If you’ve ever found yourself asking what is potato sausage, you’re not alone. This hearty, traditional dish is a hidden gem in the world of sausages, cherished for its comforting flavors and simple yet rich ingredients. Unlike the usual all-meat sausages, potato sausage blends finely diced potatoes with herbs, onions, and sometimes bacon or ground meat, all encased in a hog casing. Whether you know it as potatis korv in Sweden or just call it “grandma’s holiday sausage,” this delicacy is both versatile and delicious.
In this article, we’ll explore everything from the origin of potato sausage to how to make it at home using fresh, whole ingredients. You’ll discover popular serving ideas, cooking techniques, and variations that make this sausage a family favorite across generations. We’ll also answer common questions like “What do you eat with potato sausage?” and “Where did potato sausage originate?” So, whether you’re new to this dish or looking for a better way to prepare it, keep reading.
Table of Contents
Understanding Potato Sausage
What Is Potato Sausage?
If you’ve ever found yourself asking what is potato sausage, you’re not alone. This hearty, traditional dish is a hidden gem in the world of sausages, cherished for its comforting flavors and simple yet rich ingredients. Unlike typical meat-only sausages, potato sausage blends finely diced potatoes with herbs, onions, and often bacon or pork, all stuffed into a natural casing. Whether you know it as potatis korv in Sweden or just call it grandma’s sausage, this dish is both nostalgic and flavorful.
So, what is potato sausage at its core? It’s a combination of starchy vegetables and savory seasonings, sometimes with meat, that results in a satisfying, well-balanced sausage. It has a softer, more tender bite than standard bratwurst or kielbasa, with earthy potato notes and the aromatic kick of garlic, pepper, and herbs. This makes it perfect for festive gatherings, weeknight dinners, or breakfast platters.
In essence, potato sausage answers the question of what is potato sausage not only with ingredients, but with culture and history. It’s not just about what goes into the sausage—it’s about the tradition it represents.
How Potato Sausage Differs from Traditional Sausages
To really understand what is potato sausage, you have to compare it with more common sausages. Traditional sausages—like Italian, bratwurst, or breakfast links—rely almost entirely on meat, fat, and seasoning. Potato sausage, by contrast, is a clever blend of starch (usually potatoes), onions, garlic, herbs, and often a smaller amount of meat or bacon.
Let’s break down the key differences in the table below:
| Feature | Potato Sausage | Traditional Sausage |
|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredient | Potatoes + optional meat | Mostly meat |
| Texture | Soft, starchy interior | Firm, dense bite |
| Flavor | Mild, herby, earthy | Meaty, spicy, umami-rich |
| Preparation | Stuffed, steamed, then seared | Often grilled, fried, or smoked |
| Use Case | Holidays, homemade meals | Daily cooking, commercial |
The key takeaway when asking what is potato sausage is that it’s a budget-friendly, flavor-packed alternative to full-meat sausages. It stretches meat further, is lighter on the stomach, and highlights the natural flavors of fresh ingredients.
The History and Origin of Potato Sausage
Where Did Potato Sausage Originate?
Potato sausage has deep roots in Scandinavian and Eastern European culinary traditions, most notably in Sweden, where it’s known as potatis korv or värmlandskorv. It’s a dish that embodies resourcefulness—stretching limited meat supplies by blending them with filling and readily available ingredients like potatoes and onions.
The exact origin is difficult to trace, but it became widely recognized in Sweden during the 19th century. It was especially common during the Christmas season, when families would gather to prepare large batches together. The tradition involved using leftover pork and seasonal potatoes, making it not only practical but also a communal activity.
When Scandinavian immigrants moved to the United States in the late 1800s and early 1900s, they brought this beloved recipe with them. It took root in Midwestern states such as Minnesota and Wisconsin, where Swedish-American communities still make and serve it today—often during the holidays or church gatherings.
Swedish and European Sausage Traditions
In the context of sausage history, potato sausage stands out because of its vegetable-meat blend. While most traditional European sausages focus on meat preservation (through salting, drying, or fermenting), Swedish potato sausage was more about immediate consumption and using what was on hand.
