Pickled Eggs, Sausage, and Onions is a classic dish that’s perfect for picnics, parties, or simply as a savory snack. With its tangy, vinegary punch combined with the savory goodness of sausage and onions, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare. If you’re craving something unique yet comforting, this recipe will become a favorite in no time!
Ingredients:
- 6 hard-boiled eggs
- 1 pound of your favorite sausage (smoked, Italian, or breakfast sausage)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 garlic clove, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
- Hard Boil the Eggs: Start by boiling the eggs. Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let them cook for about 10-12 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and allow them to cool.
- Cook the Sausage: While the eggs are cooling, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the sausage, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Pickling Liquid: In a separate saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, mustard seeds, peppercorns, salt, garlic, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the Onions: In a separate bowl, add the thinly sliced onions. If you want to mellow the onions’ sharpness, you can soak them in ice water for 10-15 minutes.
- Assemble the Dish: Once the eggs have cooled, peel them carefully. Place them in a clean jar or container. Add the cooked sausage and sliced onions around the eggs.
- Pickling Process: Pour the hot pickling liquid over the eggs, sausage, and onions. Make sure everything is submerged. Seal the jar tightly and allow it to cool. Once cool, refrigerate the mixture for at least 24 hours, though it tastes even better after 2-3 days when the flavors have fully developed.
Serving Suggestions: Pickled Eggs, Sausage, and Onions can be enjoyed as a hearty snack, a side dish for sandwiches, or served alongside cheese and crackers for a delicious appetizer. The pickled eggs are tangy and bold, while the sausage and onions add a savory and satisfying bite. The longer the eggs sit in the brine, the more flavorful they become, making it a perfect dish to prepare ahead of time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple Ingredients: Just a few basic ingredients come together to create a dish full of flavor.
- Make-Ahead Dish: Pickled Eggs, Sausage, and Onions improves in taste after sitting for a couple of days in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option.
- Versatile: Serve it as a snack, appetizer, or even as part of a hearty meal. This dish is perfect for many occasions.
Storage Tips: Store your Pickled Eggs, Sausage, and Onions in an airtight jar or container in the fridge. They will last for up to 1-2 weeks, though the flavors will continue to intensify over time. Enjoy the tangy, savory goodness each time you dive into this unique recipe.
Serving Tips for Pickled Eggs, Sausage & Onions:
- Appetizer Platter: Serve this dish as part of a charcuterie board. Pair it with crackers, sliced cheeses, and some olives for a savory spread.
- On Sandwiches: The tangy, pickled eggs and savory sausage make a great addition to sandwiches or wraps. Try it with mustard, lettuce, and your favorite bread for a simple but flavorful meal.
- Salad Topper: Slice the pickled eggs and sausage, and use them as a topping for salads. The tangy eggs and smoky sausage add depth to a light salad.
- Snack Time: Enjoy them on their own as a quick and satisfying snack. Pair with a cold drink for a refreshing, savory treat.
- Breakfast Side Dish: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, toast, and bacon for a hearty breakfast with a twist.
Storage Tips for Pickled Eggs, Sausage & Onions:
- Refrigeration: Store your Pickled Eggs, Sausage, and Onions in an airtight jar or container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 1-2 weeks.
- Flavor Development: For the best flavor, allow the dish to sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before eating, though 2-3 days of marinating is ideal to let the flavors fully develop.
- Avoid Freezing: Pickled eggs do not freeze well. Freezing may affect their texture, making them rubbery once thawed. It’s best to enjoy them fresh and refrigerated.
- Stir Occasionally: If you’re storing this in a jar, gently shake or stir the ingredients every couple of days to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your Pickled Eggs, Sausage & Onions stay fresh and flavorful for the longest time, while also making the most out of the tangy, savory combination!
- How long should I let the Pickled Eggs, Sausage & Onions sit before eating? It’s best to let the dish sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours, but for optimal flavor, allow it to marinate for 2-3 days. This gives the ingredients time to absorb the pickling liquid and develop a richer taste.
- Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe? Absolutely! You can use any type of sausage you prefer—smoked, Italian, breakfast, or even kielbasa. Each variety will give the dish a unique flavor profile, so feel free to experiment with your favorite sausage.
- How should I store Pickled Eggs, Sausage & Onions? Store the dish in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 1-2 weeks. Just make sure everything is submerged in the pickling liquid to preserve the flavors.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party or gathering? Yes! In fact, Pickled Eggs, Sausage & Onions is an excellent make-ahead dish. Prepare it a few days before your event and let it sit in the fridge to allow the flavors to develop. It’s a perfect dish for picnics, parties, or as a pre-meal appetizer!
Pickled Eggs Sausage & Onions
This Pickled Eggs, Sausage, and Onions recipe combines tangy pickled eggs, smoky sausage, and sweet onions in a flavorful brine. It’s a perfect snack, appetizer, or addition to charcuterie boards, delivering a bold punch of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 3 days to 1 week
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Makes about 12 servings
- For the pickled ingredients:
- 12 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
- 1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage or kielbasa, cooked and sliced into rounds
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- For the brine:
- 2 cups (480 ml) white vinegar
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2–3 bay leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the jar:
- In a large, sterilized glass jar or several smaller jars, layer the hard-boiled eggs, sausage slices, and onion rings.
- Make the brine:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, garlic, and bay leaves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the pickles:
- Pour the warm brine over the eggs, sausage, and onions in the jar(s), ensuring everything is fully submerged.
- Seal and refrigerate:
- Seal the jar(s) tightly and refrigerate for at least 3 days to allow the flavors to develop. For the best flavor, let it sit for 1 week.
- Serve:
- Serve as a snack, appetizer, or part of a charcuterie board. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use pickling vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a variation in flavor.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Ensure the eggs and sausage remain submerged in the brine.