Name: Fried Spaghetti Sausages: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 20-24 spaghetti balls
Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound Italian sausages, casings removed; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; Vegetable oil, for frying

Fried Spaghetti Sausages: Prepare to have your weeknight dinner routine revolutionized! Imagine crispy, golden-brown sausages nestled within a nest of perfectly fried spaghetti, offering a delightful textural contrast that will tantalize your taste buds. This isn't just a meal; it's an experience, a playful twist on classic comfort food that's surprisingly easy to make.

While the exact origins of fried spaghetti sausages remain shrouded in mystery, its spirit echoes the resourceful and inventive nature of home cooking. It's a dish born from the desire to transform leftovers into something extraordinary, a testament to the culinary creativity found in kitchens around the world. Think of it as a modern-day casserole, but with a fun, interactive element that kids and adults alike will adore.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It's the symphony of flavors and textures. The savory sausages, whether you choose Italian, chorizo, or even vegetarian options, provide a hearty base. The spaghetti, crisped to perfection in a hot pan, offers a satisfying crunch that gives way to a slightly chewy interior. It's a delightful combination that's both comforting and exciting. Plus, it's incredibly convenient! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. So, ditch the boring dinners and get ready to embrace the deliciousness of fried spaghetti sausages!

Ingredients:

1 pound spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausages, casings removed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
Vegetable oil, for frying

Preparing the Spaghetti and Sausage Sauce:

Cook the Spaghetti: First things first, let's get that spaghetti cooked! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Once it's cooked, drain it well and set it aside. Don't rinse it, we want that starch to help the sauce cling later.
Brown the Sausage: While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed, remember!) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's browned all over. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. Leave any rendered fat in the skillet – that's flavor gold!
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage fat (or add a little more olive oil if needed). Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it gets! Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Combine Sausage and Sauce: After the sauce has simmered, return the browned sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Toss with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sausage sauce. Toss well to coat the spaghetti evenly with the sauce. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will add a nice cheesy flavor and help bind everything together.

Forming the Spaghetti Balls:

Cool the Spaghetti Mixture: This is important! Let the spaghetti and sauce mixture cool slightly. You don't want it to be piping hot when you start forming the balls, or you'll burn your hands. About 15-20 minutes of cooling time should do the trick.
Prepare the Binding Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, and milk. This mixture will help bind the spaghetti together and give the fried balls a nice crispy coating.
Combine and Mix Well: Add the egg mixture to the slightly cooled spaghetti mixture. Use your hands (or a large spoon) to mix everything together thoroughly. Make sure the egg mixture is evenly distributed throughout the spaghetti.
Form the Balls: Now comes the fun part! Using your hands, form the spaghetti mixture into balls. I like to make them about 2 inches in diameter, but you can adjust the size to your preference. Make sure to pack the spaghetti tightly so the balls hold their shape. Place the formed spaghetti balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Chill the Balls (Optional but Recommended): If you have time, chilling the spaghetti balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes will help them firm up and hold their shape even better during frying. This step is optional, but I highly recommend it if you want perfectly shaped fried spaghetti balls.

Frying the Spaghetti Balls:

Heat the Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a large, deep skillet or pot to reach a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C). You can use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. If you don't have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it. If the bread browns quickly and sizzles, the oil is ready.
Fry in Batches: Carefully add the spaghetti balls to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, not crispy, spaghetti balls.
Fry Until Golden Brown: Fry the spaghetti balls for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy all over. Use a slotted spoon or spider to carefully turn the balls during frying.
Drain on Paper Towels: Once the spaghetti balls are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon or spider and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.

Serving:

Serve Immediately: Fried spaghetti balls are best served immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle the fried spaghetti balls with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve them as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a fun and unique main course.
Dipping Sauces (Optional): For an extra touch, serve the fried spaghetti balls with your favorite dipping sauces. Marinara sauce, pesto, or even a creamy garlic aioli would be delicious!

Conclusion:

This Fried Spaghetti Sausages recipe isn't just another meal; it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Seriously, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, look no further. The combination of crispy, golden-brown spaghetti and savory sausage is simply irresistible. It's the perfect weeknight dinner solution, a fun appetizer for your next gathering, or even a unique brunch option that's sure to impress. But why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the sheer deliciousness, it's incredibly versatile. Think of it as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! You can easily adapt it to suit your own tastes and preferences. For a spicier kick, try using Italian sausage with a bit of red pepper flakes added to the spaghetti mixture. Or, if you prefer a milder flavor, opt for chicken or turkey sausage. Vegetarian? No problem! Simply substitute the sausage with plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat or Impossible Sausage. They work beautifully in this recipe and provide a similar savory element. And the serving suggestions are endless! Serve these delightful fried spaghetti sausages as a main course with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. A simple green salad complements the richness of the dish perfectly. Alternatively, cut them into smaller pieces and serve them as appetizers with a variety of dipping sauces, such as pesto, aioli, or even a sweet chili sauce. For a fun twist, try wrapping them in lettuce leaves for a lighter, healthier option. You could even thread them onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls for a colorful and flavorful presentation. Looking for variations? Consider adding different cheeses to the spaghetti mixture. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor, while a dollop of ricotta cheese creates a creamy, decadent texture. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices. Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme would all be delicious additions. And don't be afraid to get creative with the spaghetti itself! Try using different types of pasta, such as angel hair or fettuccine, for a unique texture and flavor. I truly believe that this recipe is a winner. It's simple enough for even the most novice cook to master, yet impressive enough to wow your guests. The best part? It's just plain fun to make! So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the magic of Fried Spaghetti Sausages. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and discover your own favorite variations. Once you do, please, please, please share your experience! Let me know what you thought of the recipe, what changes you made, and what dipping sauces you loved the most. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating delicious and easy-to-follow recipes that everyone can enjoy. Head over to the comments section and tell me all about your culinary adventure. Happy cooking! I can't wait to hear from you!