Here’s how it compares to a few other traditional sausages:
| Sausage Type | Region | Key Ingredients | Preservation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potatis Korv (Potato Sausage) | Sweden | Potatoes, pork, onions, spices | Cooked fresh |
| Kielbasa | Poland | Pork, garlic, marjoram | Smoked or dried |
| Bratwurst | Germany | Pork/veal, nutmeg, caraway | Fresh, grilled |
| Boudin Blanc | France | Pork, rice, cream | Fresh, poached |
Potato Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (60 min steam + ~10 min pan sear)
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: dinner, Main Course, Sausage
- Method: Steaming, Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
If you’ve ever found yourself asking what is potato sausage, you’re not alone. This hearty, traditional dish is a hidden gem in the world of sausages, cherished for its comforting flavors and simple yet rich ingredients. Unlike the usual all-meat sausages, potato sausage blends finely diced potatoes with herbs, onions, and sometimes bacon or ground meat, all encased in a hog casing. Whether you know it as potatis korv in Sweden or just call it “grandma’s holiday sausage,” this delicacy is both versatile and delicious.
Ingredients
2 lbs potatoes peeled and diced about 3/8“
1/2 lb bacon cooked and chopped or diced
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt or to taste
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 medium onions peeled and diced about 1/4“
3 cloves garlic peeled and pressed
1 cup chopped fresh herbs any one or a combination of parsley, dill, green onion or chives, basil, and cilantro.
1 lb ground or diced meat optional; add 1 tsp of kosher salt if adding the meat; you may use chuck, chicken thighs, pork butt, etc.
For stuffing
5–6 feet hog casings
Instructions
Soak and rinse the hog casings.
Place the diced potatoes and the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
Stuff the potato mix into the hog casings, not too tightly, and tie them into two links of equal size. Prickle the top with a needle. Stuffing loosely and prickling will help prevent splitting during cooking.
Homemade chicken and potato sausage
Shape each link into a spiral.
Homemade potato sausage in a spiral.
Preheat the steamer. Steam both sausages if the size of the steamer allows, or one by one, for 60 minutes.
Potato sausage on a steamer
Remove the cooked sausages from the steamer and set them aside.
Potato-sausage-frying-on-pan
Preheat a skillet with a mix of 1 Tbsp butter and 1 Tbsp cooking oil. Sear the sausages over medium to medium-high heat until well-browned on each side, about a few minutes per side.
Enjoy hot from the pan, with your favorite side dish or a salad.
Notes
Any leftovers can be refrigerated and consumed cold the next day or re-heated.
When planning to consume cold, chill the cooked sausage to room temperature and immediately refrigerate in a clean container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage portion (⅛ of recipe)
- Calories: 222 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 636mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 19mg
Traditional Ingredients Used in Potato Sausage
What Are the Ingredients in Swedish Potato Sausage?
Before diving into the exact recipe, let’s answer the question: what is potato sausage made of? The traditional Swedish version—known as potatis korv—relies on simple, affordable ingredients that deliver rich flavor and comforting texture.
Whether you’re curious about what is potato sausage in its most authentic form or looking to modernize the recipe, here’s what you’ll typically find in a traditional batch:
- 2 lbs Potatoes, peeled and diced (~3/8” pieces)
- ½ lb Cooked Bacon, chopped or diced
- 1½ tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- ½ tsp Nutmeg, a Swedish spice essential
- 2 Medium Onions, diced small (~¼”)
- 3 Garlic Cloves, peeled and pressed
- 1 Cup Fresh Herbs, like parsley, dill, chives, or cilantro
- 1 lb Ground or Diced Meat (optional—pork butt, chicken thighs, chuck, etc.)
- 5–6 ft Natural Hog Casings for stuffing
If you’re still wondering what is potato sausage, it’s this blend of root vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and (optionally) meat, all encased in hog casings, then cooked in two stages—steamed and seared.
Optional Variations and Regional Additions
Just like every household defines what is potato sausage in its own way, there are countless regional tweaks. From spice changes to substitutions in herbs and fat sources, you’ll find endless ways to put your spin on the dish.
| Variation | Unique Add-Ins | Regional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spicy Potato Sausage | Red chili flakes, smoked paprika | Southern USA twist |
| Cheesy Version | Gruyère, white cheddar | Adds richness and gooey texture |
| Vegan Potato Sausage | Lentils, mushrooms, olive oil | Uses no meat or animal fat |
| Nordic-Style | Juniper berries, dill seeds | Traditional Swedish/Finish flavor |
| Modern Herb Blend | Cilantro, basil, scallions | Bright, fresh, and garden-inspired |
So if someone asks, what is potato sausage in your home, you might say it’s spicy and cheesy, or earthy and vegan. The beauty of this dish is in how it invites interpretation.
