-3 days to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your Pickled Eggs, Sausage, and Onions have pickled to your liking, it’s time to enjoy them!

  • Serve chilled: These pickled snacks are best served cold. The eggs will be tangy and flavorful, the sausage will have absorbed the delicious brine, and the onions will have softened and sweetened slightly, creating the perfect trio of flavors.Pro Tip: Serve them as part of a charcuterie board, alongside crusty bread, cheese, and pickles for a delightful appetizer spread. Or, enjoy them on their own as a high-protein snack.

Recipe Variations: Make It Your Own

Like most recipes, this one can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas for how to change things up:

1. Spice It Up

If you prefer your pickled eggs and sausage with a bit more heat, try increasing the amount of red pepper flakes in the brine. You can also add a sliced jalapeño to the jar for an extra kick of spice.

2. Try Different Sausages

While this recipe calls for smoked sausage, feel free to experiment with other types of sausage. Andouille sausage will add a Cajun twist, while chorizo will give the dish a spicy, smoky flavor.

3. Add Vegetables

For an even more colorful and flavorful jar, consider adding other vegetables like carrot slices, bell peppers, or radishes. These vegetables will pickle along with the eggs, sausage, and onions, providing a delicious and crunchy addition.

Storage Tips: Keeping Your Pickled Eggs and Sausage Fresh

Pickled eggs, sausage, and onions can last for several weeks in the refrigerator when properly stored. Here’s how to store and keep them fresh:

Refrigeration

  • Store in the fridge: Keep your pickled eggs and sausage in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed jar. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 weeks, although the flavor will continue to intensify the longer they sit in the brine.

Make Ahead

  • Perfect for meal prep: Because these pickled eggs and sausage need time to sit in the brine, they’re a great make-ahead option. Prepare them a few days before you plan to serve them, and they’ll be ready to go!

Health Benefits of Pickled Eggs, Sausage, and Onions

In addition to being delicious, pickled eggs, sausage, and onions come with a variety of health benefits. Let’s take a look at a few of them:

1. High in Protein

Eggs and sausage are both excellent sources of protein, making this snack a great option for those looking to boost their protein intake. Protein is essential for muscle repair, hormone production, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied between meals.

2. Packed with Probiotics

Vinegar-based pickling brines, like the one used in this recipe, can contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support gut health. Probiotics help balance the good bacteria in your digestive system and can aid in digestion and overall wellness.

3. Low in Carbohydrates

For those following a low-carb or keto diet, this pickled eggs and sausage recipe is a great snack option. It’s low in carbohydrates and high in fat and protein, making it perfect for those trying to maintain ketosis.

Conclusion: A Tangy and Satisfying Snack

These Pickled Eggs, Sausage, and Onions are the perfect tangy, savory treat for anyone looking to try something new in the kitchen. Whether you enjoy them as part of a snack platter or as a high-protein snack on their own, they’re sure to please with their combination of bold flavors and satisfying textures. With a simple brine and a few days in the fridge, you’ll have a unique and delicious snack ready to go whenever the craving strikes. Give this recipe a try, and see how these pickled delights can quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

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