Roger Wood Sausage

Mastering Roger Wood Sausage: A Complete Guide

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Roger Wood sausages have been a southern breakfast staple since 1936, bringing that distinctive smokehouse flavor to tables across America. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering these flavorful pork sausages, this guide will help you make the most of this classic breakfast meat.

Roger Wood Sausage

Introduction

Roger Wood Foods has built its reputation on quality smoked meats, with their sausages being particularly popular. Based in Savannah, Georgia, the company has maintained traditional smoking and curing methods while evolving to meet modern tastes. Their sausages come in several varieties, from mild breakfast links to spicier smoked options, all delivering that authentic Southern flavor.

What makes these sausages special is their perfectly balanced seasoning and the genuine smokehouse flavor that’s hard to replicate. In this guide, we’ll explore how to select, prepare, and serve Roger Wood sausages to achieve the best results every time.

Ingredients

While the specific blend of spices in Roger Wood sausages remains their proprietary secret, here’s what you’ll need to create a complete meal featuring these sausages:

For Basic Sausage Preparation:

  • 1 package Roger Wood sausage (links or patties)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (if pan-frying)
  • Water (if using the simmer method)

For a Complete Southern Breakfast:

  • Roger Wood sausages
  • Eggs (prepared to your preference)
  • Grits or hash browns
  • Biscuits or toast
  • Coffee or sweet tea

For Sausage and Peppers:

  • Roger Wood smoked sausage
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Execution

Roger Wood sausages are versatile and can be prepared several ways. Here are the most popular methods:

Pan-Frying Method (for links or patties):

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil
  2. Add the sausages to the pan
  3. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning
  4. Sausages should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C)
  5. Pat with a paper towel to remove excess grease if desired

Simmering Method (for links):

  1. Place sausages in a deep skillet or pot
  2. Add enough water to cover the sausages halfway
  3. Bring to a simmer and cook covered for 8-10 minutes
  4. Remove cover, increase heat slightly and continue cooking until water evaporates
  5. Allow sausages to brown in their own rendered fat for 2-3 minutes
  6. This method helps reduce shrinkage and ensures juicy results

Oven Baking Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
  2. Place sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
  3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through
  4. Ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C)

Grilling Method (for smoked sausage):

  1. Preheat grill to medium heat
  2. Place sausages on the grill
  3. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally
  4. Look for nice grill marks and an internal temperature of 160°F

Classic Sausage and Peppers Recipe:

  1. Slice Roger Wood smoked sausage into 1/2-inch rounds
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
  3. Add sliced peppers and onions, cooking until they begin to soften (5-7 minutes)
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
  5. Add sliced sausage to the skillet
  6. Cook everything together for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste
  8. Serve over rice or in hoagie rolls for a complete meal

Additional Tips

Selection and Storage:

  • Check the expiration date when purchasing
  • Store unopened packages in the refrigerator for up to two weeks
  • Once opened, use within 7 days
  • Roger Wood sausages can be frozen for up to 2 months
  • Thaw frozen sausages in the refrigerator overnight before cooking

Flavor Enhancement:

  • For extra flavor, try adding a splash of beer when simmering the sausages
  • A teaspoon of maple syrup added while cooking breakfast links adds a sweet note
  • Smoked sausages pair excellently with a mustard-based dipping sauce
  • Try incorporating diced Roger Wood sausage into scrambled eggs or breakfast casseroles

Nutrition Considerations:

  • Pair with fresh fruit to balance the meal
  • If watching fat intake, the baking method uses less added fat
  • Turkey or chicken sausage varieties have lower fat content if available
  • Blot cooked sausages with a paper towel to remove excess grease

Regional Pairings:

  • In the South, serve with grits and red-eye gravy
  • In the Northeast, pair with sautéed green peppers and onions
  • In the Midwest, serve alongside potato pancakes
  • For a Louisiana twist, add to jambalaya or gumbo

Conclusion

Roger Wood sausages bring authentic southern flavor to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving them as part of a hearty breakfast, incorporating them into a pasta dish, or featuring them as the star of a weeknight dinner, their versatility and consistent quality make them a reliable kitchen staple.

The key to success with Roger Wood sausages is proper cooking to enhance their natural flavors while ensuring food safety. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to enjoy these sausages at their best.

For more tips on southern cooking techniques, check out our article on perfecting your southern breakfast or explore our complete guide to regional American sausages.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy Roger Wood sausages? Let us know in the comments below!

Related Articles: Easy Homemade Beef Sausage

This blog post is not sponsored by or affiliated with Roger Wood Foods. All recommendations are based on personal experience and research.

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