There are different types of chorizo; either fresh sausage, which should be cooked before consumption, or smoked and cured sausage, which is fully-cooked and ready-to-eat.

D’Artagnan chorizo is a Spanish-style sausage, smoked and fully-cooked. It is made with heritage-breed pork, and is spicy and garlicky, with a bold smoky flavor from paprika, which also imparts a gorgeous red color. We make it by hand, in small batches with all-natural ingredients. No nitrates or nitrites are used; instead, we rely on celery powder, which acts as a preservative.

Since chorizo is fully cooked, it’s ready to serve and enjoy in a variety of recipes. You’ll want to try it in just about everything. Here are a few ways we like to eat chorizo…

Ideas for Cooking with Chorizo Sausage

1. Tempting Tapas

Simply slice chorizo and serve as a traditional tapas. Bring out the flavor by pan-frying the links with a little sherry vinegar before slicing. Try stuffing chunks of sausage into jarred sweet red peppers, like piquillos.

2. Comforting Croquettes

Our Chorizo Croquettes with Paprika Sauce are perfect for a party.  The crispy, creamy croquettes are studded with spicy chorizo and two types of cheese, and served with smoky dipping sauce for an extra kick.

3. Bubbling Brew

Chorizo holds up well when simmered in flavorful liquid. Chorizo stewed in Spanish red wine is delicious and traditional, but cooking the sausage in apple cider is just as tasty, and adds a mellow sweetness that pairs well with the smoky, spice. Serve the stewed links with rice or potatoes as a hearty dinner.

4. Spicy Sandwiches

Chorizo can be grilled until slightly charred, and served in hefty chunks with bread. Think of it as a more interesting cousin to the hot dog. We made a pressed Cuban-style sandwich with charred chorizo and melty cheese.

5. Tortilla Española

Spanish tortillas are delicious and satisfying any time of day. Cook starchy potatoes, chorizo, and onion in a cast-iron skillet with olive oil until soft then add whisked eggs and finish in the oven. Serve for breakfast or brunch as-is or with a green salad for lunch or light supper.

6. Breakfast Sausage

Chorizo is delicious with eggs. Pan-fry cubes of potato with bell peppers, onion, and diced chorizo then top with a soft poached egg for a hearty Rioja-style hash. Follow our Chorizo and Potato Hash with Eggs recipe to brunch victory.

7. Charred and Sliced

Fire-grilling chorizo adds “snap” and layered smoky flavor. Grill until charred and crisp then slice for an easy appetizer. You can also thread chunks of chorizo onto bamboo skewers with shrimp, pork or chicken, then grill for a quick and tasty summer meal.

8. Make Seafood Sing

Chorizo adds fire & spice to your favorite fish and shellfish recipes. “Scale” firm white fish, like cod or halibut, by covering with slightly overlapping, paper-thin slices of chorizo before pan-roasting. Add diced chorizo to steamed mussels or clams for smoky broth with a piquant hit. Our Mussels with Chorizo and White Wine recipe will be a hit.

9. Feast for the Senses

Chorizo is a must-have for Spanish paella, the heavenly mélange of chicken, sausage, shellfish and saffron-scented rice.

10. Satisfying Soups

Hearty chorizo-studded soups and stews are the perfect antidotes to winter’s chill. Although traditionally used in Galician bean soup and Portuguese caldo verde, hunks of chorizo are wonderful added to many different kinds of soup – from corn chowder to lentil, split pea to red pepper bisque.

How do you enjoy chorizo? Tell us your favorite dishes with this spicy sausage right here in the comments, or on social media. Tag @dartagnanfoods on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Or come pin with us; explore our tasty boards on Pinterest.