Pellet Fan

Here's How I.... => Cook Pork => Topic started by: Free Mr. Tony on October 14, 2017, 09:53:49 AM

Title: Pizza sausage
Post by: Free Mr. Tony on October 14, 2017, 09:53:49 AM
I've mentioned this sausage in a few posts on pelletheads, and possibly here. I'm not sure how prevalent this type of pizza sausage is around the country, but many of the mom and pop style pizza places in the Midwest serve a very loose and crumbly sausage that is spread generously over the top of the cheese. I always wondered how they got that unique texture, and how it was spread so heavily without a ton of grease. 

It just so happened that a family friend used to run one of those style pizzerias. He very kindly gave me the recipe, and, most importantly, the process. I scaled down their 50 pound batch to a 5 pound version.

2268 grams pork butt
34 grams salt
17 grams fennel
5.5 grams black pepper
4.25 grams red pepper flakes
8 oz textured vegetable protein (tvp)

Cube the pork, freeze for about an hour, then grind with the small plate.

(https://i.imgur.com/NexogT8l.jpg)

Add the TVP and the rest of the dry ingredients to a food processor. Give it a couple few second bursts.

(https://i.imgur.com/lUhiZY8l.png)

Mix the ground meat with the dry ingredients

(https://i.imgur.com/azYNroLl.jpg)

Mix until combined, and a small patty will stick to your inverted palm. Then form into a loaf in a half pan. Leave about 1 inch of space around the perimeter of the pan. Pour water in the pan until it is about halfway up the sides of the pan.

(https://i.imgur.com/DKXeQ2wl.jpg)

Cover with foil. Cut several slits in the foil.

(https://i.imgur.com/zJg718Ml.jpg)

Bake at 300 until internal temp hits about 160.

(https://i.imgur.com/TWF9z1cl.jpg)

Drain the water/grease from pan, then cool overnight in fridge. The next morning break up the loaf into clumps, and grind through the COURSE plate.

(https://i.imgur.com/wbNFGJnl.jpg)

Now you have about 5 pounds of delicious, and super fluffy sausage that can be used in a variety of ways. I freeze in 1 pound vac sealed packs.

(https://i.imgur.com/xOTIFJWl.jpg)





Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: Bar-B-Lew on October 14, 2017, 10:09:53 AM
That is pretty interesting.  My wife prefers that type of sausage on her pizza.
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: Quadman750 on October 14, 2017, 10:40:01 AM
I like it on pizza as well, it’s like a Italian blend
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: pz on October 14, 2017, 01:16:34 PM
Looks great, FMT.  I like fresh sausage like that as well as a meaty ingredient in boxed turkey stuffing for a quick but delicious dinner.
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: hughver on October 14, 2017, 02:30:43 PM
I especially like pizza sausage and have been looking for a good recipe. I've got a rather large butt in the refrigerator that I'll give your recipe a try. However, I like my sausage in larger chunks so I'll probably not do the second grind. Thanks for the recipe.
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: Bentley on October 14, 2017, 02:57:41 PM
Never seen it used!
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: Free Mr. Tony on October 14, 2017, 04:13:22 PM
I especially like pizza sausage and have been looking for a good recipe. I've got a rather large butt in the refrigerator that I'll give your recipe a try. However, I like my sausage in larger chunks so I'll probably not do the second grind. Thanks for the recipe.

Just so you know, once it's cooked and cooled in the loaf form it is a very thick mass. You could obviously cut into chunks,  but not sure how appealing the resulting texture would be. Let me know if you try it.
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: hughver on October 14, 2017, 04:44:02 PM
Just so you know, once it's cooked and cooled in the loaf form it is a very thick mass. You could obviously cut into chunks,  but not sure how appealing the resulting texture would be. Let me know if you try it.

