The Ultimate French Sausage Galette: Brittany’s Iconic Street Food Recipe

Welcome, food lovers! Today, we’re bringing you to the heart of Brittany, France, with a recipe that’s as charming and delightful as the region itself: the mouthwatering sausage galette. This culinary adventure marks the culmination of our recent series inspired by our friends’ wedding in this beautiful corner of the world. While this might be our last Brittany-themed post for now, rest assured that our next visit will undoubtedly bring even more wonderful recipes, captivating photos, and insightful reviews from this enchanting part of France!

It’s been an absolute pleasure having you join us on this gastronomic journey to Brittany. Together, we explored the rustic charm of a classic buckwheat galette and savored the comforting flavors of a delicious ham, cheese, and egg galette. Today, we’re thrilled to complete our Breton trilogy by sharing our very own sausage galette recipe, a simple yet profoundly satisfying dish that captures the essence of French comfort food.

Discovering the Iconic Galette Saucisse of Brittany

A Culinary Journey to France’s Northwestern Coast

Our recent trip to Brittany for a dear friend’s wedding was more than just a celebration of love; it was a deep dive into the region’s rich culinary heritage. Brittany, with its rugged coastlines, ancient forests, and unique culture, offers a distinctive gastronomic experience, and its galettes are at the very heart of it. We started with the fundamental buckwheat galette, appreciating its earthy simplicity, and then explored more elaborate versions like the classic ham, cheese, and egg. But it was the simple yet profoundly satisfying sausage galette that truly captivated us – a dish so ingrained in Breton life that it’s practically a national symbol.

What Exactly is a Sausage Galette (Galette Saucisse)?

At its core, a sausage galette is a culinary masterpiece of simplicity. Imagine a savory buckwheat galette, made from dark, earthy buckwheat flour, lovingly wrapped around a perfectly cooked, juicy pork sausage. To elevate this rustic delight, we crown it with our delicious homemade whiskey BBQ sauce. It’s seriously that easy to prepare, yet so rich in flavor! Served traditionally on a fresh bed of crisp lettuce, cool cucumber, and ripe tomatoes, all drizzled with a classic French vinaigrette, it creates a balanced and incredibly satisfying meal.

The sausage galette is, without a doubt, quintessentially Breton. Known affectionately as a “GS” or “galette saucisse” in French, it’s often referred to as Brittany’s answer to the American hot dog. But don’t let the comparison fool you; this is a far more sophisticated and flavorful experience. The people of Brittany are truly obsessed with this humble dish, and for good reason! It embodies the region’s culinary philosophy: fresh, local ingredients transformed into something extraordinary with minimal fuss. You’ll find it everywhere, from bustling market stalls and outdoor festivals to local eateries, always served with a smile and a sense of pride.

The Heart of the Recipe: Perfecting Your Sausage Galette

The Buckwheat Galette Base: A Rustic Foundation

The foundation of an authentic sausage galette is, of course, the buckwheat galette itself. Unlike the sweet crepes often associated with France, Breton galettes are made from “sarrasin” or buckwheat flour, which gives them a distinct nutty, earthy flavor and a slightly coarser texture. Historically, buckwheat thrived in Brittany’s poor soils where wheat struggled, making it a staple food for centuries. This dark flour is naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients, offering a wholesome base that is both hearty and flavorful. The slight bitterness of the buckwheat perfectly complements the richness of the sausage and the sweetness of the caramelized onions and BBQ sauce. If you’ve never made one before, don’t fret; they are surprisingly simple, and we encourage you to try making them from scratch for the most authentic experience.

The Star of the Show: Choosing and Cooking Your Sausage

For this recipe, the quality of your pork sausage truly matters. We recommend selecting a good quality, flavorful sausage – ideally one with a coarse grind and natural casing, which holds its juices beautifully. The classic preparation in Brittany often involves grilling the sausage over an open flame, giving it a smoky char that adds another layer of complexity. However, as we’ve learned from our experiences in Paris, not everyone has the luxury of an outdoor barbecue! Using a barbecue in Parisian gardens and on Parisian terraces is, shall we say, frowned upon. We certainly have friends who have a secret barbecue hidden on their terraces (shhh, we’ll never tell!) but unfortunately, back in our little townhouse, we had no choice but to make this sausage in a frying pan on our stovetop.

And you know what? It worked like a charm! Pan-frying the sausage slowly allows it to cook through evenly, developing a beautiful caramelized crust while keeping the inside wonderfully juicy. The secret lies in a low to medium heat, giving the sausage time to render some of its fat and brown without burning. This method ensures a delicious outcome, letting us savor a fantastic sausage galette right in the comfort of our own home, all while dreaming of our adventures in Brittany.

The Secret Sauce: Our Delicious Whiskey BBQ

While a simple mustard is a perfectly acceptable and traditional accompaniment for a galette saucisse, our homemade whiskey BBQ sauce takes this dish to an entirely new level. The smoky, sweet, and tangy notes of the BBQ sauce, with that subtle kick of whiskey, perfectly complement the savory sausage and the earthy galette. It adds a layer of gourmet sophistication to what is essentially a street food, turning it into something truly special. If you haven’t tried our whiskey BBQ sauce recipe yet, now is the perfect time!

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Serving Suggestions and Why We Love This Dish

Beyond the Recipe: Customizing Your Galette

While our recipe provides a fantastic foundation for your sausage galette, don’t hesitate to personalize it. The traditional serving of lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes with a French vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich sausage. However, you can explore other toppings! Consider adding a dollop of caramelized onions (which we include in our instructions for cooking the sausage), a sprinkle of grated Gruyère cheese, or even a fried egg for an extra layer of richness, reminiscent of the classic galette complète. For a different twist, explore various types of mustard – a spicy Dijon or a sweet honey mustard can also be incredibly delicious. The beauty of the galette is its versatility; it invites creativity and personal preference.

A Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

For us, who mostly enjoy vegetarian meals at home, incorporating meat into our menu is a special occasion. And on those nights, this sausage galette is the perfect treat. It’s hearty, satisfying, and feels indulgent without being overly heavy. It’s ideal for a cozy weekend lunch, a casual weeknight dinner, or even as a unique dish to serve when entertaining friends. The process of making it is simple and enjoyable, bringing a little piece of French culinary tradition right into your kitchen. It’s a dish that evokes memories of charming Breton streets, lively markets, and the genuine warmth of French hospitality.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this final chapter of our Brittany culinary tour. We truly believe the sausage galette is a must-try for anyone who appreciates simple, flavorful food with a rich cultural background. Try this delightful treat, dear friends, and let us know how it goes! We absolutely love to hear from you and see your creations!