In fact, understanding what is potato sausage also means acknowledging its role in family tradition. Every grandmother, especially in Scandinavian households, has her own version. Some use a meatier ratio. Others focus on the potatoes, herbs, and a whisper of garlic.
Final Take: What Is Potato Sausage Made From?
To wrap it up, what is potato sausage? It’s a smart, delicious blend of potatoes, onions, garlic, herbs, and sometimes meat—mixed and stuffed into a casing, then steamed and browned. What makes it special is that it turns low-cost ingredients into a festive, flavorful centerpiece.
Whether you follow the classic Swedish method or explore modern takes, your version of potato sausage can be tailored to your taste, dietary needs, or heritage.
How to Make Homemade Potato Sausage
Preparing Ingredients and Tools
Making homemade potato sausage may seem old-fashioned, but it’s a simple and satisfying process that starts with prepping your ingredients correctly. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you begin:
Essential Ingredients:
- 2 lbs of peeled and diced potatoes (cut to about 3/8″)
- ½ lb bacon, chopped after cooking
- 2 medium onions, diced finely (about ¼”)
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed
- 1½ tsp kosher salt (2½ tsp if adding meat)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup fresh chopped herbs (mix parsley, dill, chives, basil, cilantro)
- Optional: 1 lb of ground or diced meat (like pork butt, chuck, or chicken thighs)
For Stuffing:
- 5–6 feet of hog casings, thoroughly soaked and rinsed
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large mixing bowl
- Sausage stuffer (manual or stand mixer attachment)
- Steamer or large steaming pot
- Skillet for browning
- Cooking oil and butter for frying
- Kitchen twine or string for tying links
- Needle or pin for prickling sausages
Before you begin stuffing, make sure your hog casings are soaked in warm water and rinsed multiple times to remove excess salt and odor. This helps them stay flexible and less prone to tearing.
Step-by-Step Stuffing and Cooking Process
Now let’s dive into the process of turning those ingredients into golden spirals of potato sausage.
Step 1: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, cooked bacon, diced onions, pressed garlic, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and chopped herbs. If you’re using meat, add it in now along with an extra teaspoon of salt.
Mix everything thoroughly by hand or with a spoon to make sure the seasoning and ingredients are well-distributed.
Step 2: Stuff the Sausage Casings
Using a sausage stuffer, gently fill the hog casings with your mixture. Don’t overstuff—leave a bit of room for expansion during cooking. Tie each end securely and shape into spirals or links as desired.
Step 3: Prickle to Prevent Splitting
Using a clean needle or pin, prick the surface of the sausages. This allows steam to escape during cooking and prevents the casings from bursting.
Step 4: Steam the Sausages
Preheat your steamer. Steam the sausages (both at once if space allows, or one by one) for 60 minutes. This step cooks the potatoes thoroughly and firms up the casing.
Step 5: Sear to Finish
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausages and brown each side for a few minutes until golden and crisp.
| Cooking Stage | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steaming | Medium heat | 60 mins | Fully cook the interior |
| Searing | Medium-high | 3–5 mins/side | Creates crispy texture |
Cooking Methods for Potato Sausage
Steaming and Searing Explained
When learning what is potato sausage, you’ll quickly find that its cooking method plays a major role in how it tastes. Unlike conventional sausages that are often grilled or boiled, potato sausage is best prepared with a combination of steaming and pan-searing.
This dual method helps preserve the tenderness of the potatoes inside while creating a crispy, golden-brown surface outside. It’s one of the clearest ways to understand what is potato sausage and how its cooking method differs from traditional all-meat links.
Step 1: Steaming
Steaming is a gentle, controlled way to ensure the sausage cooks through without drying out. The moist heat penetrates the casing and slowly softens the potato mixture, locking in the flavors of garlic, herbs, bacon, and meat.
- How to steam it: Place the sausage spiral (or links) into a preheated steamer. Cover and cook for 60 minutes. This slow cook ensures everything inside—especially the potatoes—is fully tender.
| Steaming Benefits |
|---|
| Prevents casing from bursting |
| Retains moisture and flavor |
| Fully cooks starchy ingredients |
| Preserves structure for searing |
If you’re wondering what is potato sausage like after steaming—it’s fully cooked but still pale and soft on the outside. That’s why the next step is key.
Step 2: Pan-Searing
After steaming, your potato sausage needs that final touch: a golden, crisp crust. This is achieved by searing it in a hot skillet with oil and butter.
