Chicken Vienna sausage makes for a versatile meal option. Open the can, and you can eat them straight away. For more flavor, heat ‘em up on the stove or microwave.You can mix these sausages into:
- Scrambled eggs
- Pasta dishes
- Fried rice
Wrap ‘em in dough for tasty snacks.They also fit well in salads, sandwiches, or stews, making them ideal for both quick snacks and hearty meals. Get creative in the kitchen. Experiment with different combinations and recipes. Keep reading for more ways to enjoy Chicken Vienna sausage.
Key Takeaways
- Chicken Vienna sausage is ready to eat cold, but heating brings out more flavor and texture.
- You can use it in a huge range of meals, breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks.
- Pair with bold sauces, fresh veggies, and grains for easy, filling meals anytime.
Basic Ways to Eat Chicken Vienna Sausage
A can of chicken Vienna sausage is one of those foods sitting quietly in the pantry, waiting for someone to do something interesting with it. You open it up, and the salty, faintly smoky smell hits right away. Some people just eat them cold, and honestly, that’s fine. The sausages are pre-cooked and safe right out of the can, just drain the liquid and pop one in your mouth. Pair them with crackers or a sharp mustard and you’ve got a snack that works in a pinch[2] especially when the fridge is empty and the only other option is peanut butter on a spoon.Ready-to-Eat Convenience:
There’s something about the simplicity of eating chicken Vienna sausage cold that draws people in, especially during camping trips or long road journeys. It’s quick, safe, and doesn’t require a single dish to wash.Simple Pairings:
- Crackers (saltines, wheat, or even rice crackers)
- Dips like mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce, or hot sauce
- Sliced cheese or pickles[1]
- Even a dab of hot pepper jelly or gochujang for a little fun
Heating and Cooking Methods
People who want a bit more out of their sausage experience often turn to heat. Heating coaxes out a little more flavor and gives the sausage a firmer bite, especially if you fry or grill it.Microwaving:
Place sausages in a bowl with a splash of broth or water. Cover loosely and microwave for 1-2 minutes. This method is fast, great for hurried mornings or when you just can’t wait.Pan-Frying:
Slice the sausages or leave them whole. Heat a skillet with a thin layer of oil, toss the sausages in, and fry until golden and slightly crispy. You can throw in onions, bell peppers, or even a handful of frozen peas for extra flavor. This is where the sausage really shines, slightly browned, a bit snappy, and soaking up whatever is in the pan.Grilling on Skewers:
Thread sausages onto skewers with chunks of bell pepper, onion, or mushrooms. Grill until the edges are charred and the vegetables are softened. The smoky flavor works wonders, kind of like a backyard barbecue on a small scale.Boiling:
Drop the sausages into simmering water for 3-5 minutes. This method is gentle, good for keeping the sausages soft and juicy, especially if you’re serving them to kids or adding them to stews.
Popular Serving Ideas
- Toss sliced sausages into green or pasta salads for a protein hit.
- Layer in sandwiches or wraps with lettuce, sliced tomato, and a swipe of mayo or spicy mustard.
- Try a Vienna sausage banh mi: soft roll, pickled veggies, herbs, and thinly sliced sausage.
Breakfast and Hearty Meals:
- Scramble with eggs and a handful of chopped onions or bell peppers.
- Slice into omelets with cheese and herbs.
- Add to soups, especially chicken and rice or bean soups. The sausage soaks up the broth and adds savory depth.
Party and Snack Options:
- Roll sausages in crescent dough and bake for pigs in a blanket.
- Skewer with roasted vegetables for finger food at a picnic or party.
- Top mini pizzas or flatbreads with sliced sausage, cheese, and whatever vegetables are left in the fridge.
Creative Recipes Featuring Chicken Vienna Sausage
The internet is full of people who turn Vienna sausages into meals worthy of second helpings. Here are a few ways to make this simple sausage the center of something more.
Stir-Fry and Soup Variations
Vienna Sausage Stir-Fry:
Sauté sliced sausage with onions, bell peppers, and a splash of soy sauce. Serve over rice or toss with noodles. Sprinkle on some sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a tiny upgrade.Hearty Vienna Sausage Soup:
Simmer sausage slices with canned beans, tomatoes, rice, and broth. Add carrots, celery, or whatever is lingering in your crisper drawer. This soup works well for lunch or a rainy evening, filling without being heavy.
Breakfast Scrambles and Casseroles
Protein-Packed Scramble:
Sauté sausage with diced peppers and onions, then add beaten eggs. Cook until set and finish with cheese. Serve with toast or wrapped in a tortilla for a breakfast burrito.Comforting Casserole:
Mix sliced sausage with cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and a handful of chopped onions. Bake until the top is golden. The sausage gives it a salty bite that stands up to gooey cheese.
International-Inspired Dishes
Korean-Style Chicken Stew:
Blanch chicken, then stew with Vienna sausage, rice cakes, soy sauce, chili paste, and garlic. Add sliced peppers for heat. Eat with a spoon and plenty of broth, or add ramen noodles at the end for extra comfort.
Tips for Serving, Storage, and Safety
Credit: FloridaBoy Survival
Chicken Vienna sausage is forgiving, but a few tweaks make all the difference.
Flavor Enhancements and Pairings:
- Mustard (classic yellow, spicy brown, or Dijon)
- Ketchup or barbecue sauce
- Hot sauce or chili crisp for heat
- Gochujang for a Korean twist
- Serve with cheese, crackers, and pickles for a simple charcuterie
Kid-Friendly Serving:
- Cut sausages into small pieces for little kids
- Serve with mashed potatoes, plain rice, or mild pasta sauce
Storage Guidelines
- Unopened cans last up to 5 years on the pantry shelf.
