Pickled Sausage is a bold, tangy, and nostalgic snack that perfectly blends smoky, spicy, and sour flavors. It is a Southern classic that stands the test of time, loved for its punchy taste, long shelf life, and simplicity. Made by soaking smoked or cured sausage in a spiced vinegar brine, this snack delivers a mouthwatering mix of savory meat and sharp acidity that wakes up the palate with every bite.
The process begins with sliced sausage packed into jars and covered with a seasoned vinegar solution. Typical brine ingredients include garlic, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, bay leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes, which combine to create layered, savory heat. Some recipes add a hint of sugar, smoked paprika, or whole cloves to balance the acidity and introduce subtle sweetness. As the sausage sits in the brine, the flavors meld and intensify, transforming familiar cured meat into something tangy and unexpectedly bright.
Pickled Sausage shines as a casual snack and as part of a larger spread. It is frequently served cold straight from the jar alongside ice-cold beer, making it a reliable bar snack and party favorite. It also plays beautifully on charcuterie boards, paired with sharp cheeses, crusty homemade bread, and pickled carrots. In sandwiches, the briny, spicy notes cut through rich elements like melted cheese or mayonnaise, adding a lively contrast that keeps every bite interesting.
Beyond its flavor, pickled sausage embodies practical, old-fashioned preservation methods. Making jars of pickled sausage is an economical way to extend the life of cured meats while introducing new dimensions of taste. The jars develop character over several days, and they store well in the refrigerator for weeks, offering a ready-to-eat snack whenever guests arrive or hunger calls.
Whether served at a backyard gathering or kept as a pantry staple, pickled sausage is a celebration of bold flavor and simple technique. Its crunchy aromatics, tangy bite, and smoky base make it an unforgettable treat that invites sharing and conversation. This humble jar transforms ordinary sausage into a vibrant, nostalgic, and utterly addictive snack. Simple and delicious every time.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces sausage use fully cooked sausages
- 2 cups white vinegar can substitute with apple cider vinegar for a sweeter taste
- 1 cup water use filtered water for better flavor
- 1/4 cup sugar adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons pickling spice store-bought or homemade
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and smashed
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
Instructions
- In a pot, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, pickling spice, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- Add the sausages to a clean, heatproof jar.
- Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the sausages in the jar, ensuring they are completely submerged.
- Seal the jar with a lid and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer to the refrigerator.
- Allow the sausages to pickle for at least 3 days before serving, shaking the jar occasionally to distribute flavors.
Nutrition
1 cup of water??? That’s way too much! I did half a cup and they turned out fine.
You sure it worked with half a cup? I’d be worried it’d be too salty or something. I think the water helps balance the vinegar flavor, just saying.
I followed the recipe exactly and used the full cup of water. They came out delicious! Maybe the amount of water depends on the type of sausage you’re using?
Followed the recipe exactly, but they didn’t come out right. Sad face. 🙁
Pickled sausage is the best, it’s a delicacy in some cultures. I’m glad I found this recipe!
I totally agree! Pickled sausage is amazing! It tastes really good with just about anything.
Pickled sausage? Sounds kinda odd. Never heard of it before. How can it be a delicacy? 🤔
Not a fan. The whole thing tasted off. Maybe my sausages were bad?
These are sooo spicy! I barely added any red pepper flakes!
Pickled sausage? Who even thought of that? Sounds like a joke.
Dude, not everything needs to be pickled. This sounds gross, honestly.
I know it sounds weird, but pickled sausage is actually a thing! It’s really tasty once you try it. 😋
How do you even eat these? Just plain? Seems kinda weird to me.
Seems odd, but it’s actually pretty good! I thought that too until I tried it. The pickling makes a huge difference!
Yeah, just plain! That’s the whole point of pickled sausages. They’re packed with flavor after pickling. You should give it a try!
Yum! My grandpa used to make pickled sausage like this. Brings back memories!
Great recipe, my family loved it! I added extra garlic, yum!
Thanks for sharing! Extra garlic sounds delish! I can’t wait to try it out. 😋
These were pretty good! But I think I added too much vinegar. Next time I’ll cut back.
Pickled sausage? That’s kinda weird. Pass.
It’s actually really good! You should try it before passing judgment. 😋
Is it really safe to eat something after just 3 days? Seems risky.
So, like, do you have to use filtered water? Just tap water is fine right?
My grandma used to make something similar but never with sugar. Are you sure about that?
A little too tangy for me. Maybe less vinegar next time? 🤔
Yeah, the vinegar can be really overpowering. Maybe try using less vinegar and more water next time?
I love it tangy! But hey, everyone has their own taste, so just adjust it to your liking! 😊
OMG these were so good! I added some onions too and it was fire! 🔥
Delicious! I made these and my family love them. Can’t stop eating!
I used hot sausage and wow! Just the right amount of kick. Yum!