- How to sear it: Heat 1 tablespoon butter + 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet. Sear both sides of the sausage until it’s deeply browned—about 3–5 minutes per side.
- Best results tip: Use a cast-iron pan and avoid crowding. Let the sausage sit undisturbed on each side to develop that beautiful, crusty finish.
That crispy finish is part of the answer to what is potato sausage at its best—tender inside, crackly outside, and full of herby, savory aroma.
Tips to Avoid Casing Splits and Dry Texture
If you’ve ever tried making sausage and had the casing split or the filling dry out, you’re not alone. Here’s how to fix that—especially when cooking something as unique as potato sausage.
To better understand what is potato sausage supposed to feel like, think: juicy but not soggy, firm but not rubbery.
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Casing splits | Don’t overstuff; prick with a needle before cooking |
| Dry filling | Include bacon or meat for added fat |
| Burnt exterior | Use medium heat when searing; don’t rush the crust |
| Mushy texture | Dice potatoes uniformly and steam slowly |
Even in the reheating stage, you’ll want to retain that contrast—soft, flavorful interior and crispy exterior. This texture is central to what is potato sausage, and what makes it a standout dish for family meals or celebrations.
What to Serve with Potato Sausage
What Do You Eat with Potato Sausage?
One of the best things about potato sausage is how incredibly versatile it is. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy winter dinner or on a holiday platter, this hearty dish pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides. Since it’s already rich in flavor and starch, the best side dishes add either a pop of brightness, acidity, or texture.
Here are classic and modern sides to serve with potato sausage:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Sauerkraut | Cuts through the richness with tang and crunch |
| Lingonberry Jam | A sweet-tart contrast that’s traditional in Sweden |
| Buttered Green Beans | Light and fresh with just enough flavor |
| Roasted Root Vegetables | Adds color and caramelized depth |
| Boiled Red Potatoes or Mashed Potatoes | Comforting and traditional |
| Mustard or Horseradish Sauce | Adds zing and spice |
| Simple Green Salad with Vinaigrette | Refreshing and palate-cleansing |
| Buttery Egg Noodles or Pasta | A soft texture that complements sausage well |
Side Dishes, Sauces, and Pairings
Let’s break it down further into meal ideas:
- Holiday Plate: Serve with sauerkraut, lingonberry jam, and creamy mashed potatoes.
- Brunch Setup: Slices of seared potato sausage with fried eggs, sautéed greens, and sourdough toast.
- Weeknight Dinner: A bowl of buttered egg noodles, steamed broccoli, and mustard dipping sauce.
- Scandi-Inspired Lunch: Cold slices of sausage on rye bread with pickled cucumbers and dill aioli.
Here’s a sample meal combination that’s both balanced and traditional:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Main | Steamed & seared potato sausage |
| Vegetable | Roasted carrots and parsnips |
| Starch | Mashed potatoes or sweet potato mash |
| Sauce | Swedish-style mustard cream or lingonberry preserve |
| Drink | Sparkling water or light beer |
Nutrition and Health Considerations
Is Potato Sausage Healthy?
Whether or not potato sausage is considered healthy really depends on the ingredients you choose and how it’s prepared. Traditionally, this dish was made to stretch a small amount of meat with hearty, inexpensive fillers like potatoes and onions. That alone makes it lower in saturated fat and calories than many all-meat sausages.
Let’s take a closer look at the approximate nutrition per serving (assuming one 5-oz cooked link with bacon, no added meat):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280–320 |
| Protein | 7–12g |
| Carbohydrates | 22–30g |
| Fat | 18–22g |
| Fiber | 2–3g |
| Sodium | 400–600mg |
Key Health Highlights:
- Lower in fat than most traditional sausages if made without added ground meat.
- Gluten-free when using fresh whole ingredients and clean casings.
- Good fiber source thanks to the potatoes and herbs.
- Contains less cholesterol than pork-heavy alternatives.
- Naturally preservative-free when made at home.
If you opt for added ground pork or beef, the fat and calorie content will increase. But by adjusting the meat-to-potato ratio, you can easily customize it to suit your health goals.
