The 3 Best Grocery Store Smoked Sausages

Learn to shop smart with the help of the Southern Living Test Kitchen's Cooking School. This month, we're breaking down the best smoked sausage options you can find at your local grocery store. Unless you're a sausage aficionado, you've probably experienced the stress that comes from staring down the prepared meats section, trying to decipher the difference between applewood- and hickory-smoked. Or maybe you're wondering which type of meat will best complement your dish. While the strong smoked flavors of pork sausage pairs well with bold Cajun seasoning, like in our Grilled Cajun Shrimp Kabobs with Sausage, we suggest a sweeter Italian-style chicken sausage when preparing our One-Pan Pasta with Chicken Sausage, Mushrooms, and Collards. Each type of sausage has its own strengths and particular palate, and these three options are our go-to choices for pork, turkey, and chicken sausages. So next time you're shopping for sausage, here are our three favorites.