Pickled Sausage, Eggs, and Onions

Introduction

Pickled Sausage, Eggs, and Onions is a tangy, flavorful snack that’s perfect for adding a bit of zest to your appetizers, salads, or sandwiches. This combination of smoky sausage, creamy eggs, and sharp onions, all infused with a spiced vinegar brine, creates a deliciously savory treat that only improves as it marinates in the refrigerator. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this pickled mix is ideal for those who love bold flavors with a hint of spice.

What You’ll Need

Essential Equipment

To make this delicious pickled snack, you’ll need the following equipment:

  • Medium saucepan: For preparing the pickling brine.
  • Large glass jar or container: To store the sausage, eggs, and onions in the pickling liquid. Make sure it has a tight-fitting lid.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Cutting board and knife: For slicing the sausage and onion.

Key Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup vinegar: The primary pickling agent, giving the sausage, eggs, and onions their tangy flavor.
  • 1 cup water: Dilutes the vinegar slightly to balance the acidity.
  • 1/2 cup sugar: Adds sweetness to counterbalance the vinegar’s sharpness.
  • 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and aids in preservation.
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns: Adds a subtle peppery heat.
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds: Provides a slight tang and a bit of texture.
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves: Adds a warm, aromatic spice to the brine.
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Brings a hint of heat to the mix.
  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced: Adds a smoky, savory base to the pickling mix.
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved: Adds a creamy, protein-rich element to the pickle.
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced: Provides a sharp, crunchy contrast to the sausage and eggs.

Ingredient Preparation

Proper preparation of the ingredients ensures that the sausage, eggs, and onions absorb the pickling flavors well.

Preparing the Brine

  1. Make the Brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds, cloves, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar and salt dissolve completely. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let the brine simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the spices to infuse the liquid with their flavors.

Preparing the Sausage, Eggs, and Onions

  1. Slice the Sausage and Onion: While the brine is simmering, slice the smoked sausage into rounds and thinly slice the onion. Halve the hard-boiled eggs. This ensures that all the ingredients are ready to be packed into the jar as soon as the brine is done.

Instructions

Packing and Pickling

  1. Layer the Ingredients: In a large glass jar or container, layer the sliced sausage, halved eggs, and thinly sliced onion. Try to distribute the ingredients evenly so that each layer gets well-coated with the brine.
  2. Add the Brine: Once the brine has finished simmering, carefully pour it over the sausage, eggs, and onions in the jar. Ensure that all the ingredients are completely submerged in the brine. You may need to press down slightly on the ingredients to release any air bubbles and ensure full coverage.

Cooling and Storing

  1. Cool the Mixture: Allow the jar to cool to room temperature. This cooling period helps to lock in the flavors as the ingredients begin to absorb the brine.
  2. Refrigerate: Once cooled, cover the jar with a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the pickled sausage, eggs, and onions marinate for at least 24 hours before serving. The longer they sit, the more the flavors will develop and meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serving

Pickled Sausage, Eggs, and Onions are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

  • Appetizer: Serve the pickled sausage, eggs, and onions as a tangy and flavorful appetizer on a platter.
  • Topping for Salads: Add them to salads for a burst of acidity and a delightful crunch.
  • Sandwich Add-In: Use them as a topping for sandwiches to add a zesty, savory element.
  • Snack: Enjoy them on their own as a quick and satisfying snack.

Storage

Store the pickled sausage, eggs, and onions in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two weeks, provided they remain submerged in the brine. The flavors will continue to develop over time, so feel free to enjoy them at any point after the initial 24-hour marinating period.

Variations

Customizing Your Pickled Sausage, Eggs, and Onions

This recipe is flexible and can be adjusted to suit different tastes:

  • Spicier Version: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños to the jar for an extra kick.
  • Different Spices: Experiment with spices like fennel seeds, bay leaves, or even a cinnamon stick for a unique flavor profile.
  • Other Vinegars: Try using apple cider vinegar or a combination of vinegars for a different tang.

FAQs

How long will the pickled sausage, eggs, and onions last?

Unopened jars can last for up to two weeks when stored in the refrigerator. Once opened, consume within one week for the best flavor.

Can I use different types of sausages?

Yes, you can use any type of fully cooked sausage, such as kielbasa or andouille, for a different flavor.

Can I reuse the pickling brine?

It’s not recommended to reuse the pickling brine for another batch of sausage, eggs, and onions due to potential bacteria growth. However, you can use the brine as a flavorful addition to salad dressings or marinades.

How do I prevent the ingredients from floating?

If the ingredients tend to float, you can use a small weight or an extra slice of onion to keep everything fully submerged in the brine.

Conclusion

Pickled Sausage, Eggs, and Onions offer a delightful combination of tangy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors that are sure to elevate any dish. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, adding them to salads, or enjoying them on their own, these pickled treats are easy to make and packed with flavor. With just a few simple steps and some patience, you can enjoy this homemade pickled delight that’s perfect for snacking or enhancing your favorite dishes. Give this recipe a try and savor the bold, zesty taste of pickled sausage, eggs, and onions!

Leave a Comment