Best Sausage Substitutes | Ground Meat & Plant-Based Options
The best substitute for sausage is Ground Pork + Spices at a 1:1 by weight ratio. It works best for pasta sauces, pizza, casseroles. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Ground Pork + Spices
1:1 by weight
Add fennel, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper to replicate Italian sausage; adjust spices for other varieties
What are the other substitutes for sausage?
Turkey Sausage
1:1 by weight
Leaner option with similar texture; may be slightly drier, so add a bit of oil when cooking
Chicken Sausage
1:1 by weight
Lighter flavor and lower fat; works well in most recipes but won't brown as deeply
Plant-Based Sausage
1:1 by weight
Beyond or Impossible sausage cook similarly to pork; follow package directions for best results
Crumbled Tempeh + Spices
1:1 by volume
Crumble and season with fennel, sage, and smoked paprika; sauté until browned
What should you know before substituting sausage?
When substituting sausage, remember that the spice blend is key. Italian sausage typically uses fennel and garlic, while breakfast sausage features sage and black pepper. Adjust seasonings to match your recipe's needs.
How do you substitute sausage in a recipe?
Sausage is seasoned ground meat (typically pork, but also beef, chicken, or turkey) formed into links or sold loose. It's a breakfast staple and versatile ingredient in pasta, pizza, soups, and countless other dishes.
The best substitute for sausage depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Ground Pork + Spices (1:1 by weight), which works well for pasta sauces, pizza, casseroles.
If you need a different option, Turkey Sausage (1:1 by weight) is another reliable choice. Leaner option with similar texture; may be slightly drier, so add a bit of oil when cooking
When substituting sausage, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of sausage?
Ground pork seasoned with fennel, sage, and garlic makes an excellent substitute for Italian sausage. Turkey or chicken sausage work for leaner options, while plant-based sausages or seasoned tempeh are great vegan alternatives.
Can I make my own sausage seasoning?
Yes, for Italian sausage, mix ground pork with fennel seeds, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. For breakfast sausage, use sage, thyme, black pepper, and a touch of brown sugar.
What is a good vegan substitute for sausage?
Plant-based sausages from Beyond or Impossible cook very similarly to pork sausage. Alternatively, crumble and season tempeh with traditional sausage spices for a whole-food option.