I know it's pork but I assumed that the texture would be similar to meat loaf when hot. My thought was that I'd break it up into pieces then cool. Also, I think that I'll use the larger grinding disc. I'm going to the WA-ASU football game later today but I'll give it a shot tomorrow.
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: Bentley on October 14, 2017, 05:08:18 PM
I think Olive Garden makes a sausage soup...wonder if they do something like this...
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: Free Mr. Tony on October 14, 2017, 06:09:27 PM
Just so you know, once it's cooked and cooled in the loaf form it is a very thick mass. You could obviously cut into chunks,  but not sure how appealing the resulting texture would be. Let me know if you try it.

I know it's pork but I assumed that the texture would be similar to meat loaf when hot. My thought was that I'd break it up into pieces then cool. Also, I think that I'll use the larger grinding disc. I'm going to the WA-ASU football game later today but I'll give it a shot tomorrow.

That may work. I've never broke it up right after cooking. Have fun at the game.
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: Free Mr. Tony on October 14, 2017, 06:18:54 PM
I think Olive Garden makes a sausage soup...wonder if they do something like this...

Never had it. Sounds good though. I'm typically pretty good at copy catting restaurant items I like. This sausage texture mystified me for years. Never could get it quite right. Never would have thought of loaf cookikg it, then grinding after it was cooked. That and the TVP seems to give it the non greasy attribute. Was really thankful the guy shared his family recipe.
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: Maineac on October 15, 2017, 04:11:47 AM
I think Olive Garden makes a sausage soup...wonder if they do something like this...

Never had it. Sounds good though. I'm typically pretty good at copy catting restaurant items I like. This sausage texture mystified me for years. Never could get it quite right. Never would have thought of loaf cookikg it, then grinding after it was cooked. That and the TVP seems to give it the non greasy attribute. Was really thankful the guy shared his family recipe.

Thank you for sharing it with us.
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: hughver on October 15, 2017, 11:12:52 AM
Have fun at the game.

I did not have fun at the game!  :'(   (ASU-13, WA-7)
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: Darwin on October 15, 2017, 12:45:47 PM
Have fun at the game.

I did not have fun at the game!  :'(
I was expecting a blow out by Washington and Auburn.  Glad I don't bet, it's a strange year...
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: Bobitis on October 15, 2017, 12:52:23 PM
I dunno what it is about pizza sausage, but I hate it. And all pizza makers seem to make it (or use) the same. :puke:
The fennel maybe? I like it well enough in other dishes.

Weird...


Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: Free Mr. Tony on October 15, 2017, 01:13:21 PM
I dunno what it is about pizza sausage, but I hate it. And all pizza makers seem to make it (or use) the same. :puke:
The fennel maybe? I like it well enough in other dishes.

Weird...

I'm guessing it's the fennel. Has a sort of licorice flavor that many people do not care for. This sausage is definitely not for you. That is the main flavor that comes through, with some heat on the back end from the pepper flakes.
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: Bentley on October 15, 2017, 01:17:58 PM
Most pizza sausage is "Italian" sausage, so, yeah....
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: Bobitis on October 15, 2017, 01:21:57 PM
Most pizza sausage is "Italian" sausage, so, yeah....

No pizza for me in Italy then. Good thing they have sardines...
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: Bentley on October 15, 2017, 03:04:50 PM
They have lots without the anise and fennel, I bet there are several you would love!  I think you would like Tuscan or a Luganeca.
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: hughver on October 15, 2017, 03:08:59 PM
FMT, Does the textured vegetable protein add anything to the flavor or is it just for filler/texture?
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: Free Mr. Tony on October 15, 2017, 03:37:28 PM
FMT, Does the textured vegetable protein add anything to the flavor or is it just for filler/texture?

Never made it without, but I believe its basically in there as a grease sponge. When the fat renders in the sausage the TVP kind of absorbs it so that it doesn't run out on your pizza, sausage roll, sandwich, etc. Flavor wise, can't imagine it adds anything.
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: Free Mr. Tony on October 15, 2017, 05:58:58 PM
Made some French bread pizza tonight using a little of the sausage. These are delicious. I don't make them enough. Toasted the Italian loaf in the oven at 350 for about 7 minutes.

