Chipolata sausages have been a beloved delicacy around the world for quite some time now.
From breakfast burritos to traditional dishes, chipolata sausages can make any meal delicious.
But sometimes, you might need to adapt your recipes accordingly depending on what ingredients you have at hand.
Thankfully, there are several great substitutes for chipolata sausages that can be added to your favorite meals.
So if you’re wondering how to use them, or what alternatives you should consider, continue reading for the five best substitutions for chipolata sausages.
What’s Chipolata Sausage?
Chipolata sausages are a type of pork sausage originating from Lombardy, Italy.
They were initially served to members of the aristocracy.
Today, Chipolata sausages are widely popular around the world with different variations made from various meats, such as beef and turkey.
Although typically referred to as sausages, Chipolatas are much smaller than standard-sized sausages—about three-quarters of an inch in diameter—and usually sold uncooked.
They often come in packs of several links that usually contain between eight and twelve individual little sausages.
If cooked fresh (without preservatives), they will have a shelf life of just two days once opened.
Chipolatas also have a variety of uses ranging from an ingredient in stuffings to part of a full English breakfast, or a snack eaten on their own with condiments such as ketchup or mustard.
They can be used as part of hors d’oeuvres or be mixed with mashed potato and shaped into patties before being fried or grilled for appetizing starters or snacks at parties or get-togethers.
Other possible ways to use Chipolata include combining them into pasta sauces for extra flavor and texture, adding them to stews for robust flavor and seasoning soups with them for added richness and depth.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Chipolata Sausages
Here’s a detailed comparison of the 5 best substitutes for chipolata sausages, along with their key characteristics and proper ratios:
| Substitute | Key Characteristics | Proper Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Bologna Sausage | Smooth texture, mild flavor, and slightly smoky taste. | Use the same amount as chipolata sausages |
| Mortadella Sausage | Italian cold cut with a smooth texture and delicate flavor. It is often seasoned with garlic and spices. | Use the same amount as chipolata sausages |
| Salami | Cured sausage with a rich and savory flavor. It can come in various levels of spiciness and is often seasoned with herbs and spices. | Use the same amount as chipolata sausages |
| Chorizo | Spicy Spanish sausage made from pork with a robust and smoky flavor. It is seasoned with paprika and other spices, giving it a distinctive taste. | Use the same amount as chipolata sausages |
| Hot Italian Sausage | Spicy sausage with a blend of pork and seasonings such as fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, and garlic. It adds a kick of heat and flavor to dishes. | Use the same amount as chipolata sausages |
Now let’s explore each substitute in more detail:
1 – Bologna Sausage
Bologna sausage is an excellent and versatile substitute for chipolata sausages.
It has a mild and slightly sweet flavor which can be customized by adding herbs and spices to suit your taste.
Bologna sausage is often served sliced in sandwiches or as part of a larger dish.
It has a lower fat content than other sausages, such as pork or beef, making it an easier choice for those looking for healthier options.
This sausage is also relatively inexpensive to buy, making it a great option if you are on a budget.
2 – Mortadella Sausage
Mortadella sausage is a popular Italian cold cut made from finely ground pork, beef fat, sesame seeds and spices.
It has a distinctive flavor and can be used as an alternative for Chipolata sausage.
It’s usually served boiled or fried and pairs well with other meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.
Mortadella sausage can be found in the deli section of most grocery stores, or you can make your own at home using this recipe.
When substituting Mortadella for Chipolata sausages, use the same cooking techniques and times as you would for Chipolata sausages; however, be sure to adjust the seasoning levels to taste.
3 – Salami
Salami is a type of cured meat made from raw pork, beef and other meats, depending on the region.
The meat is mixed with spices like garlic, herbs and peppercorns and then air-dried for up to four weeks.
Heat treatment helps preserve the salami, giving it a longer shelf life.
With its chewy texture and smoky aroma, salami makes for a great substitute for chipolata sausages.
It can be served sliced over pizzas or used as an element in cold cuts dishes.
For those in search of a vegan alternative to chipolata sausages, soy salami is available as a plant-based mild tasting alternative.
4 – Chorizo
Chorizo is a type of pork or beef sausage from Spain that can be found in many grocery stores in the United States.
It is generally spicier than Chipolata sausages and has a more robust flavor.
It can be used in the same dishes as Chipolata sausages, but will bring a more pronounced and complex flavor.
Like Chipolata, chorizo can be pan-fried and served alongside other dishes on a plate as well as baked in casseroles and pies for an extra depth of flavor.
If substituting chorizo for chipolata, be aware that it may need to be cooked a bit longer to ensure that it is cooked all the way through.
5 – Hot Italian Sausage
Hot Italian sausage is a great option for anyone looking for a Chipolata-like experience.
It has a bold flavor, with notes of fennel, garlic, and oregano.
While it can be quite spicy depending on the type you buy, it’s an overall flavorful experience.
To give your dish that same spiciness that you would get with chipolatas, look for hot Italian sausages.
You can also find mild versions if you prefer something milder.
Hot Italian sausages are perfect as an ingredient in pasta sauces and casseroles or as part of a breakfast feast.
Conclusion
Chipolata sausages are small, thin pork sausages that originated in Italy, but are now popular throughout Europe and beyond.
Flavor-wise, they have a mild pork flavor with a hint of herbs and spices.
If you love chipolata sausages but can’t find them in your area, there are several other types of sausage that can be used as substitutes.
These include bratwurst, kielbasa, chorizo, bangers and pork breakfast sausage.
Each of these sausages is similar to chipolata and will add a delicious flavor to your dish.
No matter which type of sausage you chose to use as an alternative to chipolata sausages, it’s important to note the different cooking times for each type of sausage due to their size and ingredients.
Keep this in mind when creating your recipes so that your sausages cook evenly.
The 5 BEST Substitutes for Chipolata Sausages
Ingredients
- 1 – Bologna Sausage
- 2 – Mortadella Sausage
- 3 – Salami
- 4 – Chorizo
- 5 – Hot Italian Sausage
Instructions
- Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
- Organize all of your ingredients.
- Use the proper substitute to cook your recipes.
About The Author