Modifications for Low-Fat or Gluten-Free Diets
Homemade potato sausage is incredibly adaptable to modern dietary needs. Here are simple modifications to suit various lifestyles:
| Dietary Need | Modification |
|---|---|
| Low-Fat | Skip bacon and meat entirely, use more herbs for flavor |
| Dairy-Free | Naturally dairy-free—just avoid cream-based sauces as sides |
| Gluten-Free | Stick with whole potatoes and double-check casings are pure hog (not wheat-based alternatives) |
| Low Sodium | Reduce salt by 25% and balance with extra garlic and herbs |
| Keto-Friendly | Swap potatoes for diced cauliflower or radishes, and use pork as base |
| Vegan | Omit bacon/meat and use vegan casing or shape as patties |
By controlling the ingredients, you can turn potato sausage into a wholesome, well-rounded dish. Pairing it with a light salad, fermented veggies, or a vinegar-based sauce further improves its nutrition value.
Popular Variations and Modern Twists
Adding Meats, Herbs, and Spices
If you want to elevate your version of potato sausage or help others understand what is potato sausage beyond tradition, look no further than customizations. This dish may have humble roots, but modern cooks have taken it in delicious new directions.
When someone asks, “What is potato sausage with a twist?”—it could mean anything from spicy chorizo-style blends to a mild herbed version with sweet potatoes and fresh thyme.
Here are some creative ways to customize your sausage filling:
| Add-In | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Ground pork or beef | Adds protein and classic sausage texture |
| Diced chicken thighs | Lightens the dish, balances herbs |
| Sweet potatoes or carrots | Offer natural sweetness and color |
| Gruyère or cheddar cheese | Boosts richness, adds creaminess |
| Red pepper flakes or paprika | Introduces bold heat |
| Caraway or fennel seeds | Offers aromatic, European flair |
Each variation redefines what is potato sausage, turning it into something unique and personal. Adding different herbs—like cilantro, basil, or green onions—can brighten the flavor while still staying true to the core of this comfort food.
Vegan and Vegetarian Potato Sausage Options
For those who don’t eat meat, the question of what is potato sausage becomes even more intriguing. Can it be vegan? Absolutely.
Vegan versions of potato sausage are gaining popularity and offer all the flavor with none of the animal products. By replacing meat with hearty plant-based ingredients, you can achieve a satisfying bite that still honors the dish’s tradition.
Key vegan swaps:
- Lentils or mushrooms for texture
- Olive oil instead of bacon fat
- Nutritional yeast for umami
- Vegan sausage casings or no casing (form into patties or logs)
| Vegan Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Mashed chickpeas | Protein + starchy filler |
| Flax meal + water | Natural binder |
| Liquid smoke | Mimics smoky bacon |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | Adds depth |
| Chopped nuts or oats | Adds bite + texture variety |
What makes vegan potato sausage shine is how it redefines what is potato sausage for the modern plate—healthier, planet-friendly, and still delicious.
FAQs what is potato sausage
What is a potato sausage?
A potato sausage is a traditional Scandinavian-style sausage made with diced or grated potatoes, onions, and often a mix of bacon or ground meat. It’s usually seasoned with herbs and spices, then stuffed into hog casings and steamed before being pan-fried. The result is a hearty, soft-textured sausage with a mildly herby flavor, perfect for holidays or comfort meals.
What do you eat with potato sausage?
Potato sausage pairs well with sauerkraut, lingonberry jam, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. For a lighter touch, serve it with a fresh green salad or dill vinaigrette. You can also enjoy it with eggs for breakfast or layer it on rustic bread for an open-faced sandwich.
Where did potato sausage originate?
Potato sausage originated in Sweden, where it’s called potatis korv or värmlandskorv. It was a traditional dish created to make meat go further during the winter months by combining it with potatoes and onions. Immigrants later brought the recipe to the U.S., especially to Midwestern states like Minnesota.
What are the ingredients in Swedish potato sausage?
The core ingredients include diced potatoes, cooked bacon or pork, onions, garlic, black pepper, salt, nutmeg, and fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Everything is mixed and stuffed into hog casings, steamed, then seared to a golden finish. Some recipes include ground meat or regional twists like caraway seeds.
Conclusion what is potato sausage
So, what is potato sausage? It’s more than just a meal—it’s a flavorful connection to heritage, tradition, and hearty home cooking. Whether you stick with the classic Swedish version or experiment with spicy, cheesy, or even vegan twists, potato sausage offers a unique balance of comfort and creativity.
Making it at home is not only rewarding but also customizable to your taste and dietary needs. From stuffing the casings to steaming and searing, every step invites you to take part in a timeless tradition. So grab your potatoes, fire up the skillet, and savor a dish that’s stood the test of time.
Looking for more wholesome inspiration? Check out our stuffed kulcha recipe, BBQ sausage pasta
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