(https://i.imgur.com/AqNkP2Hl.jpg)

Topped one side with sweet baby rays, roasted chicken, and a mozzarella parm blend for the kids. The other half got marinara, the cheese, boars head natural casing pepperoni, red onion, and a big handful of the pizza sausage.

(https://i.imgur.com/GIDaESEl.jpg)

Baked at 350 for about 20 minutes.

(https://i.imgur.com/5RUFwv2l.jpg)

No extra pics, but I sprinkle mine with red pepper flakes, parm, and then dip in extra marinara and ranch.

Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: Maineac on October 15, 2017, 09:01:06 PM
Oh man!  That looks awesome!  I'm in.
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: pz on October 16, 2017, 11:36:11 AM
Dang, I could go for a loaf of that right now  ;)
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: RoadKing on October 29, 2017, 02:41:59 PM
One of my favorite pizzas is from Marion’s. It uses a cracker style crust popular in some Midwest regions , and the sausage you refer to. It is a crispy “cracker” style crust. I’ll check next time, but I think there is no fennel in the sausage. Others like it include Cassanos and Donatos. If you are a fan of pizza and are visiting the Midwest , you should seek out this style and give it a try.
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: Free Mr. Tony on October 30, 2017, 10:39:48 AM
One of my favorite pizzas is from Marion’s. It uses a cracker style crust popular in some Midwest regions , and the sausage you refer to. It is a crispy “cracker” style crust. I’ll check next time, but I think there is no fennel in the sausage. Others like it include Cassanos and Donatos. If you are a fan of pizza and are visiting the Midwest , you should seek out this style and give it a try.

That looks great! Here in Fort Wayne the main place that serves that type is called pizza king. Lately, the style seems to be making quite a comeback as "tavern" style. I first read of tavern in a book a couple years ago, and have heard it many times since then on different videos and such.
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: FSUwelder1212 on January 10, 2018, 10:14:06 AM
FMT, I’m like you and hate the fennel. It stinks because I love Italian sausage until I bite into one of those seeds/pods? I have yet to find anywhere that doesn’t put it in their Italian sausage.

RoadKing, I’m gonna take a wild guess that you live in the Dayton area of Ohio? I lived around there for 5-6 years and have to say Marion’s is about the absolute worst pizza I’ve ever had, the only people that seemed to like it were Dayton natives. The heinousness of that pizza is only second to eating goetta, another of those Ohio “specialties”. Funny how regional tastes can be so different.
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: Bentley on January 10, 2018, 01:27:47 PM
I missed that Marion's (my Moms name so I am bias) pie on the 1st go round...That looks like a Me n Ed's from Fresno, best Pizzas ever made. Or should I say best pizza ever made in the 1970's!
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: RoadKing on January 12, 2018, 11:04:49 PM
FMT, I’m like you and hate the fennel. It stinks because I love Italian sausage until I bite into one of those seeds/pods? I have yet to find anywhere that doesn’t put it in their Italian sausage.

RoadKing, I’m gonna take a wild guess that you live in the Dayton area of Ohio? I lived around there for 5-6 years and have to say Marion’s is about the absolute worst pizza I’ve ever had, the only people that seemed to like it were Dayton natives. The heinousness of that pizza is only second to eating goetta, another of those Ohio “specialties”. Funny how regional tastes can be so different.

I grew up in Dayton. I’m in Cincinnati now. Regional tastes are a funny thing for sure. It took me years to like Skyline Chili. I’m not putting any effort into trying to like Goetta though. I am curious to know exactly why Marion’s ranks so low for you. Specifically. I have heard some good reasons why people don’t like it. The main reason I like it is the sausage, as described in this thread, and the thin cracker crust. Did you have Cassano’s or Donato’s? They are similar.
Title: Re: Pizza sausage
Post by: Bentley on January 12, 2018, 11:37:34 PM
I knew it, that picture did not lie.  Just like Me n Ed's!

...and the thin cracker crust.