Are you a fan of Olive Garden’s delicious Italian-American cuisine? Have you ever wondered what brand of Italian sausage they use in their popular dishes?
Look no further, because we’ve got the answer for you! In this blog post, we’ll reveal the brand of Italian sausage that Olive Garden uses and give you some interesting facts about the company behind it.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn more about one of your favorite restaurant’s secret ingredients.
What Brand Of Italian Sausage Does Olive Garden Use?
The brand of Italian sausage that Olive Garden uses in their popular dishes is Johnsonville. Johnsonville is a Wisconsin-based company that is the largest sausage manufacturer in the United States. The company was founded in 1945 by Ralph and Alice Stayer, and it is still owned and operated by the Stayer family today.
Johnsonville sausage is made with a blend of pork, salt, pepper, and spices. The company offers a variety of sausage flavors, including mild, hot, and sweet. Olive Garden uses Johnsonville’s mild Italian sausage in their famous sausage and peppers dish, which is served over a bed of fettuccine pasta.
Introduction To Olive Garden’s Italian Sausage
Olive Garden is known for its delicious Italian cuisine, and one of the key ingredients that makes their dishes so flavorful is their Italian sausage. The restaurant uses Johnsonville brand sausage, which is made with a unique blend of pork, salt, pepper, and spices. This Wisconsin-based company is the largest sausage manufacturer in the United States and has been in business for over 75 years.
The mild Italian sausage from Johnsonville is a popular choice for Olive Garden’s sausage and peppers dish, which is served over a bed of fettuccine pasta. The sausage adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the dish, making it a favorite among customers. However, for those who prefer a milder taste, sweet Italian sausage can be used instead.
The History Of The Italian Sausage Brand
Johnsonville, the brand of Italian sausage used by Olive Garden, has a rich history that dates back to 1945. Ralph and Alice Stayer founded the company in Wisconsin, and it originally operated as a butcher shop. The couple’s goal was to create a great-tasting sausage that would be loved by everyone.
After years of experimentation, Ralph and Alice came up with their signature recipe for Johnsonville sausage. The recipe consists of a blend of pork, salt, pepper, and spices that create a unique and delicious flavor. The company began selling its sausages to local grocery stores and quickly gained a reputation for quality and taste.
Over the years, Johnsonville has expanded its product line to include a variety of sausage flavors, including mild, hot, and sweet Italian sausage. The company’s commitment to quality has remained constant throughout its history, and it has become the largest sausage manufacturer in the United States.
Today, Johnsonville is still owned and operated by the Stayer family. The company’s success can be attributed to its dedication to quality ingredients and its commitment to creating great-tasting sausages that people love. Olive Garden’s use of Johnsonville sausage in their dishes is a testament to the quality of the product and the reputation that the brand has built over the years.
The Quality Of Olive Garden’s Italian Sausage
When it comes to the quality of Olive Garden’s Italian sausage, it is important to note that Johnsonville prides itself on using only high-quality ingredients in their sausage-making process. The pork used in their sausages is sourced from family-owned farms and is free from any added hormones or antibiotics. Additionally, Johnsonville’s sausages are made with natural casings, which gives them a satisfying snap when bitten into.
Furthermore, as mentioned in the raw text above, Italian sausages are known for their unique flavor profile, which is achieved through the use of fennel and anise. Johnsonville’s Italian sausage recipe includes both of these spices, giving their sausage a distinct and delicious taste that pairs perfectly with Olive Garden’s classic Italian dishes.
It is also worth noting that Johnsonville’s sausages are always raw and never smoked or precooked. This means that they must be cooked thoroughly before serving to ensure food safety. However, this also allows for greater flexibility in how the sausage can be prepared and seasoned to suit individual tastes.
How Olive Garden Uses Italian Sausage In Their Dishes
Olive Garden incorporates Italian sausage into many of their dishes, providing a savory and flavorful addition to their menu items. One of the most popular dishes that features Italian sausage is the Sausage and Peppers Rustica, which is served over rigatoni, penne, or ziti pasta. To prepare this dish, Olive Garden uses Johnsonville’s mild Italian sausage, which is browned and sliced into rounds before being added to the pan with sautéed onions and peppers. The dish is then finished with a can of Italian plum tomatoes, grated mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
Italian sausage is also a key ingredient in Olive Garden’s limited-time offerings, such as the Italiano Nonna’s Kitchen Sink and the Italiano Chicken con Broccoli. The former dish features mini meatballs, meat sauce, ziti pasta, Italian sausage, and cheese all combined into one flavorful bite. Meanwhile, the latter dish combines grilled chicken, cavatappi pasta, broccoli, alfredo sauce, and Italian cheese under a savory pie crust.
While Olive Garden uses Johnsonville’s mild Italian sausage in many of their dishes, customers can still customize their meals by choosing a different type of sausage from the company’s offerings. For example, those who prefer a spicier kick can opt for Johnsonville’s hot Italian sausage instead. Overall, Olive Garden uses Italian sausage to add depth and richness to their dishes, providing customers with a satisfying dining experience.
Other Italian Sausage Brands Used By Restaurants
While Johnsonville is the brand of choice for Olive Garden, there are many other Italian sausage brands used by restaurants across the country. One popular brand is Premio, which offers a variety of Italian sausage flavors, including hot and sweet. This New Jersey-based company has been making sausage since 1972 and is known for using high-quality ingredients.
Another brand commonly used by restaurants is Boar’s Head. While Boar’s Head is primarily known for its deli meats and cheeses, the company also offers a line of Italian sausages. Their sweet Italian sausage is made with pork, salt, pepper, and spices, and is a popular choice for pizza toppings.
For those looking for a healthier option, Applegate Farms offers an organic Italian sausage made with pork raised without antibiotics or hormones. This brand is a favorite among health-conscious consumers and can be found in many restaurants that prioritize organic and natural ingredients.
Lastly, for those looking for a more authentic Italian taste, there is the brand DiRusso’s. This Ohio-based company has been making Italian sausage since 1959 and uses traditional family recipes passed down through generations. Their sausage is made with pork, salt, and a blend of spices that gives it a bold, savory flavor.