THREE WAYS TO CREATIVELY USE ONE PACK OF UNCLE CHARLEY’S SWEET ITALIAN SAUSAGE

We all love our Sweet Italian Sausage, and wanted to find some new ways to feature it on the dinner table. After some taste testing – ok, maybe a lot of it, it was too good to stop – we came up with these three recipes that really take this classic sausage up to the next level! 

Italian Macaroni and Cheese with Sweet Italian Sausage

Everyone loves macaroni and cheese, so why not jeuje it up a bit with some Uncle Charley’s Sweet Italian Sausage? It’s a hearty meal that’s sure to steal the spotlight at your dinner table, especially on a cold February day!

Ingredients

1 package of Uncle Charley’s Sweet Italian Sausage, crumbled

8 oz. uncooked macaroni

½ c. onion, chopped

¼ c. bell pepper 

2 T. all-purpose flour

½ t. salt

1 ½ c. milk

2 c. sharp cheddar, shredded and divided

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and lightly grease a 1 ½ quart casserole dish. Cook the macaroni in lightly salted water, then drain.
2. In a skillet, saute the onion, bell pepper, and Uncle Charley’s Sweet Italian Sausage. Pour off the excess fat, then add the salt and flour. Slowly begin to add milk, stirring to thicken.
3. Once milk has been fully added, add the drained macaroni to the mix, followed by one cup of the cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly to mix.
4. Transfer the sausage and macaroni mixture to the casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on the top. Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top has browned. 
5. Enjoy!

Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo

Who says you have to go to New Orleans to get some good gumbo? We have the perfect recipe to bring the party straight to your table!

Ingredients

1 package of Uncle Charley’s Sweet Italian Sausage, crumbled

4 T. butter

¼ c. all-purpose flour

1 small yellow onion, chopped

2 celery ribs, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1 T. cajun seasoning (without salt)

Salt and pepper

1 bay leaf

1 15-oz. can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

4 c. chicken broth

1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 green onions, sliced, for garnish

Cooked white rice, for serving

Directions

1. In a large, deep skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter and add flour. Stir constantly until it turns a deep caramel color, for about 10 minutes.
2. Add onions, pepper, and celery, stirring until softened. Then add garlic, sausage, cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in bay leaf, chicken broth, and and fire-roasted tomatoes, bringing mixture to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer until thickened, for about one hour. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the shrimp and cook until pink. 
4. Serve over the rice with green onions for garnish. Enjoy!

Garlic Butter and Sausage Subs

Bread, garlic, butter, cheese, Italian sausage? Honestly, what more could you possibly want on your plate? You might want to make extras of this recipe – everyone is guaranteed to come back for seconds with it on the menu! 

Ingredients 

1 package of Uncle Charley’s Sweet Italian Sausage, crumbled

½ stick unsalted butter, room temperature

2 cloves garlic, finely grated

¼ c. parsley, chopped

¼ t. salt

4 sub rolls

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

2 c. marinara sauce

8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ c. basil leaves, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. In a small bowl, combine the garlic, butter, parsley, and salt. Split your rolls lengthwise, leaving a hinge on the back and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Spread the cut sides with the mixture, baking until golden (around eight minutes).
2. Meanwhile, heat your oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and brown, breaking it into small pieces. Add marinara sauce and stir until warmed through.
3. Spoon the sausage mixture into rolls and top with cheese, returning to the oven until the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with basil and serve!

We hope you love these sweet Italian sausage recipes! Take pictures and be sure to share your twists on these meals with us – you never know when one might pop up to be shared with the rest of the Uncle Charley’s family 😉