Vienna sausages are a delicacy in the United States. They are a great way to spice up any traditional sausage recipe including hot dogs, pigs in blankets, and even sausage mac and cheese.
While they are delicious and go perfectly in a variety of recipes, are they actually healthy? Vienna sausages are made from pork, turkey, or beef making them a great source of protein. But like most sausages, they are also high in sodium and fat.
In this article, we explain whether Vienna sausages are healthy and should be included in your diet, or if they are actually bad for you and should be avoided to protect your health. Let’s get into it!
What Are Vienna Sausages?
The most common meats used to make Vienna sausages are beef or pork. The sausages are often canned and are then smoked and fried. Vienna sausages are often used as hot dogs and are also commonly known as wienerwurst, or wieners.
In the 1800s, Vienna, Austria served as the site of their invention (for more Austrian recipes, check out our guide to Kaiser rolls). When Austrian and German soldiers introduced the sausages to America during World War II, they quickly became famous.
Today, Vienna sausages are loved at baseball games, barbeques, and even as a quick afternoon snack. They are often found in the grocery store in a jar or can make them easy to store in the cupboard and perfect for DoomsDay prepping.
What Is Used To Make Vienna Sausages?
The ingredients used to make Vienna sausages depends on the country and region they are made in. They are traditionally made with either pork, beef, or turkey which is then mixed with a blend of spices and herbs.
While natural casings have traditionally been used to make Vienna sausages, some producers now do so. As a result, the ingredients list on a can of Vienna sausage may include “casings” along with the meat and spices.
Today, chicken is also being used to make Vienna sausages in order to make them healthier and contain more protein. Vienna sausages continue to be a well-liked snack item around the world despite adjustments that have been made to the production process.
They are frequently used as an ingredient in foods like stews, casseroles, and chili in addition to being consumed on their own.
Vienna Sausages: Good Or Bad?
Vienna sausages contain a lot of sodium and fat. Yet, they don’t have any carbohydrates and are a rich source of protein. So, what’s the final word? Are they healthy or not? Well, that depends on you and your health goals.
If you are looking to gain weight or are currently bulking in order to gain more muscle, then Vienna sausages are a great source of protein and are high in calories.
However, if you are trying to lose weight then you should not consume Vienna sausages regularly. Having one, once in a blue moon will not have much impact on your health but having them regularly will derail your weight loss goals.
Anyone should enjoy the experience of eating Vienna sausages everyone once in a while and as part of a healthy balanced diet. So, yes, you can enjoy a hotdog at the family barbeque but you should not be having them every single night.
Vienna Sausage Recipes
Now that you know what a Vienna sausage is and that you can have it as a special treat, you need to know how to make it! We have some delicious recipes that are going to transform Vienna sausages.
These simple, bite-sized cocktail franks are coated in a delectable, tart maple and brown sugar sauce. The bacon-wrapped little hot dogs are roasted before being mixed with the delectable sauce.
Serve them hot after simmering or heating them in the slow cooker. These little bites of heaven are perfect for game day or any large gathering.
When you need something simple yet truly delicious for dinner, this recipe is perfect.
Rice with Vienna Sausages, also known as Arroz Con Salchichas, is a traditional dish from Cuba and Puerto Rico that is made with long grain rice, tomatoes, handmade sofrito, green olives, capers, and Latino spices.
Add a topping of sour cream, avocado, and salsa for a magnificent meal that you can then store in the refrigerator to enjoy throughout the week.
A baked macaroni casserole is one of the most comforting meals that you can make. But take it up a notch by adding some chopped Vienna sausages.
Have a bite of crispy, creamy macaroni with a bite of smoked sausage and you are sure to feel the inner piece. Serve with garlic green beans and a shaving of parmesan cheese for a heavenly experience.
This is a great way to begin introducing new foods to your kids as they are already eating something they love!
This is a much sweeter version of traditional Italian spaghetti. This Filipino-Style Spaghetti involves a lot less spice and of course, Vienna sausages.
Anyone can enjoy this simple yet tasty dish as it is a modified version of something they already love. Swapping ground meat for Vienna sausages you are sure to get compliments from all around.
Vienna sausages are a lot more versatile than one might think, especially when used to create these Vienna Nachoes. Using all of your regular ingredients such as tortilla chips, sour cream, guacamole, beans, etc but swapping the ground beef for Vienna sausages.
Top with pico de gallo and melt over a glorious cheddar cheese for something truly divine on girls’ night. Serve with a refreshing margarita and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
So, are Vienna sausages healthy? No. Vienna sausages are extremely high in fat and sodium making them unhealthy. Especially when consumed regularly.
However, if you find yourself at a football game or walking by a hotdog stand on a random Saturday afternoon, don’t be scared to dig in! Vienna sausages are a great treat that can be enjoyed for everyone in a while. So, grab a bun and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Drink Hot Dot Water?
You shouldn’t drink Vienna sausage water, that’s for sure. This is due to the likelihood that bacteria from the meat will infect the water. High quantities of salt and other chemicals required to preserve the sausages are also probably present in the water.
Can You Eat Vienna Sausages Without Cooking Them?
Yes, it’s possible to consume Vienna sausages raw. Since these sausages have already been cooked, they can be eaten right out of the can. Viennese sausages are often produced with pork, beef, and/or chicken.
To give them their distinctive flavor, they also contain spices, natural flavorings, and other ingredients.
Why Can’t You Boil Vienna Sausages?
The sausages don’t need to be boiled because they are already fully cooked. They ought to be toasty warm by the time the broth begins to softly bubble.
Have you ever made something so delicious that you wished you could savor it forever?
Only to find that the recipe has now mysteriously vanished from your phone and the entirety of the internet. Yep, there’s not much more painful than that.
Hi, my name is Mark Williams and I have been infatuated with cooking since I was young. I would beg my mother to pull a chair up to the counter so I could watch what she was doing.