- Once opened, store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. Eat within 3-4 days.
- If the sausages smell odd or the texture seems off, toss them.
Heating Recommendations
- Heating improves flavor and texture, but it’s not required.
- For a firmer bite, pan-fry or grill.
- For a soft texture, microwave or boil.
Conclusion
Chicken Vienna sausage might not be gourmet, but it’s surprisingly adaptable. Enjoy it cold with crackers or heat it up for a cozy meal. It works in breakfast scrambles, tossed with noodles, or wrapped in dough. Perfect for any meal, any time. If you’re stuck for dinner ideas, crack open a can. You might stumble upon a new favorite or save yourself from sad leftovers. Hungry for more? Get creative and see where your culinary curiosities lead!
FAQ
Can you eat canned chicken vienna sausage straight from the can?
Yes, eating vienna sausage out of the can is totally fine since it’s fully cooked. Many people enjoy cold vienna sausage as a quick snack, especially during busy days or outdoor trips. But if you’re not into cold meat, heating it is simple, just pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Knowing how to heat vienna sausage safely can really improve the taste. It also opens the door to quick meals like vienna sausage ramen or a simple vienna sausage rice bowl.
What’s the best way to eat Vienna sausage for breakfast?
For an easy breakfast, try Vienna sausage with eggs or sliced into a vienna sausage omelet. Another good option? Vienna sausage on toast or served with mashed potatoes. Vienna sausage breakfast dishes don’t need to be fancy, scramble them with eggs or roll them in a tortilla. Vienna sausage for breakfast ideas also work great for kids or busy mornings. You can even prepare a few vienna sausage quick meals the night before.
What are some good vienna sausage sandwich ideas for lunch?
When lunch rolls around, vienna sausage sandwich recipes keep things simple and filling. Try vienna sausage and cheese on toasted bread or a vienna sausage wrap with mustard and crunchy veggies. Vienna sausage lunch ideas also go well with dips or packed in a bento box. You could even try vienna sausage tacos or a school-friendly vienna sausage sandwich tucked in a lunchbox with crackers or fruit on the side.
How do I use chicken vienna sausage in easy dinner recipes?
Chicken vienna sausage recipes are great when you’re short on time. Toss them into vienna sausage pasta or make a quick vienna sausage stir fry with rice and veggies. Try a vienna sausage casserole or a simple vienna sausage with noodles dish. For heartier vienna sausage dinner ideas, go with a stew or grilled vienna sausage with sides like salad or mashed potatoes. They also work well in family meals when you’re cooking for a crowd.
What are some fun vienna sausage snack ideas or party appetizers?
If you’re looking for vienna sausage appetizer ideas, try making vienna sausage kabobs or pair them with cheese and crackers for a vienna sausage charcuterie setup. Vienna sausage picnic food is another crowd-pleaser, wrap them in puff pastry or serve vienna sausage dips with toothpicks. Vienna sausage snack ideas also work for potlucks, bento boxes, or even just a casual vienna sausage fried snack on movie night. Keep it simple, fun, and easy to grab.
Can I use vienna sausage in soup or curry recipes?
Yes, vienna sausage in soup or curry is a clever way to stretch a meal. Their mild flavor soaks up broth or sauce well, especially in a hearty vienna sausage stew or even a mild vienna sausage curry. Add chopped pieces to soup with noodles or rice, or try a vienna sausage gravy over mashed potatoes. These make comforting, easy vienna sausage dinner ideas, especially when you need something warm and filling without a ton of effort.
What are some vienna sausage cooking methods besides microwaving?
Beyond microwave vienna sausage, you can grill, boil, or pan fry them depending on your mood. Learning how to fry vienna sausage gives you a crispier bite, great for toppings or a vienna sausage hot dog. Try vienna sausage air fryer methods if you want them browned fast with less mess. These different vienna sausage cooking methods make it easier to keep meals interesting without doing too much work.
How can I pack vienna sausage for school lunch or work?
Vienna sausage school lunch ideas should be simple, safe, and easy to eat. Tuck a few into a vienna sausage bento box with rice, veggies, or fruit. Or wrap them in flatbread for a quick vienna sausage wrap. For grown-up lunches, vienna sausage for work lunch can mean a salad, a bowl of rice, or something like vienna sausage and beans with crackers. Just make sure it stays chilled or reheats well, depending on the dish.
What are some creative vienna sausage meal ideas for families?
For families, vienna sausage meal ideas should be fast, filling, and easy to change up. Try vienna sausage and vegetables in a stir-fry or a vienna sausage rice recipe. You can also make vienna sausage fried rice, vienna sausage casserole, or even a vienna sausage and tomato sauce pasta. These dishes work great for vienna sausage family meals or simple weeknight dinners where everyone’s hungry and time is short.
References
- https://www.foodrepublic.com/1814510/what-are-vienna-sausages-how-to-eat/
- https://www.tastingtable.com/1557343/uses-canned-vienna-sausages/
Related Articles
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-ground/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/how-to-cook-chicken-sausage-at-home/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-meals/
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I’m Mary R. Q. , a seasoned professional chef dedicated to elevating home cooking experiences. Through my expertise in the culinary arts, I provide practical cooking tips and insightful reviews of kitchen utensils on my blog, milkwoodrestaurant.com. As a passionate advocate for transforming everyday meals into extraordinary culinary adventures, I aim to empower home cooks with the knowledge and tools they need to create delicious and memorable dishes. I’m also an author of the book “1,001 Kitchen Tips & Tricks: Helpful Hints for Cooking, Baking, and Cleaning (1,001 Tips & Tricks)” which is sold on Amazon. Join me on a flavorful journey as we explore the art of cooking and the essential tools that make it a joy.
